Tamali Mondal

#IBCA at IRALE 2026 | Inaugural Programme Dr Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), delivered an inspiring inaugural address, highlighting India’s pivotal role in landscape-level conservation. He emphasised how IBCA can complement these efforts at a global scale through collaboration and shared vision. As part of the IBCA special session, distinguished international experts were invited: 1. Dr Sivanathan Elagupillay (Malaysia) 2. Dr Paul J Funston (South Africa) Together, the session reinforced the importance of global collaboration for biodiversity and #bigcat conservation.

Day 1 of IRALE Conference 2026 begins at the Periyar Tiger Reserve 🌿 The inauguration ceremony with traditional lamp lighting and inspiring keynote addresses set the tone for meaningful discussions on landscape ecology and conservation. #IRALE2026 #PeriyarTigerReserve #landscape

Glimpses from Day 1 | IBCA at IRALE 2026 With the International Big Cat Alliance (#IBCA) playing a pivotal role, Day 1 marked a strong beginning toward collective action and global partnerships. Catch the energy and inspiration from Day 1 of @IraleInfo as leaders and experts came together to set the tone for meaningful global dialogue.

Strengthening Global Conservation at the #IRALE2026 Pre-Summit Today’s session opened with a powerful call to action for the world’s big cats and the ecosystems they call home. Session Highlights: ➡️ Welcome Remarks: Delivered by Dr @Kausik32874605, Lead Specialist, International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). ➡️ Insights on the roadmap ahead from: Dr Joshua, Chair, IRALE Dr Karunakaran, President, IRALE Dr @kramesh95, Founding Secretary, IRALE ➡️ Global Perspective: A special video message from Dr @SPYadavIFS, Director General, IBCA, emphasizing the critical importance of landscape-level conservation for the long-term survival of big cats. The Future Vision: Dr. Amit Mallick, Director (International Cooperation), IBCA, delivered the vision and future prospects of the International Big Cat Alliance. The session was moderated by Dr Tamali Mondal, Programme Associate, IBCA

IBCA at #IRALE2026 Technical Session 1 featured a keynote address by Dr Shivananthan, Tiger Lead Specialist, IBCA, focusing on current priorities and collaborative approaches in big cat conservation. The session was followed by student presentations on big cat conservation by: 1. Dr Priyamvada Bagariya 2. Ms Harshita Prajapati 3. Mr Vishal Patel Their presentations provided an overview of: ➡️ Socially inclusive approaches to tiger corridor management and stewardship in Central India. ➡️ The role of human perceptions and livelihood constraints in shaping tiger recovery in the Sahyadri landscape. ➡️ Community attitudes and tolerance toward leopards in the Greater Gir landscape.

Day 2 Highlights | #IRALE2026 With active participation from policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and organisations, Day 2 reinforced the importance of collaboration across regions and disciplines for long-term biodiversity conservation. Here are glimpses.

Day 3 at #IBCA2026 during #IRALE2026 was all about action on the ground! Our team had an engaging interaction with the Dog Squad at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, witnessing firsthand their vital role in wildlife protection and conservation security. Check out moments from the IBCA pre-summit at Periyar, collaboration, learning, and commitment towards safeguarding biodiversity.

The recent successful translocation of 9 cheetahs from Botswana to @KunoNationalPrk, Madhya Pradesh marks a significant milestone in India’s big cat conservation efforts. The International Big Cat Alliance #IBCA welcomes this important initiative, which reflects strengthened international cooperation and a shared commitment to restoring ecological balance and advancing species recovery through science-based conservation interventions. #IBCAForBigCats #IBCAForCheetah #Cheetah #CheetahsInKuno

We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and IRALE at the IRALE 2026 Pre-Summit Event. This partnership marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration in wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable landscape management. Together, we will work to promote global cooperation and impactful conservation initiatives.

Strengthening Conservation Partnerships at @nstr_tiger. The #RallyforBigCats2026 team successfully completed the community outreach programme at Van Vihar, Diguvametta, Andhra Pradesh. In collaboration with the Forest Department, the team engaged more than 320 key stakeholders to reinforce the vital connection between local communities and wildlife preservation. The programme concluded with a ceremonial plantation drive alongside Forest Department leadership, symbolising our shared commitment to a sustainable future.

More than 1,200 young voices at #RallyforBigCats2026 in Nagpur. The Rally for Big Cats team engaged students at Mahatma Gandhi Centennial Sindhu School, Nagpur, in an interactive outreach programme on big cats, forests, ecology, and climate change. Tiger bands on, pledges taken, and a shared commitment to protect wildlife.

For Big Cats. For Forests. For the Future. Watch moments that reflect the continued efforts of #RallyforBigCats2026 to engage local communities, build awareness, and encourage coexistence in Satpura, one of Central India’s most significant forest regions. Through sustained outreach and shared responsibility, we remain committed to protecting #bigcats and conserving their natural habitats.

The #RallyforBigCats2026 team had the honour of meeting Shri @nitin_gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister @MORTHIndia, in Nagpur on 9 February, 2026. During the interaction, the team shared the vision, journey, and objectives of the Rally for Big Cats initiative. He appreciated the efforts towards wildlife conservation and awareness for big cats and graciously extended his encouragement to the team. His support reinforces our commitment to protecting #bigcats and preserving their natural habitats.

#TeamRally at Nagpur. The Rally team had the honour of meeting Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, GOI. Shri Gadkari Ji appreciated the efforts being made towards conservation and awareness for big cats and encouraged the rally members.

#RallyforBigCats2026 team spent the day at @PenchMP with students from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, learning about wildlife conservation, climate change, and how tiger reserves are managed. A forest officer shared real experiences from the field, helping students understand the importance of forests, big cats, and responsible human behaviour.

The #BigCatsRally2026 team conducted an engaging outreach session at Integrated Government Higher Secondary School, Khawasa, spreading awareness about big cats, ecological balance, and the need to protect forests and wildlife. With curious questions and active participation, students showed how awareness truly begins in classrooms. Together, we continue to inspire responsibility and keep the roar alive. 🐾

Inspiring young voices to stand for nature and coexistence. #RallyforBigCats2026 hosted a wildlife awareness program at Late Seth Gulabchand Govt. H.S. School, Khawasa, reaching enthusiastic students, teachers, and staff. The session explored the role of big cats in nature, the need for conservation, and ways to reduce human–wildlife conflict, highlighting how a healthy environment supports our own future.

The #BigCatsRally2026 outreach programme was successfully held in Kota, Rajasthan on 1st February, bringing together local participants for an engaging awareness session. 🤝 The interaction focused on: * Importance of big cat conservation * Human–wildlife coexistence * Role of local communities in protecting ecosystems ✨ The active participation of local people made the session impactful and inspiring, reinforcing that conservation begins at the grassroots. Together, we move closer to a future where people and wildlife thrive side by side.

On #WorldWetlandsDay, Rally for Big Cats joined hands with Last Wilderness Foundation at the Kuno Landscape, Madhya Pradesh and carried out a cleanliness drive at Kuno River to highlight the importance of wetland conservation and its direct link to big cat survival. Healthy wetlands sustain water systems, prey species, and habitats that support #BigCats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making their protection essential for wildlife and biodiversity. Protect wetlands. Protect big cats. #RallyforBigCats2026

Voices for the Wild 🐾 | #BigCatsRally2026 – Sesaipura, Madhya Pradesh The spirit of conservation came alive at PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Sesaipura (MP) as more than 250 participants joined hands for the Big Cats Rally. During the interaction, students and educators marched with one message loud and clear, #BigCats matter. From awareness slogans to community participation, the rally highlighted the importance of protecting tigers, cheetahs and other big cats for a balanced ecosystem. Small steps. Strong voices. A safer future for wildlife.