Gibbon’s tragic death sparks renewed calls for urgent safety measures

Shillong, Nov 7: The Sonja Wildlife Rescue Center is mourning the tragic loss of Lanosha, a beloved 9-year-old male gibbon, whose escape on November 5 ended fatally when he encountered a high-voltage power line. This is the first incident of its kind for the centre, since its inception 15 years back.

“Lanosha escaped on the November 5 morning, under heavy rain, and followed the female wild Gibbon that visits our centre. He subsequently came out of our compound and came across the main electricity line across the road. He got electricity shock by grabbing the line and was rapidly retrieved by our team thereafter, presenting two very serious injuries on both forearms, with the main injury on the right forearm” a senior official at the centre said.

“Understanding the life-threatening character of his condition, we brought him to Tura, wildlife clinic, Nehru Park for immediate assistance and surgery. As the first care was being given, under permanent vigilance from our team, we planned for surgery on the 7th morning. Unfortunately, he passed away during the night, from what appears to be internal injuries. The post mortem report is awaited” the official said.

“We need to secure the electricity line, by any means possible. We are discussing the possibilities” the official said.

The news of the death of the gibbon has reignited a call for urgent protective measures to prevent further losses of Western Hoolock Gibbons to electrocution. The International Union for Conservation of Nature( IUCN) has categorised Western Hoolock Ginnon as endangered.

Lanosha’s tragic death has heightened awareness about the dangers high-voltage power lines pose to Meghalaya’s endangered gibbon population. His story echoes a series of similar, recent losses in the region. Earlier this year, in Gondenggre village, a Western Hoolock Gibbon was electrocuted on an 11 kV power line. In 2021, another adult male suffered the same fate in the same location.

Most recently, in October 2023, a sub-adult female was electrocuted in Tura town. These incidents are an ongoing threat that endangers not only the biodiversity of the region but also a species culturally significant to local communities.

The A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) and HURO – a Hoolock Gibbons Conservation Initiative – had earlier appealed to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to take immediate action to secure high-voltage lines. “These incidents represent a persistent and escalating threat to the Western Hoolock Gibbons in our region,” the organizations stated. “The loss of these precious creatures is not only a blow to our biodiversity but also a significant cultural and ecological loss. The Western Hoolock Gibbon is a vital part of our natural heritage and an indicator of the health of our forest ecosystems.”

The organizations had proposed targeted interventions to prevent further electrocutions, including insulating or coating wires at critical locations and installing protective netting in areas frequented by gibbons, such as Gondenggre and Silsotchigre. Local authorities are being urged to prioritize these protective measures, as securing high-risk power lines is critical for preserving the fragile populations of Western Hoolock Gibbons.

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