Railways to Construct Canopy Bridges for Gibbon Habitat in Assam (GS Paper 3, Biodiversity)
Context:
- The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has allocated funds to construct canopy bridges across railway tracks in Assam, aiming to facilitate the movement of the Hoolock gibbon, India's only ape, across its prime habitat in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.
Challenges Faced by Gibbons:
- The sanctuary, located in Jorhat district, is home to the largest concentration of Hoolock gibbons.
- However, a 1.65-km railway track, set to be doubled and electrified, divides the sanctuary, posing a significant challenge to the arboreal nature of gibbons and risking their safety while crossing the track.
Initiative to Install Canopy Bridges:
- In consultation with the Assam State Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and other stakeholders, NFR has decided to install canopy bridges within the sanctuary to facilitate gibbon movement.
- These bridges, designed by WII and NFR, will be strategically placed to allow gibbons to move freely between the divided halves of the sanctuary.
Design and Construction Details:
- The canopy bridges will be secured with appropriate fastening materials to ensure stability and safety.
- Safety nets will be installed below the bridges as a fail-safe mechanism to prevent accidental falls.
- Lianas and creepers will be guided along the bridges to blend them seamlessly into the natural habitat.
Previous Efforts and Learnings:
- Past attempts by NFR and other organizations to build artificial canopy bridges were unsuccessful, as gibbons preferred natural canopy bridges.
- The installation of natural canopy bridges by the State Forest Department and Aaranyak, a local biodiversity conservation organization, proved to be more effective, with gibbons utilizing them for movement.
Significance:
- Construction of canopy bridges is vital for the conservation of Hoolock gibbons, ensuring their safe movement and minimizing habitat fragmentation.
- This initiative highlights the collaborative efforts between government agencies, wildlife experts, and conservation organizations to address human-wildlife conflict and preserve biodiversity.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, the construction of canopy bridges by NFR in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate human-induced threats to wildlife habitats and ensure the survival of endangered species like the Hoolock gibbon.
