- Polar bears are facing melting sea ice in the Arctic. This melting is reducing the habitat of ringed seals, which bears traditionally hunted, thus threatening their food supply.
- In warming world conditions, polar bears spend more time in coastal areas and look for alternative sources on land to feed. However, due to their lack of adaptation to life on land, bears often cannot get enough food and lose weight.
- Scientists continue their research to understand the survival strategies of polar bears and the future of their populations under these changing environmental conditions.
Scientists have determined that some polar bears face the threat of starvation as the sea ice in the North Pole melts. The iconic species of the Arctic normally feed on ringed seals, which they catch on offshore ice floes, but as this ice disappears in a warming world, many bears are spending more time on shore and eating bird eggs, berries and grass. However, animals that cannot adapt to life on land lose weight rapidly, increasing the risk of death.
While polar bears have become a prominent indicator of climate change, the impacts on this species are complex. While bear numbers have declined in the past due to unsustainable hunting, their numbers have increased with greater legal protection. But rising global temperatures are now seen as the biggest threat. Because frozen Arctic seas are vital for these animals.
To understand polar bears’ survival strategies during ice-free summer months, scientists tracked the activities of 20 polar bears over a three-year period in western Manitoba. Observations showed that most bears tried to preserve energy by resting, and some went in search of vegetation or berries. However, it turned out that both strategies failed and the vast majority of the bears lost weight.
Researchers say this study points to a challenging future for polar bears in the Arctic. If sea ice disappears as predicted, conditions for these animals could become much more challenging. However, other researchers state that the effects of climate change on polar bears may vary regionally.
“Polar bears are likely to disappear in areas where sea ice disappears in the future, but it is difficult to say exactly when and where,” said Jon Aars of the Norwegian Polar Institute. “Some areas may continue to have suitable conditions for bears.” said.
This important research in the journal Nature Communications published.
Compiled by: Ayça Ayaz
