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Nepal Joins International Big Cat Alliance
What’s the News?
- Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led initiative.
- The alliance aims at collaborative conservation of seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
- Nepal’s membership strengthens regional cooperation, especially in the conservation of tigers and snow leopards, which are significant to its Himalayan ecosystem.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Launched by India to mobilize global resources and expertise for big cat conservation.
- Objectives:
- Strengthen conservation strategies for big cats and their habitats.
- Enhance research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across countries.
- Mobilize financial and technical support for range countries.
- Relevance for Nepal:
- Nepal hosts tigers (Panthera tigris) in Terai grasslands and snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in high-altitude Himalayan regions.
- Nepal achieved the tiger population doubling goal (Tx2) ahead of the global deadline.
Additional Info
- Tiger Conservation in Nepal:
- Tiger population doubled between 2009–2022, reaching over 350 individuals.
- Major habitats: Chitwan, Bardiya, Banke, Shuklaphanta National Parks.
- Snow Leopard Conservation:
- Found in Himalayan ranges such as Mustang, Dolpo, Manang.
- Estimated population: around 300–400.
- International Big Cat Alliance:
- Proposed by India during its G20 presidency (2023).
- Headquarters: India.
- Membership open to all 97 range countries of big cats.
- Related Indian Initiatives:
- Project Tiger (1973) under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Project Snow Leopard (2009).
- India hosts 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.