04 December 2023

Press Release

For immediate release

Groundbreaking new study develops unique method to protect polar bears and understand their habitat

A groundbreaking new study which involves collecting and analysing the snow tracks of polar bears, lynx and snow leopards, has been developed by WWF and MIX Research.

The study – published today (04.12.23) in leading journal Frontiers in Conservation Science – uses a pioneering toolkit to genetically profile arctic animals in order to gain a deeper understanding of their populations and remote habitats.

With summer sea ice already disappearing quickly in some parts of the Arctic, and experts predicting the global polar bear population will decline by more than 30% by 2050, developing innovative ways to monitor polar bears – and other arctic animals – has become increasingly important.

The study focuses on collecting trace amounts of genetic material (eDNA) shed from the footpads of animals which can be used to identify and profile them.

Offering an unobtrusive, non-invasive approach to studying wildlife populations, this methodology enabled the research team to isolate and analyse samples collected from the snow tracks of 13 polar bears in Alaska during 2019-2022 and achieve the remarkable feat of genetically profiling each individual bear.

While eDNA is still in its infancy as a tool, the new toolkit was adapted from previous trials with Eurasian lynx and European otter in Sweden in 2017 and 2018 and unlocks unique insights into different species – including identifying and tracking individual animals, monitoring how populations interact, and understanding migration patterns and behaviours.

Commenting on the study, Dr Melanie Lancaster, Senior specialist, Arctic species, WWF Global Arctic Programme, said:

“We’re delighted with the results of this collaboration and pleased to add a new tool to the conservation toolbox for polar bears and other snow-living species.

“There is still much we do not know about polar bears across the Arctic, which is worrying, given current and predicted impacts of the climate crisis on their habitats and populations. We need all the help we can get to collectively ensure their conservation.”

Dr Micaela Hellström, lead researcher at MIX Research, said:

“From a ski trip in the Swedish forests, where I collected snow from otter tracks, an unexpected polar bear project emerged, featuring a collaborative dream-team.

“With expertise from WWF on polar bear conservation and insights from Indigenous communities on the bear-human perspective, I was able to contribute by developing cutting edge genetic tools.”

Rod Downie, WWF’s Chief Adviser, Polar Regions, said:

“Polar bears are icons on ice but notoriously difficult to study but this method marks a significant step forward in wildlife conservation.

“These iconic animals face imminent threats due to the climate crisis, which is rapidly and dramatically melting their sea ice habitat. Understanding their movements, genetic interactions, and behaviours is of utmost importance for their conservation and management.”

ENDS

For more information contact:

Steven Brown, Media Manager

T: +44 (0)7875168585 | E: stbrown@wwf.org.uk

Out of hours media contact: 

T: +44 (0) 7500 577620| press@wwf.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Further work will be done to refine the method, optimize protocols, and raise awareness among conservationists, researchers and local communities.
The Arctic is warming more than twice as fast as the global average
The Arctic covers more than 30 million sq km and the region is home to around four million people, including indigenous communities, spread across eight countries
The Arctic is home to around 450 types of fish, 280 kinds of bird and 130 different mammals, including polar bears, narwhals and Arctic foxes and even cold-water coral reefs
Polar bears are the largest carnivore on land in the world and can weigh up to 800kg
It is predicted that polar bears will suffer more than 30% population decline by 2050, due to sea ice loss

What is WWF doing to protect the Arctic?

We work with local people and governments to advocate for conservation throughout the Arctic, resulting in the establishment of protected areas, and other effective conservation measures.
We support research to understand how Arctic species like polar bears, narwhal, bowhead and beluga whales, walrus and caribou are coping with climate change.
We help develop adaptation and resilience strategies to help people and animals better cope with climate change and development pressures.
WWF works with the Arctic Council to strengthen governance in the region by helping shape the Council’s agenda, participating in working groups and contributing to Council findings and recommendations.

About MIX Research:

MIX Research Sweden is a research and consulting company specialized in eDNA for biodiversity monitoring. For more information, visit https://www.mixresearch.se/en.