Why are Svalbard polar bears in better condition despite ice loss?

Svalbard polar bears are showing improved body condition due to a flexible diet that includes land-based food sources and strong local conservation efforts, which help them adapt to reduced sea ice.

What alternative food sources are helping Svalbard polar bears survive?

Svalbard polar bears are increasingly utilizing land-based food sources, such as reindeer, walrus carcasses, and bird eggs, to supplement their diet as sea ice diminishes.

Do all polar bear populations show improved health with climate change?

No, the improved health of Svalbard polar bears is a localized phenomenon; other populations, like those in Western Hudson Bay, are experiencing declines due to climate change impacts.

Home / Environment / Arctic Surprise: Polar Bears Gain Weight Despite Melting Ice

Arctic Surprise: Polar Bears Gain Weight Despite Melting Ice

7 Feb

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Summary

Svalbard polar bears show improved body condition despite rapid ice loss.
Flexible diets including land-based sources aid bear health.
Local conservation and varied prey offer protection against climate change.

Arctic Surprise: Polar Bears Gain Weight Despite Melting Ice

Polar bears in Norway's Svalbard archipelago are exhibiting improved body condition, a surprising finding given the rapid sea ice loss in the region. While many Arctic populations face declining health due to shrinking hunting platforms, Svalbard bears have shown a steady increase in weight since around 2000, despite an approximately two-month longer ice-free season. This trend persisted from 1995 to 2019.

Scientists attribute this resilience to a more varied diet. While seals remain a key prey, bears are increasingly scavenging on land-based resources such as reindeer, walrus carcasses, and bird eggs. This dietary flexibility appears to offset reduced access to sea ice for hunting seals, a crucial food source. Strong local conservation measures, including hunting bans and protection of alternative prey, also contribute to their well-being.