POPULATION STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF HOOLOCK GIBBONS HYLOBATES HOOLOCK HARLAN 1834 IN BANGLADESH

摘要

Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock Harlan 1834) is the only ape that occurs in the Indian subcontinent. The species is classified as endangered and their numbers have declined throughout their geographic range primarily due to habitat destruction. We determined the current status of the Hoolock Gibbons in Bangladesh. A total of 35 sites (10 in the north-eastern region and 25 in the south-eastern region) were surveyed for Hoolock Gibbons from 2002 to 2005. A total of 282 Hoolock Gibbons in 96 groups was estimated to live in 24 of the 35 sites visited. Several sites have lost all their Hoolock Gibbons within the last 15 years. Karnafuli (part of Kaptai National Park) in the south-east and Lawachara National Park in the north-east were recognised as two major strongholds of Hoolock Gibbons. Conservation of the remaining Hoolock Gibbons of Bangladesh rests on the future management of their patchy forest habitats. We recommend the cessation of illegal deforestation, habitat restoration and translocation of individuals to maintain these last Hoolock Gibbon populations in Bangladesh.