International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

05/12/202505/12/2025 Last Updated On05/12/2025

Russia has joined the International Big Cat Alliance as its 19th member, strengthening India-led efforts to protect endangered big cat species and enhance global wildlife conservatio

International Big Cat Alliance focusing on global conservation of seven major big cat species, headquartered in New Delhi.

Russia has agreed to adopt the framework agreement for membership in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), marking a significant expansion of the India-led initiative. The announcement coincided with President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India, strengthening bilateral cooperation in wildlife protection and environmental governance.

What is the International Big Cat Alliance?

Headquartered in New Delhi, the IBCA is a global conservation platform focused on protecting seven major big cat species:

Tiger 🐯
Lion 🦁
Leopard 🐆
Snow Leopard ❄🐆
Cheetah
Jaguar
Puma

India is home to five of these species, positioning it as a global leader in carnivore conservation.

The alliance works to:

Combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade
Promote scientific cooperation and technology use
Strengthen habitat conservation and community-led protection
Support transboundary conservation efforts

Growing Membership and Range Expansion of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Russia is now the 19th member country
The alliance aims to bring together 95 big-cat range nations across Asia, Africa and the Americas
India has committed financial support for the first five years to operationalise the initiative

Countries join through:

Signing the Framework Agreement
Submitting a diplomatic note of acceptance

India’s Leadership in Big Cat Protection

The concept was first proposed by India in 2019 and officially unveiled in 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
IBCA’s first General Assembly in 2024 endorsed India’s Environment Minister as its President — reflecting global trust in India’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

India’s track record includes: