Western Hoolock Gibbons — facts and status UPSC Prelims PYQ 2026

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
2. They have specialised brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Western Hoolock Gibbon is India’s only ape species and is found in North-east India, especially in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Statement 2 is correct

• Hoolock gibbons are highly arboreal and are adapted for brachiation, meaning they move by swinging from branch to branch using their long arms. This helps them travel efficiently through the forest canopy.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• They do not have a strong, heavy gorilla-like build. Gibbons are relatively small, light-bodied apes with long arms, specially adapted for fast canopy movement and swinging between trees.

Answer: (b) 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium