Open AccessRapid ecosystem change and polar bear conservation
Author(s) -
Derocher Andrew E.,
Aars Jon,
Amstrup Steven C.,
Cutting Amy,
Lunn Nick J.,
Molnár Péter K.,
Obbard Martyn E.,
Stirling Ian,
Thiemann Gregory W.,
Vongraven Dag,
Wiig Øystein,
York Geoffrey
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12009
Subject(s) - climate change , habitat , population , environmental resource management , ecosystem , arctic , ecology , marine ecosystem , geography , environmental science , biology , demography , sociology
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.