Glacial ice supports a distinct and undocumented polar bear subpopulation persisting in late 21st-century sea-ice conditions.
Science
; 376(6599): 1333-1338, 2022 06 17.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35709290
ABSTRACT
Polar bears are susceptible to climate warming because of their dependence on sea ice, which is declining rapidly. We present the first evidence for a genetically distinct and functionally isolated group of polar bears in Southeast Greenland. These bears occupy sea-ice conditions resembling those projected for the High Arctic in the late 21st century, with an annual ice-free period that is >100 days longer than the estimated fasting threshold for the species. Whereas polar bears in most of the Arctic depend on annual sea ice to catch seals, Southeast Greenland bears have a year-round hunting platform in the form of freshwater glacial mélange. This suggests that marine-terminating glaciers, although of limited availability, may serve as previously unrecognized climate refugia. Conservation of Southeast Greenland polar bears, which meet criteria for recognition as the world's 20th polar bear subpopulation, is necessary to preserve the genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of the species.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Ursidae
/
Conservación de los Recursos Naturales
/
Cubierta de Hielo
/
Calentamiento Global
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
/
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Science
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos