Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: A women’s cycling race kicks off in Barekuri, Assam, on October 24. Organizers hope to draw attention to the endangered Western hoolock gibbon and boost community wildlife protection. The Barekuri Environment-Tourism Development Society and the Barekuri Hoolock Gibbon Conservation Society are hosting the event at the Tarajan-Denka Combined Youth Club Playground to celebrate World Gibbon Day.
Events begin at 6 am with gibbon watching and food distribution. A welcome ceremony for local leaders follows. The race starts at 7 am for women aged 20 and over. Located 16 km from Tinsukia, Barekuri is famous for how residents coexist with the wild apes. Five family groups, totaling 20 to 21 gibbons, live in the backyards of the local Moran community. People here name the primates, feed them, and even hold rituals for births and deaths.
Despite this bond, the gibbons face danger. Population numbers dropped from 33 in 2003. Habitat fragmentation from roads and oil drilling continues to hurt the species. Electrocution deaths remain a major worry, though crews have worked to insulate power lines to prevent accidents. Food scarcity is another threat to the animals.
Conservationists are planting thousands of fruit trees to help. They also have plans for a green corridor linking the area to the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary. This path would allow the apes to move safely and exchange genes. Organizers hope this cycling event draws more women into the fight. As one organizer stated, the competition aims to "broaden public awareness of the species, encourage eco-tourism and strengthen community involvement in protecting the gibbons."
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