Site description (2004 baseline):
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).
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.
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 23/12/2024.