GUWAHATI: Assam-based primatologist, Dr. Dilip Chetry, was a keynote speaker at the first meeting of the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) held in Haikou in the Hainan province of China.
The conference, focused on the conservation of threatened Gibbons, brought together scientists and primatologists from various Asian countries.
Dr. Chetry, who heads the Primate Research and Conservation Division at Aaranyak, a Guwahati-based conservation organisation, presented the conservation status of hoolock gibbons in India, particularly in Northeast India.
Organised by the Hainan Institute of National Parks and Eco Foundation Global, the event took place from July 7 to 9 and encompassed discussions on challenges, opportunities, and successful conservation initiatives.
The GGN aims to protect and preserve Asia's unique natural heritage, specifically the singing Gibbon and their habitats, by promoting participatory conservation policies, legislation, and actions.
Aaranyak is a founding partner of GGN, along with 15 partners from seven countries, Dr. Chetry said.
Hoolock gibbons, a unique primate species, are exclusively found in the seven-sister states of Northeast India.
The Western Hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, while the Eastern Hoolock gibbon is listed as Vulnerable.
Both species are protected under the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act of 1972 and are included in Schedule 1.
Dr. Dilip Chetry’s presentation at the Global Gibbon Network meeting shed light on the conservation efforts and challenges surrounding Hoolock gibbons, emphasising their critical status in India, particularly in Northeast India.
The event provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among experts dedicated to safeguarding the future of these remarkable primates and their habitats.