Gibbons identified in Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 28: At least three gibbons were identified yesterday in Kulikawn area of the southern outskirts of the capital city in Mizoram, forest officials said here today.

Gibbon is a tree dwelling ape found in North Eastern India. It is the only ape found in the Indian subcontinent, forest officials said. It is characterised by white brows. It is often called the ''White Browed Gibbon.'' It displays amazing agility in swinging through the trees of the evergreen forests where it lives and makes loud calls, which can be heard through the forest.

Forest officials said,''Gibbons are threatened by habitat loss.

Their forest habitats are severely fragmented in North Eastern region. Hunting, slash and burn cultivation and timber felling are all threats to these creatures.'' Gibbons are found in varied habitats. These include tropical evergreen forest, semi and sub tropical forests and mountain forests. They are largely tree dwelling and known for their calls or songs, which may be used to attract mates and bind a family group together.

These creatures are also found in the Kaziranga and Manas wildlife sanctuaries, the Borajan reserve forest in Asom and Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.

UNI