International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Context: India has urged all big cat range nations to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and also invited them to participate in the Global Big Cats Summit to be hosted in New Delhi in 2026. This strengthens India's leadership in global wildlife conservation diplomacy.

About IBCA

Genesis and Purpose

Launched in 2023 by India as a global platform dedicated to the conservation of seven big cat species:

oTiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.

Seeks to foster research, capacity building, technology transfer, and financial assistance among participating countries.

Organizational Structure

Nature: A multi-country, multi-agency coalition bringing together:

o95 big cat range countries,

onon-range countries interested in conservation,

oglobal scientific institutions, private sector entities and conservation NGOs.

Secretariat: Located in New Delhi, India, reinforcing India’s role as a global conservation hub.

Membership:

o18 member countries + 3 observer countries currently.

oAll UN member states are eligible to join.

Governance:

oIBCA Assembly is the apex decision-making body, comprising nominated representatives from each member country.

oFunctions include approving action plans, conservation strategies and financial mechanisms.

Significance of Big Cats

Presence in India

India is home to five of the seven big cat species:

• Tiger
• Lion
• Leopard
• Snow Leopard
• Cheetah

Ecological and Environmental Significance

• Apex predators that regulate prey populations and maintain trophic balance.
• Keystone species ensuring:
• prevention of excessive grazing,
• protection of grasslands and forest regeneration,
• maintaining habitat integrity and biodiversity.
• Flagship species for landscape-level conservation, attracting global funding and ecological attention.
• Climate significance: Healthy big-cat habitats like forests and grasslands act as major carbon sinks, aiding climate mitigation goals.

Behavioural Traits

• Most big cats are solitary hunters.
• Lions are an exception, living in social groups known as prides.

Threats to Big Cats

• Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, infrastructure expansion, and urbanisation.
• Human–wildlife conflicts stemming from encroachment into wildlife corridors.
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade, especially for skins and body parts.
• Genetic isolation due to shrinking, disconnected habitats.
• Climate change altering prey availability and habitat suitability.

Why IBCA Matters for India

• Reinforces India’s global image as the champion of big cat conservation after successes such as:
• doubling tiger population,
• increasing Asiatic lion numbers,
• reintroduction of the cheetah.
• Offers a platform for South-South cooperation, especially with Africa and Latin America.
• Supports access to pooled funds, expertise, and technology to address common threats.