Why in news?

• India's reaffirmed global leadership in big cat conservation, announced at the UNFCCC climate conference CoP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. 
• India plans to host a Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi in 2026 to bring together all big cat range countries and conservation partners to share experiences, strategies, and strengthen global partnerships. 

About IBCA

• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global treaty-based organization headquartered in India.
• It is dedicated to the collaborative conservation of seven principal big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.

• IBCA was launched by India in April 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.

• Prevent illegal trade and poaching of big cats.​
• Promote habitat conservation and restoration.​
• Mobilize international financial and technical resources for effective protection and monitoring.​

Membership and Structure

• As of late 2025, there are 27 countries that have joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and its number continues to grow. 
• The alliance is governed by an assembly (first held in New Delhi in June 2025) and is led by ministerial representatives from member countries.​
• The Ministry of External Affairs (India) serves as the depository of its framework agreement.​
• Partnerships include international bodies such as IUCN, WWF, UNDP, International Snow Leopard Trust, and Cheetah Conservation Fund.​

Significance for India and Global Conservation

• India plays a leadership role, replicating its successful Project Tiger model and best practices in big cat conservation.​
• Five of the seven covered species are found in India (tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, cheetah).​
• The alliance enhances international cooperation and ensures long-term landscape protection, supporting local communities dependent on these ecosystems.​

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