Context
India has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
- Launched by: India, on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger
- Year: 2023
- Objective: Global cooperation for conservation of 7 big cat species
- Structure: A multi-country, multi-agency coalition
- Participants: 96 big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations
- Funding
- Initial Support: Rs. 150 crore for 5 years (2023-2028)
- Other Contributions: From bilateral/multilateral agencies, public sector organizations
- Administration
- Governance: Assembly of Members, Standing Committee, Secretariat
- Framework: Modelled after the International Solar Alliance (2015)
Big Cats
- Refers to large species of the Felidae family
- 7 Species: Lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, and puma
- In India: 5 out of 7 species, excluding jaguar and puma
- Cheetah Status: Declared extinct in 1952, reintroduced through Cheetah Reintroduction Project
- Significance of Big Cats & Habitat Protection
- Ecosystem Balance: Act as top predators
- Water Security: Habitats like the Himalayas (Snow Leopard) source many rivers
- Climate Change Mitigation: Protect carbon-storing forest landscapes
- Cultural Importance: Significant in faiths, folklore globally
- Economic Support: Promotes ecotourism and livelihoods
Read more about: Golden Tiger, Indian Leopard, Project Cheetah
Source:
IE
Previous Year Question
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans
Answer: (c)
