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Site description (2004 baseline):

This IBA consists of two large and contiguous reserve forests, Tengapani (44,400 ha) and Manabum (136 ha) in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The site covers flat plains of the Lohit river as well as low to medium hills, which are part of the Dapha Bum Range of Mishmi Hills. A large number of perennial streams are found in this IBA. Most of this IBA forms part of Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area with a small area resembling the Assam Plains (Stattersfield et al. 1998). Tall wet savanna grassland covers small areas, often along the bends of streams. However, Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest, although degraded at places, forms a major part of the site (A. U. Choudhury pers. comm. 2003).

AVIFAUNA: Though it is a large forested area rich in biodiversity, this IBA was overlooked in many of the earlier surveys (Singh 1995, 1999). The White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata has been reported from both the reserve forests (Choudhury 1996). Some of the unexplored areas of this IBA are potential sites for the threatened Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata and White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis. Another threatened species, the Purple Wood or Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea was also reported but needs confirmation. Occurrence of five species of hornbills including the threatened Rufous-necked Aceros nipalensis (mainly seen in winter) and Near Threatened Great Pied Buceros bicornis and Brown Anorrhinus tickelli is noteworthy (A. U. Choudhury pers. comm. 2003).

OTHER KEY FAUNA: Among the major mammals are the Tiger Panthera tigris, Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos frontalis and a large population of Hoolock Gibbon Hylobates hoolock (Choudhury 2003).

MAIN THREATS: Encroachment; Felling of trees; Poaching; Grazing.

The major issue is encroachment and felling of trees. As a large part of the site is flat or gently sloping, encroachment for settlement and cultivation is a major concern. Charaching and grazing of cattle are other problems. The area is recommended as a protected area for the conservation of Gaur Bos frontalis (Choudhury 2002), which will also help protect a large habitat of the White-winged Duck.

Key contributor: Anwaruddin Choudhury.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Manabum and Tengapani Reserve Forests (India). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/manabum-and-tengapani-reserve-forests-iba-india on 23/11/2024.