Why in the News?
Recently, Saudi Arabia joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member nation.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Overview: It is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising of 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation.
- Launch: It was officially launched in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
- Objectives:
- To strengthen global cooperation by sharing best practices, technical expertise, research, and financial resources for protection and restoration of big cat habitats and populations.
- To provide immediate protection to big cats, reduce threats to their survival, restore habitats, and reverse the decline in big cat populations globally.
- Big Cats Covered: It aims at conservation of 7 big cats namely Lion, Tiger, Snow Leopard, Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
- Headquarter: India
- Member Countries: 26 member countries, including the latest member Saudi Arabia.
- Funding: India has provided initial support of Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-24 to 2028-29).
- Contributions from bilateral, multilateral agencies, and public sector organizations, among others, will be explored.
Importance of Big Cat Conservation
- Maintains Ecological Balance: Big cats are apex predators that regulate herbivore populations and keep ecosystems healthy.
- Protects Biodiversity: As keystone species, conserving big cats also safeguards several other plants and animal species sharing the same habitat.
- Conserves Critical Habitats: Big cat landscapes support many species such as Asian elephants, Tibetan gazelle, Argali, and Chiru.
- Helps Climate Change Mitigation: Protected forests and grasslands associated with big cats act as important carbon sinks.
- Cultural Significance: Big cats, especially tigers and lions, are deeply embedded in folklore, traditions, and cultural heritage.
- Economic Importance: Big cat conservation promotes ecotourism and supports local livelihoods and employment opportunities.
