International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization and legal entity. This became effective on January 23, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, confirmed that Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia have ratified the Framework Agreement under Article VIII (1). This marks a significant step forward in Wildlife Conservation for big cats.
So far, 27 countries, including India, have joined IBCA, with multiple wildlife conservation organizations partnering in this initiative.
About IBCA
Launched on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, IBCA focuses on conserving seven big cat species—Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The Union Cabinet approved its establishment on February 29, 2024, with headquarters in India. Membership includes UN countries, range countries hosting big cats, and non-range countries supporting conservation efforts.
The Government of India established IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) set this up on March 12, 2024. IBCA fosters global collaboration, consolidates best wildlife conservation practices, and provides financial support to halt the decline of big cat populations.
IBCA serves as a global platform to share gold-standard wildlife conservation practices, offer technical expertise and funding. It also strengthens intergovernmental conservation networks and combats climate change’s impact on big cat habitats.
Reference & Related Articles
BBC Wildlife Magazine: How to Identify the Big Cats
International Fund for Animal Welfare: Big Cats
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