An alarming fact: Two-thirds of the world's polar bears could disappear by 2050 as global warming continues to melt the Arctic's sea ice. (12)Before I discuss the reason for Polar Bear endangerment, it is important to know where exactly they live. Polar bears live throughout the icy waters of the Arctic, though their range is limited. (14) In those areas where the ice melts, the polar bears must retreat to the land fasting on stored fat. The use of land is increasing because of climate change. The polar bears are also native to several other countries, such as Canada, Greenland and Norway. (13)
The polar bear is, in fact, included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. For now, it is classified as "vulnerable". (13) What is the biggest threat to the polar bears? Climate change. Climate change, an extremely prevalent topic, leaves researchers and the general public worried. Because of the change in weather, ice is melting leaving polar bears with no where to go. Polar bears could possibly become extinct due to ice changes. Certainly climate change is not the only threat to polar bears. (2)Polar bears need the ice in order to move around and find food. They depend on the ice, which is slowing melting at an unprecedented rate. In some areas, ice is melting earlier during the spring and forming later in the fall. In fact, the main cause of death for cubs is the lack of food or fat from the nursing mothers body. (3)
Not only is climate change an important topic, but poaching, pollution and industrial disturbances are hurting polar bears also. Pollution (oil) in contact with polar bears ruins their fur, making the bear use more energy to keep warm. Because their main source of food is fish, contamination of the fish is poses health issues to the bear, which could ultimately lead to starvation in a long period of time. (3)
In regards to hunting, there is an Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears that allows the local people to take polar bears legally. This actually means under Article 1, the term "taking" means hunting, killing and capturing. This is due to the original practices of the indigenous people.
In the next post, I will explain how we can help the polar bears.
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.treehugger.com/polar-bears-climate-change-schools.jpg
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ReplyDeleteWhat is being done to help prevent the extinction of the polar bear?
ReplyDeleteI will explain in the next post.
ReplyDeleteI know that polar bears, because of their endangerment, are being helped by many organizations. But also, many zoos' polar bears have been dying. Are these dying for the same reasons wild polar bears are?
ReplyDeleteI am a little confused as to why the ice is so necessary for their survival. How does it help them get food?
ReplyDeleteHailey- Because of the change in habitat and temperature, all animals entering a zoo have to adapt differently, so the polar bear would be one of them. As far as extinction, I have not seen any research claiming that zoos endanger animals. Most zoos hope to conserve the animal.
ReplyDeleteAlex- The ice is needed because their main source of food is fish, which they catch from the ice blocks, that are currently melting.
I never knew that pollutants ruined the polar bears fur and that it made it more difficult to stay warm. Do the polar bears need a certain environment to survive at a zoo?
ReplyDeleteBut dont polar bears swim?? Cant they just swim in the water to catch the fish?
ReplyDelete