Question
With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.
Explanation
The Western Hoolock Gibbon is an important primate of Northeast India’s forests, adapted to life high in the forest canopy. Its classification as a lesser ape and its specialised mode of movement distinguish it from the great apes.
Statement 1 — Correct: The Western Hoolock Gibbon is native to Northeast India, and the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam is an important protected area for the species. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Statement 2 — Correct: Hoolock gibbons are highly arboreal canopy-dwellers. They primarily move through brachiation, using their long arms to swing from branch to branch.
Statement 3 — Incorrect: Gibbons belong to the lesser apes (family Hylobatidae). Unlike great apes such as gorillas, Hoolock gibbons have a small, slender and lightweight build, with adults generally weighing around 6–9 kg. This physique supports their agility in the forest canopy.