Saudi Arabia has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance, becoming the 26th member nation of the India-led global conservation platform focused on protecting the world’s seven big cat species.
Jeddah: Saudi Arabia on Friday joined the International Big Cat Alliance, strengthening international cooperation aimed at protecting endangered big cat species across the world.
With Saudi Arabia’s inclusion, the alliance now has 26 member countries and five observer nations.
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The IBCA, launched as an India-led initiative, focuses on the conservation of seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. India is home to five of these species, excluding Jaguar and Puma.
What is the International Big Cat Alliance?
The International Big Cat Alliance was established in 2024 by Narendra Modi as a treaty-based global platform bringing together countries, organisations and institutions involved in wildlife conservation.
The alliance includes 95 big cat range countries along with scientific organisations, conservation agencies, businesses and corporate groups interested in supporting global big cat protection efforts.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the IBCA aims to create collaboration between countries by sharing conservation expertise, successful practices, research and technical knowledge through a centralised global platform.
Apart from India, several countries have already joined the alliance, including Russia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Mongolia and Rwanda among others.
In a statement shared on X, the IBCA welcomed Saudi Arabia’s participation and described it as an important step towards strengthening global cooperation for wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
Focus on global big cat conservation
The alliance was created to improve coordination among countries facing challenges related to habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade and climate-related threats affecting big cat populations.
Officials said the platform would help member countries exchange scientific research, conservation technologies and policy strategies to improve long-term protection of endangered species.
India has been actively positioning itself as a global leader in wildlife conservation through programmes such as Project Tiger and cheetah reintroduction efforts, with the IBCA now serving as a broader international conservation initiative.
Published: 23 May 2026, 08:59 am IST
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