Community Conservation of Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) in fragmented forest patches of Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India – Supported by Prince Bernhard Nature Fund (PBNF)

Partners

SAFE & PFRI

Project description

This intervention is a place-based action-research initiative focused on conserving fragmented rainforest patches that host isolated populations of the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) near Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Roing Forest Division, Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Spanning 46 villages across 250 km², these habitat patches each host small gibbon families. The project aims to enhance gibbon habitat connectivity by linking nearby patches using eco-friendly materials, reducing reproductive isolation risks. It includes socio-ecological household surveys, seasonal camera-trap studies, and ecological research on gibbon behavior, activity patterns, and habitat use. Community capacity-building and participation are central, with activities such as creating Gibbon Trails, conservation homestays, wildlife-friendly agro-farming, and habitat restoration through tree plantations. The long-term goal is to establish natural bio-corridors and assess climate change impacts on socio-economic landscapes through multi-stakeholder decision-making.

Objectives

1. Ecosystem-based Conservation of Socioecological Production Landscape in Lower Dibang valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India
2. Community-based adaptive management of Western Hoolock Gibbons in Lower Dibang valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India
3. Geospatial Scenario planning and policy advocacy

Expected Outcomes

1. Increasing resistance to habitat degradation through restoring habitat and preventing reproductive isolation/extinction of western Hoolock Gibbon in project location.
2. Increase climate adaptability and threat mitigation through generation of gibbon friendly alternative livelihood
3. Risk mitigation through capacity building on economically viable and rewarding community conservation area with establishment of climate resilient agriculture, conservation tourism and main streaming of the exercises through stake holder involvements and policy recommendations.