Hollong and hoolocks
Dipterocarpus retusus, commonly known as hollong. State tree of Assam. Favoured by the Hoolocks. These lovely specimens were in the farms adjoining the Jia grasslands.
Yuvan mentioned another name Tweminalia myriocarpa. I need to cross check on this.
Probin shared many interesting aspects of these primates with us. Revered by the Assamese, he told us that if a gibbon dies in Assam, funeral rites are performed for the gibbon.
They love to eat the leaves of the hoolong which collects dew water They feed only in the mornings, before 9, after which they rest and do not feed! The male gibbon allows the female to feed first and will eat only after she is done.
https://roundglasssustain.com/species/hoolock-gibbons-canopy-hollongapar
Thank you for sharing. Am trying to research the folklore around Dipterocarpus retusus (hollong). Your vignette opened a window. Why do gibbons favour these leaves, versus others in the Assam jungle? Is it only that they live on canopies and this tree is statuesque? Do share. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think they like to roost in the oolong trees - since they are so large and have lovely comfortable branches, so I think they also feed on them...but also eat others as far as I know.
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