Arctic Species cannot be saved by Range States alone

Source: Ocean Care

On the last day of the 10th Conference of the 116 Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species adopted a resolution addressing the impacts of climate change on migratory species around the world. The Parties recognize that there are already well documented and significant impacts on habitats as well as migration routes that put many migratory species at risk. They have urged that action be taken for those species most susceptible to climate change.

One of the species most impacted by such changes is the Polar Bear which is not yet listed in the CMS Appendices. At this meeting the Scientific Council of the Convention has urged countries to review a future listing in reaction to the projected dramatic decline. With their habitat melting away, scientific estimates show two-thirds of global polar bear populations becoming extinct within 45 years and a greater than 40% probability of extinction for the remaining populations within 100 years. Recent scientific projections and findings are all alarming.

Fragmentation and loss of sea ice are one of the most critical conservation concerns for this species, as impacting strongly on polar bear movement and distribution, as well as on the feeding, mating and denning of this species.

“Nowhere in the world is the dramatic change in habitat more obvious than in the Arctic. But Range States to those species cannot and should not work alone to prevent losing amazing species, such as the polar bear. Lip-service alone won’t increase hope for the King of the Arctic, urgent action is essential” states Nicolas Entrup, Consultant to a Coalition of NGOs, including the Humane Society International, NRDC, OceanCare, ProWildlife and the Migratory Wildlife Network.

Read more: http://www.oceancare.org/en/up-to-date/news/2010/2011/11/Arctic_Species.php