Assam Villagers Befriend Endangered Apes

In Assam's Tinsukia district, a remarkable bond exists between the Moran community and endangered hoolock gibbons. For years, women in Barekuri's 21 villages have nurtured these primates, integrating them into daily life. This unique coexistence is now being leveraged to promote ecotourism, with villagers advocating for government assistance to enhance infrastructure like roads and homestays.

Conservation efforts in Barekuri have proven successful, leading to an increase in the gibbon population. Measures such as protective coatings on electrical wires have significantly reduced the threat of electrocution. This success story has garnered national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging the villagers' efforts in a recent 'Mann Ki Baat' episode.