Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, Location, Wildlife, Significance

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is a protected area in Assam known for its rich biodiversity, diverse forests and important wildlife habitats. Located along the Indo-Bhutan border, it covers 316.29 square kilometres across Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. The park was officially notified in March 2025, adding to Assam’s network of protected areas.

The national park is named after Sikhna Jwhwlao, a legendary Bodo freedom fighter who fought against British colonial forces. Its forests, rivers and wildlife habitats play an important role in biodiversity conservation and maintaining ecological connectivity in western Assam.

Origin of the Name

The national park is named after Sikhna Jwhwlao, also known as Jaolia Dewan, a legendary Bodo freedom fighter.

He is associated with resistance against British colonial forces during the Duar War of 1864-1866, a conflict connected with British expansion and Bhutan in the Duars region.

Naming the park after Sikhna Jwhwlao recognises his historical legacy and the cultural identity of the Bodo community. It also connects wildlife conservation with the preservation of regional history.

Wildlife of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park supports rich wildlife diversity, including endangered mammals, birds, insects and other species. Its diverse forest habitats provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for many animals.

• Golden Langur: An endangered primate found in parts of western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan.
• Royal Bengal Tiger: A major predator that helps maintain ecological balance by regulating prey populations.
• Asian Elephant: A large herbivore that depends on extensive forest habitats and wildlife corridors.
• Great One-horned Rhinoceros: An important species of northeastern India that depends on suitable grassland and wetland habitats.
• Butterflies: The region is reported to support more than 460 butterfly species, with Ultapani recognised as an important butterfly habitat.

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Rivers and Water Bodies Associated with Park

Rivers and water bodies are important components of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. They provide water for wildlife, support vegetation and help maintain habitats for different species.

The important rivers associated with the park are:

• Saralbhanga River: An important river associated with the western side of the park’s landscape.
• Samukha River: Part of the river network associated with the region.
• Champabati River: An important river in the wider landscape of western Assam.
• Bhur River: One of the rivers associated with the park’s surrounding area.
• Laopani River: A river associated with the park’s geographical landscape.
• Dholpani River: Another important river in the surrounding region.

Mashbhandar Lake is also associated with the park’s water resources.

Rivers and lakes help maintain soil moisture, support vegetation and provide water for wildlife. Riverbank forests also help reduce soil erosion and support the movement of nutrients through natural ecosystems.

Ecological Significance of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park plays an important role in conserving Assam’s biodiversity and protecting natural forest ecosystems. Its location along the Indo-Bhutan border also supports wildlife connectivity across the region.

• Wildlife Corridor: Helps maintain ecological connectivity between Manas and Raimona National Parks.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Provides habitats for wildlife such as the Golden Langur, Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant.
• Forest Protection: Conserves diverse forest types, including moist sal, evergreen and riparian forests.
• Water Resource Conservation: Rivers and Mashbhandar Lake support wildlife and surrounding ecosystems.
• Butterfly Diversity: The Ultapani area is known for its rich butterfly diversity, with over 460 species reported in the region.
• Cross-border Conservation: Its location near Bhutan highlights the importance of protecting connected forest habitats across international boundaries.

Major Conservation Challenges

Like other protected forest landscapes, Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park may face several conservation challenges that require effective management and regular monitoring.

• Habitat Fragmentation: Roads, settlements and development activities can divide forests into smaller patches.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Elephants and other animals may enter agricultural fields or settlements when natural habitats or movement routes are disturbed.
• Poaching: Illegal hunting and wildlife trade can threaten vulnerable animal populations.
• Forest Degradation: Unsustainable extraction of forest resources can reduce habitat quality.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature, rainfall and water availability can affect vegetation and wildlife habitats.
• Cross-border Conservation: Protecting connected forest landscapes may require cooperation between authorities in India and Bhutan.

Legal Framework for National Park Protection

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the legal framework for declaring and managing national parks in India.

Section 35 of the Act deals with the declaration of national parks. The legal process includes provisions concerning land, existing rights and restrictions applicable to protected areas.

Importance of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park for Assam

The establishment of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park strengthens Assam’s protected-area network and highlights the ecological importance of the Bodoland region.

Its major contributions include:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting habitats that support diverse plants, butterflies, birds and mammals.
• Wildlife Connectivity: Supporting a wider forest landscape associated with Manas and Raimona National Parks.
• Environmental Protection: Helping conserve forests, river systems and natural habitats.
• Cultural Recognition: Honouring Sikhna Jwhwlao and the historical heritage of the Bodo community.
• Ecological Security: Supporting long-term conservation and the maintenance of natural ecosystems.