Jamjing and Sengajan (18083)
India, Asia

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2005

National site name: Jamjing and Sengajan

Central coordinates: Latitude: 27.5880, Longitude: 94.9055

System: freshwater, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 90 to 100

Area of KBA (km²): 107.21288

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: This large grassland-wetland complex in Dhemaji district in eastern Assam is located northwest of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. The site comprises two reserve forests, Jamjing (8,000 ha) and Sengajan (1,200 ha). It is accessible from Jonai and Dhemaji towns. The main Jamjing beel (300 ha) is outside the Reserve Forest. This poorly known tract has a number of threatened bird species, such as the White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis (Choudhury 1992, 2000). As in Dibru- Saikhowa National Park, Salix swamp forest is a feature of this IBA. Large parts of the area have been encroached upon for seasonal cultivation of paddy and mustard. Tree growth is stunted due to prolonged flooding but in some parts Salix trees are the dominant vegetation. The margins of the wetland are usually covered with reeds such as Arundo donax.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Eastern Himalayas Hotspot (2005). Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat category follow the 2002 IUCN Red List.

Additional biodiversity: AVIFAUNA: More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area (A. U. Choudhury pers. comm. 2003). There were past records of the White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata. The site qualifies A1 (Threatened Species) criteria as it has two Critically Endangered species of vultures, two Endangered species (one with old records only) and four Vulnerable species. It also has two Near Threatened species. As no detailed work has been done on the bird life of this site, many more species of these categories are likely to occur here. OTHER KEY FAUNA: Not much is known about the flora and fauna of this area, but Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Wild Buffalo Bubalus arnee (= bubalis), and Tiger Panthera tigris are known to occur occasionally. In the wetland, Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus, and otters Lutra lutra and Lutrogale perspicillata are found. Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla is also reported to be present, but difficult to see due to its nocturnal behaviour.

Habitats

Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | forestry | rangeland/pastureland

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)	33
Forest	33
Grassland	33

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: MAIN THREATS: Encroachment for seasonal cultivation; Reclamation of wetlands for agriculture; Excessive fishing; Siltation; Destruction of grasslands for paddy and mustard cultivation; Livestock grazing; Hunting, trapping and poisoning of birds. Encroachment for seasonal cultivation is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Poisoning of birds is also a serious concern. Poor accessibility, at least four hours trek from the highway, has made any law enforcement very difficult. Although Jamjing was proposed as a bird sanctuary, it was never considered seriously. Perhaps now, as it has been identified as on IBA, a part of it should be protected as a Sanctuary. Presence of exotic weeds such as Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) in the aquatic bodies poses a threat to the indigenous species of plants and to the aquatic faunal diversity. This site needs better protection.

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Annual & perennial non-timber crops	Small-holder farming	Ongoing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Livestock farming & ranching	Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming	Ongoing
Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases	Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases	Named species	Ongoing
Biological resource use	Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals	Intentional use (species being assessed is the target)	Ongoing
Biological resource use	Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources	Unintentional effects: subsistence/small scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest]	Ongoing
Pollution	Agricultural & forestry effluents	Soil erosion, sedimentation	Ongoing

Additional information

References: Choudhury, A. (1992) Sighting of the Great Whitebellied Heron in Jamjing Reserve Forest, Assam. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 32(7&8): 17. Choudhury, A. (2000) Birds of Assam, Gibbon Books & WWF-India NE Region, Guwahati.