Why in the news?

  • Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

  • Launch: By India in April 2023 (on 50th anniversary of Project Tiger).
  • What is it?: A global initiative for the conservation of the world’s seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma (Cougar/Mountain Lion), Jaguar, Cheetah
  • Implementation: IBCA established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • Headquarters: New Delhi , India.
  • Membership: Open to all 97 big cat range countries, UN agencies, NGOs, and intergovernmental bodies.
  • Objectives:
    • Promote conservation & protection of big cats and their habitats.
    • Strengthen global collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing.
    • Ensure sustainable practices in big cat range countries.
    • Mobilise financial & technical support for conservation projects.
    • Build capacity in law enforcement to tackle wildlife crime & poaching.
  • Need for IBCA: Big Cats are under threat due to habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Funding: India has committed Rs. 150 crore (2023-2028) in support to the IBCA and is exploring additional funding through bilateral, multilateral, and donor organizations.