Nepal Bolsters Big Cat Conservation with IBCA Membership

Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative spearheaded by India to protect seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. The announcement, made by the IBCA on Saturday, marks a significant step in strengthening international efforts to conserve these iconic predators and their habitats.

“Nepal has formally joined the International Big Cat Alliance by signing the Framework Agreement,” the IBCA stated, highlighting Nepal’s rich biodiversity, which includes snow leopards, tigers, and common leopards. “Nepal’s participation will enhance global collaboration for big cat conservation,” the alliance added, congratulating the Nepalese government for its commitment to ecological security.

Nepal’s inclusion in the IBCA is particularly notable given its remarkable success in tiger conservation. The country nearly tripled its tiger population, from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, according to the latest census. This achievement underscores Nepal’s expertise, which it can now share through the IBCA’s platform, fostering knowledge exchange and resource mobilization among member nations.

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Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger in Mysuru, Karnataka, the IBCA is a coalition of over 90 big cat range and non-range countries, alongside conservation organizations and scientific bodies. Headquartered in New Delhi, the alliance aims to curb poaching, combat illegal wildlife trade, and preserve habitats through coordinated action. India, home to five of the seven big cat species (excluding jaguar and puma), brings its extensive experience in tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah conservation to the forefront.

The IBCA facilitates collaboration by creating a centralized repository of successful conservation practices, offering training programs, and supporting policy initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. As of September 2024, 25 countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Peru, have consented to join, with India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia having ratified the Framework Agreement. Nepal’s membership further strengthens this network, enhancing transboundary efforts to protect big cats and their ecosystems.

By joining the IBCA, Nepal contributes to a global movement that not only safeguards apex predators but also promotes climate adaptation, water security, and the well-being of communities reliant on these ecosystems. The alliance’s work is supported by India’s Rs 150 crore budgetary commitment for 2023–2028, ensuring resources for infrastructure and capacity building.

As big cat populations face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, Nepal’s entry into the IBCA signals a shared commitment to reversing these trends through collective action and sustainable practices.

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