NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its newest member, the alliance announced on Friday. With this addition, 27 of the 95 big cat range countries are now part of this treaty-based global entity.
Founding and Early Members
India, the founding member of the IBCA, has been joined by several nations including Russia, Cambodia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Armenia, Ethiopia, Mongolia, and Rwanda. These countries have formally signed on to collaborate in the conservation of big cats.
Mission and Focus
The alliance, conceived by India, aims to conserve seven big cat species: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Notably, India is home to five of these species, with only the Jaguar and Puma not found within its borders.
Global Collaboration
The primary objective of the International Big Cat Alliance, which is headquartered in New Delhi, is to foster collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. By consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise, the alliance seeks to achieve effective big cat conservation on a global scale. The IBCA serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies to protect these iconic predators and their habitats.
