The area is particularly significant because it holds seven of the 15 non-human primates found in India, namely the Rhesus macaque, Assamese macaque, slow loris, capped langur, pig-tailed macaque, stamp-tailed macaque and Hoolock gibbon. The latter five are classified as endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book.Â
The Hoolock gibbon is India's only ape species, found exclusively in northeast India. This stretch is also one of India's largest elephant corridors, and probably the most important one between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Tigers and clouded leopards are also reported to inhabit these rainforests. It is inconceivable that such forests could be lost.
According to local activists, the habitat is multi-storeyed, with tree species reaching heights of 50 m. Over the last 100 years almost all other rainforests in upper Assam have been denuded or fragmented by unplanned timber extraction. If the reserved forests of Joypur, Dirak and upper Dihing are not declared as sanctuaries they will suffer the same fate. According to Soumyadeep Dutta of Nature's Beckon, official protection alone can save these forests from large-scale logging and mining. Poachers have also started targeting this area, with a Hoolock gibbon being killed by a policeman from Arunachal Pradesh in late October.
Assam's rainforests have been affected by both industry and agriculture. A detailed proposal has been submitted to the Assam government, asking for the declaration of the 500 sq. km. Joydihing Sanctuary comprising Joypur Reserve Forest, Dirak Reserve Forest and the upper Dihing Reserve Forest. There is no human habitation in the proposed area, thus avoiding one of the most difficult hurdles faced in getting a sanctuary declared. Since the state Wildlife Advisory Board has recently adopted a resolution regarding the declaration of the area as a sanctuary, hopefully the Assam government will respond positively.
For more information, you may contact:Â
Nature's Beckon,Â
Ward No.1, Datta Bari,Â
Dhubri - 783301, Assam.Â
Tel.: 03662 - 31067.
Those who would like to support the declaration of the Joypur, upper Dihing and Dirak region as a sanctuary should write a letter stating that Assam is fast losing its forest cover and that protecting these 500 sq. km. will reap rich benefits in terms of water security, reduced erosion and flood control.
Write a letter to endorse your support.
