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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What is the International Big Cat Alliance, launched by India?
The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi on Monday (June 16), presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. He was endorsed as the President of the IBCA by the nine countries in attendance at the meeting – Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. Here is what to know about the body. The Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in March 2024. Its mandate is the conservation of seven big cats – the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. It aims 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has allocated Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28. There are 95 range countries (falling within the natural distribution of a species) for the big cats, including Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and the United States. Twenty-five countries have consented to be members of the IBCA, as of September 2024, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Kenya and Rwanda. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. What was the rationale behind the initiative? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the IBCA in 2023 in Mysuru, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. That initiative came at a time when India's tiger population was rapidly dwindling. While there were an estimated 40,000 tigers in the country at the time of Independence, their numbers fell to around 1,800 by 1970 due to widespread hunting and poaching. The killing of the apex predators also has ripple effects on the rest of the ecosystem. As the IBCA has noted in a report, they regulate prey populations, which helps maintain the health of landscapes and prevents overgrazing that can lead to ecological calamities like wildfires and disease. Protecting big cats also safeguards the habitats they roam, which are home to many other species. Thus, the comprehensive effects of conserving these species can include mitigating natural disasters, conserving soil, controlling pandemics, supporting climate adaptation and contributing to climate change mitigation by storing and sequestering carbon. Project Tiger was instrumental in the creation of tiger reserves, beginning with nine zones in Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These included the famous Kanha reserve in MP, the Jim Corbett reserve in Uttarakhand and Bandipur in Karnataka. At present, India has more than 3,600 tigers, accounting for 70% of the world's tiger population. However, challenges such as deforestation and instances of man-animal conflict remain. Some of the existing threats have also morphed to evade the authorities' radar. As The Indian Express reported in an investigation earlier this year, poaching networks have become 'leaner and more mobile: fewer middlemen, hired transporters to cut risk as they move consignments, and tie-ups with narcotics and arms syndicates.' In his address on Monday, Yadav emphasised the importance of collective action to advance conservation. The ratification of the headquarters agreement signed at the event enabled the body to establish its headquarters and other offices in India.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
International Big Cat Alliance holds its first assembly in Delhi
New Delhi: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) held its first assembly at its Delhi headquarters on Monday. The assembly approved the Headquarters Agreement signed with India, work plan, rules of procedure and the manual of staff and financial regulations. These will serve as the guiding foundation for the effective governance, operations, and collaborative initiatives of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed the proceedings of the first International Steering Committee meeting of IBCA, which was held in April 2024, according to a statement by India's environment ministry. Further, the assembly unanimously endorsed Bhupender Yadav, India's environment minister as the president of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed SP Yadav as the director general of IBCA. Created by the Government of India, the IBCA is a coalition of 95 range countries with a mandate for the conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. The assembly, which is the apex body of IBCA, was attended in Delhi by ministerial delegations from Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. In his address, Yadav called upon the Big Cat range countries to actively engage and collaborate in the initiatives and programmes of IBCA. He emphasised the importance of collective action to advance the conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats and assist in securing our ecological future and mitigate adverse effects of climate change. The IBCA was established by the Government of India, through its nodal organisation viz. National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2024. The primary objective of IBCA is to facilitate collaboration and synergy among range countries and other stakeholders.
United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Bhupender Yadav presides over inaugural assembly of International Big Cat Alliance
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired the inaugural Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), marking a significant milestone in global conservation efforts for big cats. The IBCA, an initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, aims to protect and conserve big cat species across their range countries. During the Assembly, an apex governing body of the IBCA, key decisions were made, including the approval of the workplan, the rules of procedure, and the staff and financial regulations manual, paving way for its functioning at the ground level. These foundational steps are set to guide the entity's governance, operations, and international collaborations. The Assembly also unanimously appointed Bhupender Yadav as the President of the IBCA, while SP Yadav was named the Director General of the alliance, as per a statement from the Union Environment Ministry. A coalition of 95 range countries, IBCA has a mandate for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the collective action among big cat range countries is important for conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats. The assembly was attended by ministerial delegation from 9 countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. "The ratification of the headquarter agreement signed by IBCA with India, will enable the entity to establish its headquarters and such other offices in the host country as may be necessary to fully and efficiently discharge its official functions and programmes," added the statement. UNI AJ SSP
NZ Herald
28-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Former age-grade New Zealand cricket rep's rapid rise to football's National League
When Christian Leopard emailed Napier City Rovers to see if any social teams needed an extra player, he couldn't have imagined the rapid trajectory his football career was about to go on. Leopard emailed the club – who host the Wellington Phoenix Reserves in second-round Chatham Cup action on Sunday
Time of India
28-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
10 wild animals that adapted to an urban life
As cities grow and natural habitats shrink, many wild animals are adapting to urban environments in surprising ways. From scavenging food to finding shelter in manmade structures, these creatures have learned to survive and even thrive among humans. While some pose risks, others coexist peacefully, becoming part of the city's ecosystem. This adaptation shows nature's incredible resilience but also highlights the need for more responsible urban planning. Here are ten fascinating wild animals that have made our cities their new homes, often blending into the urban landscape in ways most people overlook. Animals including Leopard, Fox and Bear that adapted to an urban environment 1. Leopards In Indian cities like Mumbai and Pune, leopards have adapted to living on the edges of urban sprawl, particularly near protected forest areas such as Sanjay Gandhi National Park. These elusive big cats use railway lines, overgrown drains, and abandoned lots to move stealthily through human-dominated areas, especially at night. While they do not live in city centers, they frequently enter urban fringes to prey on stray dogs, pigs, and livestock. Their presence highlights an evolving coexistence at the urban-wildlife interface, where proper waste management and awareness are key to minimizing conflict. 2. Raccoons Native to North America, raccoons are now common in suburbs and cities like Toronto, Chicago, and New York. Known for their intelligence and dexterous front paws, they easily open trash bins and enter attics or chimneys for shelter. Their adaptability and opportunistic behaviour make them one of the most successful urban wildlife species. 3. Monkeys In cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Bangkok, monkeys such as rhesus macaques and langurs have become urban dwellers. They often steal food from markets, vehicles, or homes and are known to become aggressive when fed regularly by humans. Temples and old buildings serve as their new "forests," offering height and shelter. 4. Coyotes Once limited to plains and deserts, coyotes are now commonly seen in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago. These canines have adapted well by hunting rodents, scavenging waste, and even crossing roads at low-traffic hours. Their presence is often unnoticed until conflicts with pets or livestock occur. 5. Foxes Urban foxes, particularly the red fox, are widespread in cities like London, Tokyo, and Melbourne. They use railway lines, parks, and backyards to roam and rest during the day. At night, they forage for food in garbage bins or prey on small animals like rats and birds. Their adaptability has made them a fixture in city ecosystems. 6. Wild Boars In European cities such as Berlin, Rome, and Barcelona, wild boars have started venturing into residential areas. They forage in parks, gardens, and roadside bins, often in family groups. Their strong snouts can damage lawns and their presence has led to traffic accidents and public safety concerns. 7. Bears Black bears in North America and brown bears in Eastern Europe have been spotted in towns and suburbs, especially during food shortages or in pre-hibernation periods. They are drawn by the scent of garbage, pet food, and fruit trees. Wildlife authorities often have to relocate them or use deterrents to keep them away from populated zones. 8. Deer As cities expand into wooded areas, deer such as white-tailed deer in North America or sika deer in Japan have adapted to urban life. They graze in gardens, parks, and cemeteries, often losing their fear of humans. Though graceful and peaceful, they can cause road accidents and damage to ornamental plants. 9. Hawks and Falcons Birds of prey like the peregrine falcon and red-tailed hawk have made tall urban buildings their nesting sites. Skyscrapers mimic cliff faces, providing safety and a good vantage point. These birds help control populations of pigeons and rats, making them an important part of urban ecological balance. 10. Snakes Urbanization has pushed snakes like the Indian rat snake and garter snake into cities, where they inhabit gardens, drains, and construction sites. They play a crucial role by keeping rodent populations in check. Although non-venomous snakes are often harmless, fear and misinformation lead to unnecessary panic and persecution. The growing presence of wild animals in urban areas is largely driven by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and poorly planned urban development. As natural ecosystems shrink, animals are forced to adapt to city life, often leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. These encounters can pose serious risks, from property damage to public safety concerns. The solution lies in responsible urban planning that includes green corridors, protected habitats, and improved waste management. Public education and coexistence strategies are also essential to reduce conflict and foster mutual respect. Balancing urban growth with ecological conservation is key to ensuring safer cities and healthier environments for all.
