International Big Cat Alliance

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Context: 

Natural geographic isolation is occurring among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and translocation is not currently necessary, according to the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.

Read about IBCA here:

International Big Cat Alliance 

Big cats in India:

India is home to five big cats out of seven big cat species:

• Bengal Tiger: Panthera Tigris Tigris 
• Asiatic Lion: Panthera Leo Persica 
• Indian Leopard: Panthera Pardus Fusca 
• Snow Leopard: Panthera Uncia 
• Clouded Leopard: Neofelis Nebulosa

Bengal Tiger:

• They are characterised by their orange coat with black stripes. Males are typically larger than females. 
• As per the latest Tiger Census conducted in 2022, the tiger population in India has increased to 2967.
• India now accounts for about 70% of the world’s tiger population. 
• Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats across India, including tropical forests, grasslands, and mangroves. 
• Behaviour: Solitary and territorial. Known for its powerful build and strength.
• IUCN Status: 
  • • Endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservation efforts like Project Tiger have been effective in increasing their numbers. 

Asiatic Lion: 

• They are smaller and less muscular than African lions, with a distinctive fold of skin along their belly and a less developed mane. 
• Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place where the Asiatic Lions are found in the world.
• Since the late 1960s, the population of Asiatic Lions has increased from less than 200 to 674 (Census 2020).
• Habitat: Restricted to the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, India. 
• Behaviour: Social compared to other big cats; lives in pride. They are primarily nocturnal. 
• IUCN Conservation Status: 
  • • Critically endangered but has seen some recovery due to dedicated conservation efforts.

Indian Leopard: Habitat: 

• They have spotted coats with a pale background colour, providing effective camouflage in its habitat.
• Adaptable to various environments including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. 
• Behaviour: Solitary and highly adaptable. They are skilled climbers and often store prey in trees to avoid scavengers. 
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened; faces challenges from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. 

Snow Leopard: 

• They are pale grey coats with black rosettes and spots, long thick tails, and large paws adapted for snow.
• Habitat: Inhabits the rugged mountains of the Himalayas and surrounding ranges, living at high altitudes between 3,000 and 4,500 metres. 
• Behaviour: Solitary with a diet that includes mountain ungulates and smaller mammals. 
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable, with threats from habitat loss, poaching, and retaliatory killings by herders. 

Clouded Leopard: 

• They are notable for its cloud-like markings and large, dark rosettes on a lighter background. 
• It has a long, prehensile tail. 
• Habitat: Found in the dense forests of northeastern India, including the Western Ghats and parts of the Eastern Himalayas. 
• Behaviour: Semi-arboreal and elusive, spending much time in trees. Its diet includes birds, small mammals, and sometimes larger prey. 
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable, with populations threatened by habitat destruction and poaching.

Cheetah Cheetahs have become extinct in India since 1952. In September 2022, Cheetahs were reintroduced into the wild in India as 8 Cheetahs were imported from Namibia. They will be released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022.

Tigers in India:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/tigers-in-india

Buxa Tiger Reserve:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/buxa-tiger-reserve-btr

Tiger reserves in India:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/tiger-reserves-in-india

Source:

https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/09/11/del9-env-lions-ibca-dg.html

https://enrichingjourneys.com/enriching-journeys-blog-big-5-cats-of-india/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding Big cats in India:  All seven types of big cats are found in India. India is home to about 70% of the world’s tiger population.  Cheetahs are Critically endangered in India. How many of the above statements is/are correct? A.Only one B.Only two C. All Three D.None Answer: A Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect:  India is home to five big cats out of seven big cat species: Bengal Tiger: Panthera Tigris Tigris  Asiatic Lion: Panthera Leo Persica  Indian Leopard: Panthera Pardus Fusca  Snow Leopard: Panthera Uncia  Clouded Leopard: Neofelis Nebulosa Statement 2 is correct: Tiger: As per the latest Tiger Census conducted in 2018-19, the tiger population in India has increased to 2967. India now accounts for about 70% of the world’s tiger population.  Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats across India, including tropical forests, grasslands, and mangroves.  Appearance: Characterised by its orange coat with black stripes. Males are typically larger than females.  Behaviour: Solitary and territorial. Known for its powerful build and strength. Conservation Status:  Endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservation efforts like Project Tiger have been effective in increasing their numbers. Statement 3 is incorrect: Cheetahs have become extinct in India since 1952. In September 2022, Cheetahs were reintroduced into the wild in India as 8 Cheetahs were imported from Namibia. They will be released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022.