International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• The Union Cabinet of India has approved India’s proposal to sign and ratify the framework agreement of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). 
• This decision marks a significant step in global big cat conservation leadership by India.

What is the IBCA?

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global initiative launched by India to bring together nations, organizations, and conservationists committed to the protection and preservation of big cats and their habitats.
• Launched:
  • In 2023, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in India.
• Headquarter:
  • India
• Initial Members:
  • India
  • Nicaragua
  • Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
  • Somalia

Objective of IBCA

• The main objective of IBCA is to foster international cooperation and coordination for the conservation of seven major big cat species found globally and to safeguard their habitats from threats like habitat fragmentation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.

Big Cats Covered Under IBCA:

• • Tiger
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Snow Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Jaguar
  • Puma
• Among these, India is home to five species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah. Jaguar and Puma are not found in India.

Alliance Membership and Structure

• IBCA is envisioned as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition with participation from a wide range of stakeholders.

Participants Include:

• 95 big cat range countries (where these species naturally occur)
• Non-range countries interested in supporting conservation
• Conservation agencies
• Scientific and academic institutions
• UN member states
• Nine major international organizations (e.g., UNDP, WWF and IUCN) have agreed to become partner institutions.

Funding and Financial Commitment

• The alliance is supported by a funding commitment of ₹150 crore by the Government of India for the first five years (2023–24 to 2027–28).
• This fund will be used for:
  • Capacity building
  • Conservation action plans
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Scientific research
  • Habitat restoration and anti-poaching efforts

Conservation Status of Big Cats (As per IUCN and Indian Wildlife Laws)

Tiger:

• The tiger is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 
• It is found in various parts of India and is given the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international trade.

Lion:

• The Asiatic lion, found only in the Gir forest of Gujarat, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 
• In India, it receives legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Leopard:

• The leopard is also listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is widely distributed across India. 
• It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, giving it the same level of protection as the tiger and lion.

Snow Leopard:

• Found in the high-altitude regions of the Indian Himalayas, the snow leopard is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. 
• It is protected under Schedule I of India’s wildlife law.

Cheetah:

• The cheetah is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 
• Although extinct in India since 1952, it has been reintroduced from Africa under a special program. 
• These reintroduced cheetahs are also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Jaguar:

• Jaguars are not found in India. Globally, they are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. 
• Since they are not native to India, Indian wildlife laws do not apply to this species.

Puma:

• Pumas, also known as cougars or mountain lions, are not found in India. 
• Their global conservation status is Least Concern, and they are not covered under Indian wildlife protection laws due to their absence in the region.

Significance of IBCA

Global Leadership in Conservation:

• Strengthens India's role as a global leader in big cat conservation.
• Builds on India's success with Project Tiger and Project Lion.

Multilateral Collaboration:

• Promotes collaboration across nations and organizations.
• Enables the sharing of best practices, scientific data, and technology.

Targeted Conservation:

• Helps design region-specific and species-specific conservation strategies.
• Encourages landscape-level planning and ecosystem-based management.

Combating Global Threats:

• Addresses transboundary issues such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat fragmentation.
• Supports law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Sustainable Development:

• Aligns with global commitments such as SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Promotes eco-tourism, local community involvement, and biodiversity-based livelihoods.

Related Conservation Efforts by India

• Project Tiger (1973): Flagship conservation initiative for in-situ tiger protection.
• Project Lion: Focuses on the conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir, Gujarat.
• Project Cheetah (2022): Reintroduction of African cheetahs in Kuno National Park.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: India’s umbrella law for wildlife conservation.
• Global Tiger Forum (GTF): Intergovernmental body for tiger conservation hosted in India.
• M-STrIPES: Digital patrolling and monitoring app for tiger reserves.