Biodiversity The Polar Bear (Threatened Species) By Mary Roos 11/18/2016

What is the geographic distribution of the species (current and former)? Polar bears are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic. Polar bears or their tracks have been reported as far north as the pole. But the northern Arctic Ocean has little food for them. In the South the polar bears range is limited by the amount of sea ice that forms in the winter. https://seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-infobooks/polar-bears/habitat-and-distribution/

What habitat type/systems are preferred by this species? Polar bears prefer sea ice habitat next to coastlines or islands Some follow the southern edge of the ice pack year round, making extensive migrations as the ice recedes Some spend part of the year on land – have been seen as far inland as 250 miles Most pregnant females spend autumn and Winter on land in maternity dens. Polar bears have adapted to live in the water and on land. They are excellent swimmers. https://seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-infobooks/polar-bears/habitat-and-distribution/

What is the current status of the species? Status by country International: Vulnerable Canada: Special Concern Greenland / Denmark: Vulnerable Norway: Vulnerable Russia: Indeterminate, Rare, or Recovering, depending on population United States: Threatened http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/wildlife/polar_bear/population/

What factor/factors have led to the status of this species?  A polar bear at risk is often a sign of something wrong somewhere in the arctic marine ecosystem. The greatest threat is climate change – with climate change, there are few opportunities to fee and unhealthy bears will lower the reproduction rates producing fewer cubs. Oil exploration – as this business increasingly moves into the Arctic there are oil spills which the bears are not able to insulate themselves to keep warm, the ingest the oil. http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/arctic/wildlife/polar_bear/population/

What conservation/protection measures have been taken to protect this species? In 2008 US Department of Interior announced polar bears to be among species threatened making it illegal to hunt or kill in US. Earth Justice has prevented Shell Oil from drilling by challenging its drilling leases, but a more permanent solution will need to be made to keep the Artic the prime habitat for polar bears

What is your opinion of the effectiveness of these measures for this species? I think as a society we are working towards controlling carbon emissions but we have a long way to go. Global warming is not only affecting this species, but our own. In recent news for polar bears that during the climate meetings in Paris, nearly 200 nations established a goal of limiting temperature rise to two degrees or less. Although the path to achieving that goal was not established, recent studies show it is achievable. In doing so, we can save polar bears and preserve a better future for all life on earth.

What suggestions do you have for protecting/re-establishing this species? As a society, we need to work to slow down global warming, some suggestions: Driving less Conserving Water Buying less – then we don’t have to reduce, reuse, recycle Using less energy