Learn about the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), its objectives, member countries, and significance for UPSC and APSC( Prelims and Mains).Understand how India is leading global big cat conservation efforts. Read More Below
What is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization launched by India in 2023 during the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger.
It is a legal international entity focused on the conservation of seven big cat species:
- Tiger (Endangered)
- Lion (Vulnerable)
- Leopard (Vulnerable)
- Snow Leopard (Vulnerable)
- Cheetah (Vulnerable)
- Jaguar (Near Threatened)
- Puma (Least Concern)
All these species except Puma and Jaguar are found in India, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
Founding Members
- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, Suriname, and Uganda.
Membership
- Multi-country, multi-agency coalition
- 96 big cat range countries
- Non-range countries can also join as members
Governance
- IBCA Assembly: Decision-making body meeting every two years.
- The first Assembly was hosted in New Delhi in 2025.
- President of IBCA: India’s Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Funding
- India has committed ₹150 crore for five years (2023–24 to 2028–29).
- Moreover, India signed Headquarters Agreement to host IBCA Headquarters and Secretariat in India.
Summary Chart
| Species | Scientific Name | Found In | IUCN Red List Status | CITES Appendix | Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger | Panthera tigris | India, Southeast Asia, Russian Far East | Endangered | Appendix I | Schedule I |
| Lion | Panthera leo | Sub-Saharan Africa; small population in Gir (India) | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I |
| Leopard | Panthera pardus | Africa and parts of Asia including India | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I |
| Snow Leopard | Panthera uncia | Mountain ranges of Central and South Asia (Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau) | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I |
| Jaguar | Panthera onca | Central and South America (Amazon Basin region) | Near Threatened | Appendix I | Not Applicable |
| Puma (Cougar / Mountain Lion) | Puma concolor | From Canada through North and South America | Least Concern | Appendix II (Appendix I for certain Central & South American populations) | Not Applicable |
| Cheetah | Acinonyx jubatus | Primarily Africa; small population in Iran; reintroduced in India | Vulnerable | Appendix I | Schedule I |
UPSC Previous Year Question
UPSC Prelims 2024
Q. Consider the following statements:
- Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
- Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
- Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: a
Explanation: Lions are polyestrous and do not have a fixed breeding season (Statement 1 is correct). Cheetahs belong to a different genus and lack the anatomy to roar; they purr and chirp instead (Statement 2 is correct). Both male lions and male leopards extensively use scent marking (urine and ground scraping) to mark their territory, making Statement 3 incorrect.
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