Jing  He , Jun  Li

Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Super Species Research, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   
Received: 19 Apr., 2024    Accepted: 21 May, 2024    Published: 27 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the apex predator of the Arctic region, and its survival is heavily dependent on the ice-covered polar environment. However, with the intensification of global climate change, temperatures in the Arctic are rapidly rising, leading to widespread sea ice melt. This environmental change has profound impacts on the biology and ecology of polar bears, threatening the survival of this species. This study reviews existing literature to comprehensively analyze the effects of climate change on polar bear habitats, prey availability, hunting behavior, reproductive success, and overall population viability. Additionally, the study focuses on the polar bear population in the Hudson Bay area, exploring the specific challenges posed by early ice melt and the corresponding conservation efforts. The findings reveal that the loss of sea ice due to climate change significantly affects polar bears' hunting efficiency and energy balance, thereby threatening their health and reproductive success. As habitats shrink and prey become scarcer, polar bears' movement patterns and ranges have changed significantly. Case studies indicate that the Hudson Bay polar bear population faces immense survival pressure due to the earlier melting of sea ice. Understanding the impact of climate change on polar bears is crucial not only for the conservation of this iconic species but also for the overall health of the Arctic ecosystem. By analyzing the adaptive capacity and resilience of polar bears in response to environmental changes, this study provides scientific support for the development of effective conservation strategies and emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in protecting the Arctic ecosystem.

Polar bears; Climate change; Sea ice melt; Arctic ecosystem; Conservation strategies