Centre clears exploratory drilling in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Mains GS3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

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Exploratory drilling for oil and gas has been approved within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established as Hollongapar Reserve Forest in 1997 and renamed in 2004.
It is the only habitat for hollock gibbons in India.
Located in Assam, with the Bhogdoi River along its northern boundary.
Biome classified as plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests with patches of wet evergreen forests.
Flora:
- Upper canopy: Dominated by Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Sam, Amari, Sopas, Bhelu, Udal, and Hingori.
- Middle canopy: Features Nahar trees.
- Lower canopy: Composed of evergreen shrubs and herbs.
Fauna:
- Primates: Includes Hoolock Gibbons, Bengal Slow Loris (only nocturnal primate in Northeast India), stump-tailed macaques, northern pig-tailed macaques, eastern Assamese macaques, rhesus macaques, and capped langurs.
- Other mammals: Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boars, civets, squirrels, and more.

Gibbons are the smallest and fastest apes, and they inhabit tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia.
It is the only ape specie found in India.
They possess high intelligence, exhibit distinct personalities, and have strong familial bonds, reflecting characteristics similar to other ape species.
The current population of hoolock gibbons is estimated at around 12,000, found primarily in Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China.
Two distinct species, the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), were previously reported in India.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: the western hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered, and the eastern hoolock gibbon is classified as Vulnerable.
- Both gibbon species in India are placed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

[2010] Consider the following pairs:

Protected Area:: Well-known for

1. Bhitarkanika, Orissa :: Salt Water Crocodile

2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan :: Great Indian Bustard

3. Eravikulam, Kerala :: Hoolock Gibbon

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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