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Site description (2004 baseline):

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.

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.

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.

Key contributors: Anwaruddin Choudhury and Bikul Goswami.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Jamjing and Sengajan (India). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jamjing-and-sengajan-iba-india on 22/11/2024.