Rapid ecosystem change and polar bear conservation

Conservation Letters

Andrew E. Derocher⁶  Jon Aars¹  Steven C. Amstrup⁴  Amy Cutting⁴  Nick J. Lunn²  Péter K. Molnár³  Martyn E. Obbard⁷  Ian Stirling⁶  Gregory W. Thiemann⁸  Dag Vongraven¹  Øystein Wiig⁵ 

[1] Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway;Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada,, Edmonton, AB T6H 3S5, Canada;Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Eno Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA;Polar Bears International, Bozeman, MT 59772, USA;National Centre for Biosystematics, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Blindern 0318 Oslo, Norway;Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada;Wildlife Research and Development Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, DNA Building, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada;Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada

关键词: Arctic;    climate change;    conservation planning;    management;    polar bear;   

DOI  :  10.1111/conl.12009

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Anthropogenic global warming is occurring more rapidly in the Arctic than elsewhere, and has already caused significant negative effects on sea ice-dependent species such as polar bears. Although observed effects have thus far been gradual, the large amount of annual variation in the climate system may cause habitat changes in individual years that exceed the long-term trend. Such years may be below critical thresholds necessary for feeding and result in unprecedented reductions in survival, reproduction, and abundance in some populations. Here, in anticipation of sudden negative population-level effects, we provide an overview of proactive conservation and management options. Preplanning, consultation, and coordination of management responses will be necessary to reduce the risks to human safety and other effects of catastrophic declines in habitat. Advance consideration of the costs, legality, logistical difficulties, likelihood of success, and invasiveness of potential responses will be critical to minimizing short-term negative effects while laying the groundwork for longer-term conservation objectives.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.