International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Context:
Recently, India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed the Headquarters Agreement to host the IBCA headquarters and secretariat.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
About the Agreement:
- It grants privileges, immunities, and visa support to IBCA Secretariat personnel and premises.
- As per the agreement, India has to provide ₹150 crore as budgetary support from 2023–24 to 2028–29 for building infrastructure and recurring expenditure.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 96 big cat range countries and non-range countries aimed at conserving 7 big cats and their habitats.
- It was launched in 2023 by India to mark 50 years of Project Tiger.
- It became a treaty-based international organization in January 2025 with the enforcement of its Framework Agreement.
- Headquarters: India
- Member countries: India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia (5 nations have signed the agreement).
- Objective: Conservation of 7 big cats — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. (India is home to 5 of these species).
- Objectives:
- It prevents illegal wildlife trade involving these seven big cat species and also aims to conserve the natural habitats for these seven big cats.
- Mobilizes financial and technical resources to support the implementation of conservation and protection efforts.
- It will promote policies that align biodiversity conservation with local needs and support the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals in member countries.
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. Which of the following big cats are found in India?
- Cheetah
- Jaguar
- Puma
- Snow Leopard
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 1, 4 and 5
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: B
(Only Cheetah and Snow Leopard are found in India; Jaguar and Puma are not.)
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