The Indian government has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. IBCA will have its headquarters in India and receive a one-time budgetary support of Rs. 150 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Objectives and Scope
Global Collaboration for Big Cat Conservation
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- IBCA aims to bring together 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and businesses.
- The alliance will work towards securing the future of big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs, along with their habitats.
Mitigating Climate Change Impacts
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- IBCA will focus on mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on big cat populations and their ecosystems.
- The alliance will advocate for policy initiatives that align biodiversity conservation efforts with local community needs.
Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
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- IBCA’s efforts will contribute to the attainment of United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within member countries.
- The alliance will promote sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem preservation, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Organizational Structure
- IBCA will consist of an Assembly of Members, a Standing Committee, and a Secretariat.
- The headquarters of the Secretariat will be located in India.
- The alliance will operate on a collaborative model, with member countries and organizations contributing resources and expertise.
India’s Leadership in Big Cat Conservation
Project Tiger
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- Launched in 1973, Project Tiger has been instrumental in the recovery of tiger populations in India.
- The project has established a network of tiger reserves and implemented effective conservation measures.
Other Big Cat Conservation Initiatives
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- India has launched dedicated conservation programs for other big cats, including Project Lion and Project Leopard.
- The country has also successfully reintroduced cheetahs into the wild through the Cheetah Reintroduction Project.
Legislative Framework
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- India has a robust legal framework for wildlife conservation, including the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- The country has also strengthened anti-poaching measures and implemented strict penalties for wildlife crimes.
Global Big Cat Population and Conservation Status
| Species | Estimated Global Population | IUCN Red List Status |
| Tiger | 3,900 | Endangered |
| Lion | 23,000-39,000 | Vulnerable |
| Leopard | 3,000-6,500 | Vulnerable |
| Snow Leopard | 4,080-8,700 | Vulnerable |
| Jaguar | 64,000 | Near Threatened |
| Cheetah | 7,100 | Vulnerable |
Challenges and Way Forward
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
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- Rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion have led to the loss and fragmentation of big cat habitats.
- IBCA will prioritize habitat restoration, corridor connectivity, and land-use planning to ensure the long-term survival of big cats.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
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- As human populations expand and encroach upon big cat territories, conflicts have increased.
- IBCA will promote innovative solutions, such as community-based conservation, livestock protection measures, and compensation schemes, to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
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- Big cats are targeted for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and as status symbols.
- IBCA will strengthen international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement efforts to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Capacity Building and Research
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- The alliance will facilitate capacity building programs for wildlife managers, researchers, and local communities.
- IBCA will also support scientific research to better understand big cat ecology, behavior, and conservation needs.
The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by India marks a significant step towards global big cat conservation.
- By bringing together range countries, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders, IBCA aims to address the multifaceted challenges facing big cats worldwide.
- Through collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and innovative approaches, the alliance seeks to secure a future where big cats thrive in their natural habitats.
- India’s leadership in this initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sets an example for the international community to follow.
- With sustained efforts and global cooperation, IBCA has the potential to make a lasting impact on the conservation of these magnificent species.