By Akanksha Singh | Programme Officer
Hoolock Gibbon Translocation Operation
Led by: Wildlife Trust of India & Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Location:
Horupahar Area, Denlo Village, Arunachal Pradesh December 1st to December 4th, 2025
A family group of Hoolock gibbons was found in the Horupahar (Denlo) area, where habitat disturbance created a risk of human-wildlife conflict. The group included one adult male, one adult female and an infant male, who could move on his own but was not fully independent. Due to significant habitat disturbance and advancement in the agricultural land, the Forest Department, in consultation with experts, requested WTI’s support. WTI was engaged to facilitate the safe translocation of the three gibbons to a suitable forest habitat. Following instructions from the Divisional Forest Officer, Roing, a coordinated rescue and relocation operation was planned by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and the Wildlife Trust of India.
A preparatory climbing and safety training session was conducted at the Mini Zoo, Roing, to ensure all personnel were familiar with standard gibbon capture protocols. Following this, DFO Mito Romi, RFO Magone Linggi, forest staff, and the WTI team led by Dr. Panjit Basatary, along with field biologists Dr. Subhasish Arandhara and Bhaskar Jyoti Das, inspected the gibbon site at Horupahar, Denlo, assessing canopy structure, tree height, and escape routes. It was then decided that a field biologist and a forest guard would remain at the site overnight for continuous monitoring, while essential supplies such as rations, tarpaulins, climbing ropes, and field equipment were transported and stored in a nearby household to support the operation. Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, WTI senior Vet also joined the team to provide guidance.
First Day of Operation (2nd December 2025)
The tam commenced operations at 06:30 hrs on December 2nd 2025 preparing the ground and canopy positions for the safe rescue of a hoolock gibbon family (3 individuals). By 10:40 hrs, professional tree climbers had reached the canopy of approx 35-40 m and began guiding the gibbons toward a smaller tree where it is easier to capture the gibbons. This method allows for safe and minimally stressful capture. At 12:40 hrs, one adult male gibbon was successfully and safely captured. A complete physical examination was conducted at the site, and the individual was transferred into a transport crate. The remaining individuals were simultaneously being monitored for continued safe extraction. Operations were suspended at 1600 hrs. The field biologist and a forest guard remained at the site overnight to monitor the gibbons’ condition and prevent further dispersal.
2nd Day of Operation (3rd December 2025)
The operation recommenced at 0600 hrs, with climbers systematically reducing the canopy to guide the remaining two gibbons toward accessible branches. By afternoon, the infant was successfully captured, followed shortly by the adult female using the same technique. Both were examined by veterinarians Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, Dr. Panjit Basumatary, and Dr. Mehadi Hassan and found to be in good health with no major injuries or stress-related concerns. All three individuals were transported to the Mini Zoo at Roing and kept in an isolated room, for overnight observation and preparation for release. Release Operation (4th December 2025) On 4 December 2025, the family was transported to a suitable habitat near Kebali village, approximately 6 km from the Roing town. The release site was evaluated for canopy continuity, food availability, and minimal human disturbance. The adult male was released by Mr. Mito Romi, Divisional Forest officer Roing, and the adult female and infant was released by Bhaskar Jyoti Das, field biologist, CBRC, Wildlife Trust of India. Upon opening the enclosure, the adult female and infant exited within two minutes and moved directly into the higher canopy. The adult male took slightly longer but eventually rejoined the family. The monitoring team continued the post release monitoring after the release. The photo documentation and other information were collected accordingly.
Conclusion
The translocation operation was successfully completed due to effective coordination between the Forest Department and WTI. All safety guidelines were adhered to, ensuring a humane capture, thorough health assessment, and successful release of the gibbon family.
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