In Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, the rare western hoolock gibbons struggle to be heard over loud trains crossing the forest. These apes, the only non-human apes in India, face many dangers like habitat loss, hunting, and forest fragmentation. Their numbers have dropped sharply from about 100,000 to less than 5,000. The roaring trains on the Northeast Frontier Railway split the forest, disturbing the gibbons. Expansion of farming and deforestation threaten their homes. Hunters often target gibbons due to their loud calls, which can last up to 30 minutes. Experts say that 9 out of 10 gibbons have disappeared recently. Divya Vasudev of Conservation Initiatives notes exact counts are hard, but the decline is serious. Rushikesh Chavan of The Habitats Trust adds that changing land use and short-term jhoom cultivation harm the species. "Previously, these cycles lasted decades but now only 7-10 years," he said. Scientists at Aaranyak in Guwahati study gibbon genetics through faecal samples. They aim to find if populations come from large or small groups. They also check stress levels by measuring hormones like cortisol near human areas. The Habitats Trust and Conservation Initiatives are using technology to track gibbons. Camera traps fail as gibbons live in tall trees. Instead, they use bio-acoustic recorders and machine learning to spot gibbon calls quickly. Thermal drones and computer vision are also tested to find gibbons from above. Local communities play a big role. Many gibbon habitats are on tribal lands. Varun Goswami from Conservation Initiatives says, "It is imperative these communities are involved in conservation efforts." Some tribes protect gibbons, but more support is needed. Vasudev stresses, "The more villages and people show support, the better the chances for gibbon survival. Conservation must come from the community."