International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global coalition aimed at the conservation and protection of big cats and their habitats. It was officially launched by India’s Prime Minister in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, an initiative that has been vital in conserving India’s tiger population. Though India launched IBCA as a global institution, it is still in the process of signing and ratifying its Framework Agreement, similar to how it engaged with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Key Features of the IBCA: - About IBCA:
- The IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising 96 big cat range countries and non-range countries dedicated to conserving seven species of big cats: Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Cheetahs, Jaguars, and Pumas.
- The initiative was first proposed by India’s Prime Minister in 2019 and launched in April 2023.
- Objectives of IBCA:
- Prevent illegal wildlife trade involving the seven big cat species.
- Conserve natural habitats crucial for the survival of these big cats.
- Mobilize financial and technical resources to support conservation efforts.
- Work to mitigate the effects of climate change on these species.
- Advocate for policy initiatives that align with local biodiversity conservation efforts while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Focus Species:
- The IBCA aims to conserve seven species of big cats:
- Tigers (India is home to Bengal tigers).
- Lions (Asiatic lions are found in India).
- Leopards (Indian leopards are widespread).
- Snow Leopards (found in the Himalayan region).
- Cheetahs (India reintroduced African cheetahs in 2022).
- Jaguars (not found in India but included in the global effort).
- Pumas (also not found in India, but part of the global conservation efforts).
- Member Countries:
- Currently, India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia are the members of IBCA, and it is expected that more countries will join as the initiative expands.
- Budgetary Support:
- The Union Cabinet of India has allocated a one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore for the IBCA from 2023-24 to 2027-28 to support the implementation of the alliance's initiatives.
- Governance Structure:
- The IBCA governance structure consists of an Assembly of Members, a Standing Committee, and a Secretariat based in India. The framework of IBCA is modeled after India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- The Director-General (DG) of the IBCA is appointed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
What are Big Cats? Big cats refer to large wild cat species, generally classified under the
Panthera genus, but the term can also include other species. These include:
- Panthera genus: Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Snow Leopards, and Jaguars are part of the Panthera genus.
- Other big cat species: Cheetahs and Pumas, though they belong to different genera, are also classified as big cats due to their size and ecological roles.
Key Points About Big Cats: - Social Behavior: Lions are the only big cats that live in social groups, called prides, while others, including tigers and leopards, are solitary except when mothers are with their cubs.
- Endangered Status: The Siberian tiger, the largest of the big cats, is endangered due to threats like trophy hunting and being used in traditional medicine.
- Ecological Importance: Big cats are considered keystone species because they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. They are also critical indicators of ecosystem health.
- Threats to Big Cats: Major threats include poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss.
India’s Role and Focus on Big Cats:
India is home to five of the seven big cats:
- Bengal Tiger (India has the largest tiger population globally).
- Asiatic Lion (found only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat).
- Indian Leopard (found across various regions of India).
- Indian/Asiatic Cheetah (recently reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, after being declared extinct in India in 1952).
- Snow Leopard (found in the Himalayan regions of India).
The
reintroduction of African cheetahs into India in
2022 is a part of the country's ongoing commitment to restoring and preserving its big cat species.
Key Takeaways
The
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a crucial step towards the global conservation of big cats and their habitats. India, with its wealth of big cat species, plays a central role in this alliance, and through this coalition, the country aims to combat threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trade. The budgetary support and governance structure will help ensure that conservation efforts are sustained and effective in protecting these iconic species.
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