The article opens with a focus on the mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) that count the Rapti river of south-central Nepal’s Chitwan National Park (CNP) as their habitat. It then throws light on the anthropogenic threats these creatures face from illegal fishing and sand mining activities. Moving on, the text explains how the CNP, established in 1973 and also home to a population of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, should consider involving local communities for effective conservation and management of this fragile ecosystem. The article then shifts its focus to the International Big Cat Alliance’s plans for safeguarding big cats and finally touches upon the maiden Joint Military Exercise between the Indian and French armies.
The Mugger Crocodile: A Vulnerable Species in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park
The mugger or marsh crocodile is one of the 24 extant species of crocodilians found globally. Inhabiting the Rapti river that flows along the northern border of CNP, the crocodiles are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List. The river, originating in the Mahabharat Hills and lower Himalayan range, serves as a lifeline for the crocodiles. The crocodile species has also been enlisted in Appendix I of CITES and included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities like illegal fishing and sand mining pose significant threats to these creatures’ survival. The recommendation is to prioritize integrating local ethnic and river-dependent communities of CNP into conservation and management schemes as a possible solution.
Maiden Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23: Striving for Inter-Operability
Another significant event worth noting is the Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23 between the Indian Army and the French Army, scheduled in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. This exercise underscores the first such cooperation between the armies of the two nations. The main objectives of the exercise are to improve coordination, cooperation, and inter-operability at a tactical level. This move is a significant step towards enhancing defence cooperation with France, one of India’s key strategic partners. Already, India and France engage in frequent military dialogues and regularly hold joint exercises like Varuna, Garuda, and Shakti.
International Big Cat Alliance: A New Era in Conservation
Finally, focus turns onto the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), proposed by India as a global effort to protect big cats. India has also pledged support over five years with guaranteed funding of USD 100 million. The IBCA aims to conserve seven major big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. With the alliance open to membership from 97 “range” countries, international organizations, and other interested nations, it can become a platform for collective action. India stands unique for being home to all big cats except pumas and jaguars. Thus, its initiative in leading an UN-like organization like the IBCA is apt. The overall governance structure of the IBCA will comprise a General Assembly consisting of all members, a council of elected countries, and a Secretariat.
