UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 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 specialized 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

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 2

Explanation

The Western Hoolock Gibbon is an endangered ape found in Northeast India, including the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam. Hoolock gibbons are highly adapted to an arboreal lifestyle and use brachiation, swinging from branch to branch with their long arms. Statement 3 is incorrect because gibbons have a relatively light and slender body adapted for canopy movement, rather than the heavy build associated with gorillas.

Topics: biodiversity conservation, environment, hoolock gibbon, wildlife