The International Big Cat Alliance: A New Era in Global Conservation of Big Cats
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, has officially become a treaty-based intergovernmental organization as of January 23, 2025. This milestone reflects a strong global commitment to preserving the planet’s biodiversity by focusing on the conservation of seven iconic big cat species: lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, snow leopards, jaguars, and pumas. These apex predators play vital roles in maintaining the ecological balance in their respective habitats. This comprehensive exploration delves into the formation of the IBCA, its objectives, India’s central role, and the conservation challenges faced by these big cats.
Formation and Structure of the IBCA
A Treaty-Based Organization
The IBCA’s transformation into a treaty-based intergovernmental organization represents a significant advancement in international wildlife conservation. This formalization allows the alliance to establish dedicated governing bodies, administrative frameworks, and a functional secretariat. It enables coordinated global actions to combat threats to big cat populations, such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Membership and Ratification Process
The IBCA has garnered widespread global support. By February 2025, 27 countries, including India, had joined the alliance. The framework agreement officially took effect once five member countries—India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia—ratified and deposited their instruments of ratification. India, as the depository nation, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the alliance’s legal and operational framework.
Objectives and Scope
The IBCA aims to achieve the following objectives:
Conservation of Seven Big Cat Species: The alliance focuses on protecting lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, snow leopards, jaguars, and pumas.
Knowledge Sharing: It promotes scientific research, data exchange, and the adoption of best practices in big cat conservation.
Mitigating Threats: The IBCA addresses critical threats, including illegal wildlife trade, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.
Collaborative Efforts: The alliance includes both range countries (home to these species) and non-range countries committed to their conservation. Conservation partners and scientific organizations also contribute to its mission.
India’s Role in the IBCA
Leadership in Conservation
India, home to several big cat species, has taken a leadership role in the IBCA. Its extensive conservation history includes pioneering projects like Project Tiger (launched in 1973) and Project Cheetah (2022). By hosting the IBCA headquarters, India underscores its global commitment to wildlife conservation.
Financial and Institutional Support
The Indian government has provided robust support for the IBCA:
Budget Allocation: A one-time allocation of Rs 150 crore was approved for the period 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Infrastructure: The IBCA headquarters, established in India, serves as the operational hub for coordinating international conservation efforts.
Milestones in India’s Involvement
- September 2024: India officially joined the IBCA.
- February 2024: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the IBCA headquarters in India.
Big Cat Species Overview and Conservation Challenges
The IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species, each with distinct ecological roles, habitats, and challenges:
1. Lion (Panthera leo)
Habitat: Native to Africa and Asia; prefers open forests and scrublands.
Unique Traits: Lions are social animals, living in prides.
Conservation Efforts:
Project Lion: Launched in August 2020 for the conservation of Asiatic lions in Gujarat, India.
Global Status: African lions face threats due to habitat loss and human conflict.
Significance in India: Gujarat’s Gir Forest is the only natural habitat forthe Asiatic lion.
2. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Distribution: Found in Asia and Africa, with nine recognized subspecies.
Adaptability: Leopards thrive in diverse habitats, including forests and grasslands.
Conservation Efforts in India:
- A 2022 census reported 13,784 leopards in India, up from 12,852 in 2018.
- Poaching and habitat loss remain significant threats.
3. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Habitat: Found in the mountainous regions of 12 Asian countries.
Population in India: Approximately 718 individuals spread across six states and union territories.
Challenges: Harsh climates, fragmented habitats, and retaliatory killings pose significant risks.
Conservation Significance: Known as the “ghost of the mountains,” snow leopards play a crucial role in high-altitude ecosystems.
4. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
Global Importance: Tigers are a flagship species for conservation.
Population in India: India is home to 3,167 tigers (2022), representing over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Conservation Success:
- Project Tiger: Established in 1973, covering multiple reserves.
- India’s efforts have significantly contributed to reversing global tiger population declines.
5. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Conservation Status:
- The Asiatic cheetah is critically endangered, surviving only in Iran.
- African cheetahs were reintroduced to India in 2022 under Project Cheetah.
Challenges: Low genetic diversity, habitat degradation, and prey scarcity.
Reintroduction Site: Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was selected for the reintroduction program.
6. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Habitat: Native to South America; found in tropical rainforests.
Cultural Significance: Jaguars were revered in Mayan and Aztec cultures.
Conservation Challenges: Habitat destruction in the Amazon and illegal hunting.
Global Role: While not native to India, jaguars are part of the IBCA’s global conservation mandate.
7. Puma (Puma concolor)
Range: From the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes.
Traits: Largest of the “small cats” and highly adaptable.
Challenges: Habitat encroachment and conflicts with humans.
Key Conservation Areas in India
India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are critical for big cat conservation:
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Significance: India’s first national park and the launch site of Project Tiger.
Biodiversity: Located at the Himalayan foothills, it supports diverse flora and fauna.
2. Sunderban National Park, West Bengal
Unique Habitat: Largest mangrove ecosystem globally, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Species: Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and estuarine crocodiles.
3. Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
Recent Developments: Declared India’s 57th tiger reserve in December 2024.
Area: Spans 1271.4 sq km, with a core zone of 763.8 sq km.
4. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Tiger Population: Known for having the highest density of Bengal tigers in India.
Tourism and Conservation: A major destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
Global Challenges in Big Cat Conservation
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion reduce natural habitats.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Big cats often come into conflict with humans due to livestock predation.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching for skins, bones, and other body parts remains a pressing issue.
- Climate Change: Alters habitats and prey availability, impacting survival rates.
IBCA’s Role in Overcoming Challenges
- Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between governments, NGOs, and scientific institutions.
- Innovation: Promoting technological solutions like camera traps and genetic studies.
- Awareness: Campaigns to sensitize local communities and the global audience about the importance of big cat conservation.
India’s Leadership and the Future of Big Cat Conservation
The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization is a landmark achievement in global wildlife conservation. By uniting range countries, conservation partners, and scientific institutions, the IBCA aims to create a collaborative framework for protecting seven iconic big cat species.
India’s leadership in this alliance is both strategic and symbolic. As the host of the IBCA headquarters and home to several big cat species, India has demonstrated a strong commitment to wildlife conservation. Initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Cheetah, coupled with its network of national parks and reserves, underscore its role as a global leader in conservation.
Moving forward, the IBCA must address complex challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Its success will depend on sustained international cooperation, effective policy implementation, and community engagement. With big cats serving as keystone species, their conservation is essential for preserving ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. The IBCA’s work is not only a fight for these majestic creatures but also a broader effort to secure the ecological health of our planet.
Prelims Practice MCQ
With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements:
1. It was launched by India to promote global conservation of seven big cat species.
2. The IBCA framework agreement came into force after ratification by at least five signatory countries.
3. The alliance includes only countries that are natural habitats for big cats.
4. India has been designated as the depository for instruments of ratification for the IBCA.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: a) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The IBCA was launched by India, specifically by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, to promote global conservation of seven big cat species: lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, and puma.
Statement 2 is correct. The IBCA framework agreement came into force after five signatory countries, including India, ratified and formally deposited their instruments of ratification.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The alliance includes both range countries (which house one or more of these big cats) and non-range countries interested in big cat conservation, as well as conservation partners and scientific organizations.
Statement 4 is correct. As per the framework agreement, the Indian government serves as the depository for instruments of ratification, approval, or accession from countries seeking to become parties to the agreement.
Mains Practice Question
The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) marks a significant step in global wildlife conservation efforts. Discuss the objectives of the IBCA and evaluate India’s role in this initiative. Also, examine the challenges and opportunities in implementing a coordinated international approach to big cat conservation. (250W, 15M)