The number of polar bears is expected to decline suddenly and dramatically as their sea ice habitat thins and shrinks due to climate change.
Climate change and global warming will trigger a drop in the polar bear population whose survival is inextricably linked to sea ice, stresses a new study by Canadian scientists.
The study notes a strong correlation between the health and physical conditions of the bears and the state of the sea ice.
Published in the journal Biological Conservation, the study anticipates the population of the polar bears will not decrease gradually nor will it follow a predictable trend.
As Arctic sea ice declines in extent and thickness, the species’ ongoing viability will be cut dramatically and suddenly.
Source: Global warming striking polar bears - Press TV
Date: 26 May 2010