Causes such as climate change continue to threaten the future of our planet and living species. polar bears While they are not currently considered among the endangered animals, they are among the animals that may disappear in the future due to habitat loss, pollution, and many other reasons.

Now there has been a very important development regarding these living species. Scientists have discovered a “hidden” population of polar bears that can survive in a seemingly impossible habitat, according to a study published in the journal Science.

Polar bears that can live without sea ice discovered

The group is normally important to their hunt. in places devoid of sea ice Experts stated that they were discovered and noted that these species have lived undetected for centuries. According to the statements, bears live in fjords where glaciers meet the ocean. This suggests that at least some polar bears can survive on land glaciers.

Let’s just unpack this. Although polar bears are among the largest land predators in the world, they are marine mammals; because these animals mainly feed on aquatic animals. This shows how important sea ice is for this species. However, climate change has reduced the amount of sea ice available, reducing the amount of sea ice available to these animals. shrinks natural habitats† For this reason, polar bears are thought to become extinct in the future.

According to the statements, the new group, defined as the 20th subpopulation of polar bears, was discovered in southeastern Greenland. The researchers said this genetically diverse group includes about 300 polar bears and has been isolated from other populations for nearly 200 years. In addition, the region where the group was discovered contains no more than 250 days of sea ice per year; In other words, it was reported that he could survive without this type of ice.

Discovery doesn’t change the fact that polar bears in general are in danger of extinction

Scientists believe the group used chunks of ice that had broken off and spilled into the sea. In addition, the region has similar characteristics to the sea ice estimates at the end of the 21st century; It is therefore argued that at least some of the species can provide important information for the future.

Kristine Laidre, one of the authors of the study, said in a statement about the discovery: “These glaciers may allow some polar bears to survive for a long time. However, this situation applies to the general population. may not be suitableand pointed out that the discovery may not help polar bears in general.

Although the new study reveals promising results about polar bears, experts still emphasize that these animals are generally in great danger. Laidre said: “The loss of Arctic sea ice is for all polar bears. still the primary threat† This investigation does not change that” and draws attention to the seriousness of the situation.