In News:

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the conservation of seven major big cat species, has officially signed an agreement with the Government of India, establishing India as the permanent host of its headquarters and secretariat.

Background and Launch

• Launched: April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger.
• Objective: To facilitate global cooperation for the conservation of seven big cats:Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Puma, andJaguar.
• The IBCA is implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

International Status and Membership

• The IBCA became a treaty-based intergovernmental alliance after five countries ratified the framework agreement:India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, andNicaragua.
• India formally joined the IBCA in September 2023.
• The alliance is open to all UN Member States, including:
  • Range countries (where big cats are native), and
  • Non-range countries that wish to support conservation efforts globally.

Headquarters and Agreement

• On March 28, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the IBCA headquarters in India.
• An agreement was signed in May 2024 between the IBCA and the Indian government, outlining:
  • Privileges and immunities for IBCA personnel,
  • Visa facilitation, and
  • Operational and legal provisions for the headquarters.

Funding and Support

• India has committed a total of ?150 crore (2023–2028) for:
  • Creating a corpus fund,
  • Building infrastructure, and
  • Meeting recurring expenditures over five years.

In News:

India formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.

• Objective: The IBCA aims to conserve the world's seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma, focusing on their protection and natural habitats.
• Founding Members: India joins Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia as founding members of the IBCA, which will collaborate with 24 countries and nine organizations.
• Headquarters: The IBCA will be headquartered in India, facilitating efforts to protect big cats and their ecosystems.

Purpose and Goals of IBCA

• Conservation Focus: The alliance addresses common challenges in the protection of the seven big cats, promoting sustainable resource use and tackling climate change.
• Collaboration and Support: The IBCA will provide a platform for member nations to share knowledge, expertise, and support recovery efforts in potential habitats.
• Mobilization of Resources: The alliance aims to mobilize financial and technical resources for effective conservation strategies based on global experiences.

Background and Evolution

• Inception: PM Modi proposed an international initiative against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in 2019, advocating for collaboration among tiger range countries.
• Extension of Project Tiger: The IBCA serves as an extension of India's long-standing commitment to wildlife protection, initially exemplified by the launch of Project Tiger in 1973.

Big Cat Species Overview

1. Tiger (Endangered)
   • Population: Approx. 3,167 in India, accounting for over 75% of the global population.
   • Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change impacting their territory.
2. Lion (Vulnerable)
   • Population: Estimated 700 in India.
   • Threats: Habitat reduction and targeted poaching.
3. Leopard (Near Threatened)
   • Population: Around 13,000 in India, with approximately 250,000 globally.
   • Threats: Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
4. Snow Leopard (Vulnerable)
   • Population: 400-700 in India, with global estimates of 4,000-6,500.
   • Threats: Poaching, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
5. Cheetah (Vulnerable)
   • Population: Declined to less than 7,000 globally; declared extinct in India in 1952.
   • Threats: Habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trafficking.
6. Jaguar (Near Threatened)
   • Population: Approximately 173,000 globally, primarily in South America.
   • Threats: Deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat fragmentation.
7. Puma (Near Threatened)
   • Population: Estimated 50,000, experiencing a decline.
   • Threats: Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Future Initiatives

• Translocation Efforts: Following successful cheetah translocations from Namibia and South Africa, India plans to explore similar initiatives for other big cats.
• Global Cooperation: The IBCA will strengthen conservation efforts by working with a broader network of range countries to combat poaching and promote habitat preservation.