Conservation of Hoolock Gibbons: a Critical Endeavor

The Hoolock gibbon, scientifically known as *Hoolock hoolock*, is a species of great global conservation importance, predominantly confined to the tropical Asian forests of India, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh. These gibbons have been classified as critically endangered within Bangladesh and are globally recognized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Alarmingly, they are counted among the 25 most endangered primate species worldwide. Over the past 15 years, several populations have vanished, yet some persist in fragmented habitats despite immense pressures.

The drastic decline of hoolock populations is chiefly due to habitat destruction, forest fragmentation, gas exploration, and illegal hunting. The future of the remaining Hoolock gibbons in Bangladesh hinges on effective management and planning of their fragmented forest habitats. Efforts such as illegal deforestation curtailment, habitat restoration, and translocation of individuals are imperative to maintain these populations. Given appropriate measures to protect and enhance their existing habitats, hoolock gibbons could have a viable future in Bangladesh. Moreover, as an umbrella species, their survival will also benefit other species within these closed-canopy forests.

Biodiversity in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, situated within the Indomalayan Realm, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a vast array of wildlife. This small nation hosts hundreds of species, including gibbons, which are small apes distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Gibbons are socially monogamous apes that play an essential ecological role in tropical forests. However, over the years, all gibbon species have faced massive population declines, primarily due to habitat destruction and alteration. In Bangladesh, they are deemed critically endangered and globally endangered (IUCN, 2015). Among the 13 gibbon species, the hoolock gibbons (*Hoolock hoolock* Harlan) are perhaps the most threatened across their geographic range. In India, their numbers slightly exceed 2,600 individuals scattered across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura (Das et al. 2003). In contrast, Bangladesh's hoolock population is significantly smaller. Key actions are essential to conserve the last remaining hoolocks in Bangladesh.

Challenges to Survival

The population of Bangladesh, currently at 161 million, poses a significant challenge to wildlife conservation as rapid urbanization encroaches on forest reserves. Slash-and-burn shifting cultivation, known as Jhum cultivation, is the primary factor leading to the destruction and fragmentation of gibbon habitats. Additionally, the conversion of tropical forests to teak and betel leaf plantations and the encroachment of forest land for settlements exacerbate their decline. Globally, traditional forest uses for commercial purposes contribute to habitat degradation, including the introduction of exotic tree species, extraction of tree bark and fuel wood, timber extraction, and livestock herbivory. The species faces threats from habitat loss and hunting for food, oriental medicine, and the pet market. Gas exploration further contributes to habitat loss. While the slow impacts of climate change are acknowledged, more research is needed to establish direct linkages with gibbon populations. Key habitat features may vanish without necessarily reducing the area over which hoolocks can potentially live, effectively reducing their population.

Conservation Policy Framework

The government of Bangladesh has made strides in wildlife conservation by signing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention. Since the enactment of the Bangladesh Wildlife Act in 1974, the government has worked to safeguard wildlife and wilderness. This act enabled the Forest Department to recruit wildlife biologists, designate areas as wildlife sanctuaries, and establish protected areas (PAs). The 1974 Act was revamped and re-enacted as the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012, expanding the PA system to 39 protected areas, 38 of which are forest-based. Among these, the Lawachara National Park and West Bhanugach Reserve Forest harbor the largest continuous hoolock population, comprising 59 gibbons in 16 groups (Islam et al., 2004, 2006; Österberg, 2007). The government is urged to declare all hoolock habitats as protected areas, either as national parks or sanctuaries.

International Collaborations

International efforts complement national initiatives. In India, the western Hoolock gibbon is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. China's eastern hoolock gibbon is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and as a Class I species under Chinese conservation laws. In Myanmar, conservation measures are undertaken by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with all three of Myanmar's gibbons listed in Appendix I of CITES.

Interventions and Community Involvement

Various government and non-governmental organizations have initiated conservation programs for the hoolock gibbons. The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB), Bangladesh Forest Department, and Zoo Outreach Organization have collaborated to protect this species. Efforts include habitat restoration, boosting hoolock populations, and organizing workshops supported by international organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Ape Conservation Fund, and others. Community conservation initiatives engage local communities in four critical habitats: Lawachara National Park, Kaptai National Park, Inani Reserved Forest, and Bangdheba.

Addressing Conservation Gaps

Despite these efforts, significant gaps in conservation remain. Officially, forested lands constitute about 17% of Bangladesh's total land area, but the actual forest cover is likely less than 6% (Gain 2002). Many protected areas exist only on paper, with illegal harvesting of forest products continuing, often with the complicity of forest officials. Inadequate protection and poor management systems are significant impediments to hoolock conservation (Ahsan, 2000). Fragmentation of protected forest patches by agricultural land, small villages, and grazing land further degrades habitat quality. Enforcement is virtually nonexistent even in protected areas, and infrastructure development fragments mammal habitats. Hoolock gibbons are trapped on both sides of the railroad in Lawachara National Park. A lack of awareness among local communities exacerbates these challenges.

Proposed Additional Measures

To bolster current conservation efforts, several additional measures are proposed. Building the capacity of the Forest Department through training is crucial for effective wildlife conservation. Enhanced protection of existing protected areas, including increased staffing and anti-poaching measures, is necessary. Measures to control Jhum cultivation and hunting for meat should be implemented. Awareness campaigns involving community leaders and regular monitoring of gibbon populations in select sites are essential. Important hoolock habitats outside the protected area network should be declared as wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves. The government's approach to remaining forest patches must shift from revenue-driven forestry to ecosystem-friendly practices. Translocation of isolated gibbons to suitable habitats, alongside habitat improvement through mixed native species plantations, is recommended. Incorporating local villagers into conservation plans is vital to prevent further habitat degradation and consider the livelihoods of those dependent on forests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hoolock gibbon continues to exist in various regions of Bangladesh, albeit in significantly reduced numbers. Their scattered distribution raises concerns about long-term survival. To avert extinction, comprehensive conservation strategies must be implemented, encompassing national and transboundary efforts. Monitoring and providing access to more food and better habitats are crucial for their survival. Through concerted efforts, both nationally and internationally, the future of the hoolock gibbon can be secured, ensuring their continued existence and the preservation of the rich biodiversity of Bangladesh's forests.

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