Transcript Polar Bears and Global Warming

AFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
ON THE
POLAR BEAR (Ursus maritimus)
Jennie McNary / Curator of Mammals
Los Angeles Zoo
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ICONIC SPECIES
Uniquely adapted for Arctic life:
Large paws / long claws
White/yellow fur
Black hide / Thick fat layer
Small ears
Ability to swim
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TOP PREDATOR
ONE SPECIES:
19 SUB-POPULATIONS
THREATS TO POLAR BEARS
Threats to polar bears:
Hunting
Petroleum Industry
Persistent Organic Pollutants
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Radioactive trash
GLOBAL WARMING
NOT ENDANGERED?
The polar bear is currently categorized as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red list. This
assessment is based on the potential of
an ~30% decrease in population size over
the next three generations (~45 years).
The US Department of the Interior has listed
the polar bear as Threatened throughout its
range under the Endangered Species Act.
This designation is largely in response to the
effects that climate change has had on the
numbers and reproductive success of the
polar bear.
DEPEND ON SEA ICE
Travel
Mate
Den
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Hunt
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SEA ICE CHANGES
Decrease in stored body fat
Decrease in body condition
Decrease in successful reproduction
Decrease in cub survival
NASA
JPL
LAZOO
LAZoo photographer
AZA