Why in the News?

Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats.

About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Overview: A global multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 95 countries (range and non-range) focused on conserving big cats and their habitats.
Launch: Proposed by PM Modi in 2019; officially launched in April 2023 on Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
Conservation Scope: Works to protect 7 species of big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
Functions: Operates through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilisation.
Conflict Mitigation: Aims to reduce human–wildlife conflict and restore degraded habitats.
Institutional Structure:
- Governance: Managed by a General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General.
- Headquarters: Permanent base established in India following ratification of the HQ agreement.

Membership: Includes 95 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe/Central Asia. Examples:
- Asia: India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran.
- Africa: Kenya, Congo, Ghana.
- Americas: Brazil, Ecuador, United States.
- Europe/Central Asia: Russia, Kazakhstan.
Ratification: Bhutan, Eswatini, Cambodia, Guinea, India, Liberia, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Suriname have deposited ratification instruments.

Biodiversity Hub: India hosts 5 of the 7 big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah — and holds 70% of global tiger population.
Funding: Government committed ₹150 crore for 2023–2028; mobilising international contributions.
Leadership: India sets global benchmarks in wildlife conservation and ecological stewardship, positioning itself as a leader in big cat protection.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 2