Russia to Join India-led International Big Cat Alliance

Overview: Russia has officially joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), becoming its 19th member in 2025.

Riyaz

Dec-06-2025

Russia to Join India-led International Big Cat Alliance

Russia has officially become the 19th member of the India-based International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), strengthening global efforts to conserve big cat species. The alliance aims to protect the seven largest big cats, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma, through cooperation, research, and habitat preservation. Since the IBCA's headquarters are in India, the programme promotes the exchange of expertise, financial aid, and collaborative activities among member countries. Russia's inclusion in international wildlife conservation marks a significant contribution to global efforts, demonstrating a united endeavour to ensure these endangered species are well cared for and that biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

Inside the International Big Cat Alliance: Key Roles and Initiatives

The International Big Cat Alliance is an association of people striving to save seven big-cat species in the world through a global effort and conservation strategies.

• It assists the member countries in scientific research, surveillance technologies, and rehabilitation plans.

• The alliance enhances anti-poaching campaigns and improves law enforcement of wildlife.

• It promotes sharing of knowledge, support of funds and community involvement to minimise human-wildlife conflict.

IBCA has the following objectives: to establish a cohesive international network that is dedicated to the long-term survival and recovery of big-cat populations.

Previous Year Question (PYQs) Based on Big Cat

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2020	In India, the Lion is found only in which region?	A) Western Ghats B) Gir Forest C) Sundarbans D) Aravalli Hills	B) Gir Forest
SSC CGL	2022	The Snow Leopard is mainly found in which part of India?	A) Eastern Ghats B) Western Himalayas C) Western Ghats D) Nilgiris	B) Western Himalayas
RRB NTPC	2021	Project Tiger was launched in which year?	A) 1973 B) 1985 C) 1992 D) 1965	A) 1973
SSC CHSL	2021	Cheetahs were reintroduced in India in which national park?	A) Kanha B) Kuno C) Kaziranga D) Ranthambore	B) Kuno
SSC GD	2020	Which big cat is known as the “Ghost of the Mountains”?	A) Tiger B) Snow Leopard C) Cheetah D) Jaguar	B) Snow Leopard
UPSC Prelims	2018	The clouded leopard belongs to which habitat zone in India?	A) Trans-Himalaya B) Eastern Himalaya C) Western Ghats D) Thar Desert	B) Eastern Himalaya
RRB Group D	2019	India is home to the largest population of which big cat?	A) Lion B) Tiger C) Cheetah D) Snow Leopard	B) Tiger
SSC MTS	2020	The National Animal of India is?	A) Lion B) Tiger C) Elephant D) Leopard	B) Tiger
UPPSC	2021	Which big cat is native to Africa but has recently been reintroduced in India?	A) Jaguar B) Cheetah C) Puma D) Lynx	B) Cheetah
SSC CPO	2022	Which country has the largest population of wild lions?	A) India B) USA C) Tanzania D) Russia	C) Tanzania

Expected Question About the International Big Cat Alliance

When was the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched?

A) 2019

B) 2020

C) 2021

D) 2022

Answer: C) 2021

Description: IBCA was launched in 2021 under India’s leadership to strengthen global cooperation in conserving big cats.

How many big-cat species does the IBCA focus on conserving?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8
Answer: C) 7
Description: IBCA focuses on tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.

Which country joined IBCA as the 19th member in 2025?

A) USA

B) Russia

C) China

D) Brazil

Answer: B) Russia

Description: Russia became the 19th member, reflecting growing international commitment to big-cat conservation.

Which organisation provides technical and policy support to the IBCA?

A) UNEP

B) FAO

C) CITES

D) Wildlife Institute of India

Answer: D) Wildlife Institute of India

Description: India’s Wildlife Institute supports research, monitoring, and knowledge sharing among IBCA member countries.

Conclusion

The move by Russia to be part of the India-led International Big Cat Alliance will enhance the international community in protecting some of the most endangered big-cat species in the world. This collaboration increases collaboration, scientific studies, and protection of habitats on different continents. The inclusion of Russia in the alliance gives the alliance more momentum and supports the global effort to protect big cats and to retain biodiversity for future generations.