1
|
Wang MS, Murray GGR, Mann D, Groves P, Vershinina AO, Supple MA, Kapp JD, Corbett-Detig R, Crump SE, Stirling I, Laidre KL, Kunz M, Dalén L, Green RE, Shapiro B. A polar bear paleogenome reveals extensive ancient gene flow from polar bears into brown bears. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:936-944. [PMID: 35711062 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos) are sister species possessing distinct physiological and behavioural adaptations that evolved over the last 500,000 years. However, comparative and population genomics analyses have revealed that several extant and extinct brown bear populations have relatively recent polar bear ancestry, probably as the result of geographically localized instances of gene flow from polar bears into brown bears. Here, we generate and analyse an approximate 20X paleogenome from an approximately 100,000-year-old polar bear that reveals a massive prehistoric admixture event, which is evident in the genomes of all living brown bears. This ancient admixture event was not visible from genomic data derived from living polar bears. Like more recent events, this massive admixture event mainly involved unidirectional gene flow from polar bears into brown bears and occurred as climate changes caused overlap in the ranges of the two species. These findings highlight the complex reticulate paths that evolution can take within a regime of radically shifting climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Shan Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Gemma G R Murray
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Mann
- Department of Geosciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA.,Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Pamela Groves
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Alisa O Vershinina
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Megan A Supple
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Joshua D Kapp
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Russell Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Sarah E Crump
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kristin L Laidre
- Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Kunz
- University of Alaska Museum of the North, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Love Dalén
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Palaeogenetics, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard E Green
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. .,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson AC, Reimer JR, Lunn NJ, Stirling I, McGeachy D, Derocher AE. Influence of sea ice dynamics on population energetics of Western Hudson Bay polar bears. Conserv Physiol 2020; 8:coaa132. [PMID: 33408870 PMCID: PMC7772618 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic marine ecosystem has experienced extensive changes in sea ice dynamics, with significant effects on ice-dependent species such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We used annual estimates of the numbers of bears onshore in the core summering area, age/sex structure and body condition data to estimate population energy density and storage energy in Western Hudson Bay polar bears from 1985 to 2018. We examined intra-population variation in energetic patterns, temporal energetic trends and the relationship between population energetics and sea ice conditions. Energy metrics for most demographic classes declined over time in relation to earlier sea ice breakup, most significantly for solitary adult females and subadult males, suggesting their greater vulnerability to nutritional stress than other age/sex classes. Temporal declines in population energy metrics were related to earlier breakup and longer lagged open-water periods, suggesting multi-year effects of sea ice decline. The length of the open-water period ranged from 102 to 166 days and increased significantly by 9.9 days/decade over the study period. Total population energy density and storage energy were significantly lower when sea ice breakup occurred earlier and the lagged open-water period was longer. At the earliest breakup and a lagged open-water period of 180 days, population energy density was predicted to be 33% lower than our minimum estimated energy density and population storage energy was predicted to be 40% lower than the minimum estimated storage energy. Consequently, over the study, the total population energy density declined by 53% (mean: 3668 ± 386 MJ kg-1/decade) and total population storage energy declined by 56% (mean: 435900 ± 46770 MJ/decade). This study provides insights into ecological mechanisms linking population responses to sea ice decline and highlights the significance of maintaining long-term research programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jody R Reimer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nicholas J Lunn
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW-422 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW-422 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - David McGeachy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW-422 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Abstract
Despite the important role that population density plays in ecological and evolutionary processes, studies of solitary species that occur at low densities remain scarce. In the context of mating systems, density is expected to influence the ability of males to find and monopolize mates, in turn, influencing variance in lifetime mating/reproductive success and the opportunity for selection. Herein, we investigate variance in male lifetime mating success (LMS), lifetime reproductive success (LRS), and the mating system of a sexually dimorphic carnivore that occurs at low densities, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Across 17 cohorts, born from 1975 to 1991, male LMS ranged from 0 to10 mates and LRS from 0 to 14 cubs; 40% of known-age males were not known to have reproduced. The opportunity for sexual selection (Is = 1.66, range = 0.60–4.99) and selection (I = 1.76, range: 0.65–4.89) were low compared to species with similar levels of sexual size dimorphism. Skew in male LRS was also low but significant for most cohorts indicating nonrandom reproductive success. Age-specific reproductive success was biased toward males from 11 to 17 years of age, with variation in fecundity (54%) but not longevity (10%) playing an important role in male reproduction. Our results support a growing body of evidence that suggests that male-biased size dimorphism and polygynous mating systems need not be associated with high variance in male mating and/or reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan S Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Corey Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - René M Malenfant
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Laidre KL, Stirling I. Grounded icebergs as maternity denning habitat for polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in North and Northeast Greenland. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
5
|
Harvey JA, van den Berg D, Ellers J, Kampen R, Crowther TW, Roessingh P, Verheggen B, Nuijten RJM, Post E, Lewandowsky S, Stirling I, Balgopal M, Amstrup SC, Mann ME. Corrigendum: Internet Blogs, Polar Bears, and Climate-Change Denial by Proxy. Bioscience 2018; 68:237. [PMID: 29664475 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix133.].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Harvey
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen.,Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | - Daphne van den Berg
- Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W Crowther
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen, and with the Institute of Integrative Biology, in Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Roessingh
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Rascha J M Nuijten
- Department of Animal Ecology at Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen
| | - Eric Post
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Institute at the University of Bristol, in the United Kingdom, and with CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada
| | - Meena Balgopal
- Department of Biology at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins
| | - Steven C Amstrup
- Polar Bears International, in Bozeman, Montana, and with the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie
| | - Michael E Mann
- Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, in University Park
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harvey JA, van den Berg D, Ellers J, Kampen R, Crowther TW, Roessingh P, Verheggen B, Nuijten RJM, Post E, Lewandowsky S, Stirling I, Balgopal M, Amstrup SC, Mann ME. Internet Blogs, Polar Bears, and Climate-Change Denial by Proxy. Bioscience 2018; 68:281-287. [PMID: 29662248 PMCID: PMC5894087 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing surface temperatures, Arctic sea-ice loss, and other evidence of anthropogenic global warming (AGW) are acknowledged by every major scientific organization in the world. However, there is a wide gap between this broad scientific consensus and public opinion. Internet blogs have strongly contributed to this consensus gap by fomenting misunderstandings of AGW causes and consequences. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have become a "poster species" for AGW, making them a target of those denying AGW evidence. Here, focusing on Arctic sea ice and polar bears, we show that blogs that deny or downplay AGW disregard the overwhelming scientific evidence of Arctic sea-ice loss and polar bear vulnerability. By denying the impacts of AGW on polar bears, bloggers aim to cast doubt on other established ecological consequences of AGW, aggravating the consensus gap. To counter misinformation and reduce this gap, scientists should directly engage the public in the media and blogosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Harvey
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen. JAH
| | - Daphne van den Berg
- Department of Ecological Sciences–Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences–Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W Crowther
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen, and with the Institute of Integrative Biology, in Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Roessingh
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Rascha J M Nuijten
- Department of Animal Ecology at Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen
| | - Eric Post
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Institute at the University of Bristol, in the United Kingdom, and with CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada
| | - Meena Balgopal
- Department of Biology at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins
| | - Steven C Amstrup
- Polar Bears International, in Bozeman, Montana, and with the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie
| | - Michael E Mann
- Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, in University Park
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harvey JA, van den Berg D, Ellers J, Kampen R, Crowther TW, Roessingh P, Verheggen B, Nuijten RJM, Post E, Lewandowsky S, Stirling I, Balgopal M, Amstrup SC, Mann ME. Corrigendum: Internet Blogs, Polar Bears, and Climate-Change Denial by Proxy. Neurosurgery 2018; 68:4955839. [PMID: 29608770 DOI: 10.1093/bioscience/biy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Harvey
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen
- Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | - Daphne van den Berg
- Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences-Animal Ecology at the VU University Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W Crowther
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen, and with the Institute of Integrative Biology, in Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Roessingh
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam, in The Netherlands
| | | | - Rascha J M Nuijten
- Department of Animal Ecology at Netherlands Institute of Ecology, in Wageningen
| | - Eric Post
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Institute at the University of Bristol, in the United Kingdom, and with CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada
| | - Meena Balgopal
- Department of Biology at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins
| | - Steven C Amstrup
- Polar Bears International, in Bozeman, Montana, and with the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie
| | - Michael E Mann
- Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Pennsylvania State University, in University Park
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cahill JA, Heintzman PD, Harris K, Teasdale MD, Kapp J, Soares AER, Stirling I, Bradley D, Edwards CJ, Graim K, Kisleika AA, Malev AV, Monaghan N, Green RE, Shapiro B. Genomic Evidence of Widespread Admixture from Polar Bears into Brown Bears during the Last Ice Age. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 35:1120-1129. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James A Cahill
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Peter D Heintzman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
- Tromsø University Museum, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kelley Harris
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Matthew D Teasdale
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Dublin 2, Ireland
- BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Kapp
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Andre E R Soares
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division, Department of Environment, c/o Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
| | | | - Ceiridwen J Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Kiley Graim
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, NJ
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Nigel Monaghan
- National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard E Green
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
- UCSC Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
- UCSC Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rode KD, Wilson RR, Douglas DC, Muhlenbruch V, Atwood TC, Regehr EV, Richardson ES, Pilfold NW, Derocher AE, Durner GM, Stirling I, Amstrup SC, St Martin M, Pagano AM, Simac K. Spring fasting behavior in a marine apex predator provides an index of ecosystem productivity. Glob Chang Biol 2018; 24:410-423. [PMID: 28994242 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of declining Arctic sea ice on local ecosystem productivity are not well understood but have been shown to vary inter-specifically, spatially, and temporally. Because marine mammals occupy upper trophic levels in Arctic food webs, they may be useful indicators for understanding variation in ecosystem productivity. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are apex predators that primarily consume benthic and pelagic-feeding ice-associated seals. As such, their productivity integrates sea ice conditions and the ecosystem supporting them. Declining sea ice availability has been linked to negative population effects for polar bears but does not fully explain observed population changes. We examined relationships between spring foraging success of polar bears and sea ice conditions, prey productivity, and general patterns of ecosystem productivity in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas (CSs). Fasting status (≥7 days) was estimated using serum urea and creatinine levels of 1,448 samples collected from 1,177 adult and subadult bears across three subpopulations. Fasting increased in the Beaufort Sea between 1983-1999 and 2000-2016 and was related to an index of ringed seal body condition. This change was concurrent with declines in body condition of polar bears and observed changes in the diet, condition and/or reproduction of four other vertebrate consumers within the food chain. In contrast, fasting declined in CS polar bears between periods and was less common than in the two Beaufort Sea subpopulations consistent with studies demonstrating higher primary productivity and maintenance or improved body condition in polar bears, ringed seals, and bearded seals despite recent sea ice loss in this region. Consistency between regional and temporal variation in spring polar bear fasting and food web productivity suggests that polar bears may be a useful indicator species. Furthermore, our results suggest that spatial and temporal ecological variation is important in affecting upper trophic-level productivity in these marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karyn D Rode
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ryan R Wilson
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - David C Douglas
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Juneau, AK, USA
| | | | - Todd C Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Eric V Regehr
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Evan S Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nicholas W Pilfold
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, USA
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - George M Durner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steven C Amstrup
- Polar Bears International, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Michelle St Martin
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Anthony M Pagano
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kristin Simac
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pilfold NW, Hedman D, Stirling I, Derocher AE, Lunn NJ, Richardson E. Mass Loss Rates of Fasting Polar Bears. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 89:377-88. [DOI: 10.1086/687988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Lunn NJ, Servanty S, Regehr EV, Converse SJ, Richardson E, Stirling I. Demography of an apex predator at the edge of its range: impacts of changing sea ice on polar bears in Hudson Bay. Ecol Appl 2016; 26:1302-1320. [PMID: 27755745 DOI: 10.1890/15-1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the abundance and distribution of wildlife populations are common consequences of historic and contemporary climate change. Some Arctic marine mammals, such as the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), may be particularly vulnerable to such changes due to the loss of Arctic sea ice. We evaluated the impacts of environmental variation on demographic rates for the Western Hudson Bay (WH), polar bear subpopulation from 1984 to 2011 using live-recapture and dead-recovery data in a Bayesian implementation of multistate capture-recapture models. We found that survival of female polar bears was related to the annual timing of sea ice break-up and formation. Using estimated vital rates (e.g., survival and reproduction) in matrix projection models, we calculated the growth rate of the WH subpopulation and projected population responses under different environmental scenarios while accounting for parametric uncertainty, temporal variation, and demographic stochasticity. Our analysis suggested a long-term decline in the number of bears from 1185 (95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] = 993-1411) in 1987 to 806 (95% BCI = 653-984) in 2011. In the last 10 yr of the study, the number of bears appeared stable due to temporary stability in sea ice conditions (mean population growth rate for the period 2001-2010 = 1.02, 95% BCI = 0.98-1.06). Looking forward, we estimated long-term growth rates for the WH subpopulation of ~1.02 (95% BCI = 1.00-1.05) and 0.97 (95% BCI = 0.92-1.01) under hypothetical high and low sea ice conditions, respectively. Our findings support previous evidence for a demographic linkage between sea ice conditions and polar bear population dynamics. Furthermore, we present a robust framework for sensitivity analysis with respect to continued climate change (e.g., to inform scenario planning) and for evaluating the combined effects of climate change and management actions on the status of wildlife populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW405 Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Sabrina Servanty
- Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland, 20708, USA
| | - Eric V Regehr
- Marine Mammals Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99503, USA
| | - Sarah J Converse
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland, 20708, USA
| | - Evan Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW405 Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division, Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, CW405 Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Peacock E, Sonsthagen SA, Obbard ME, Boltunov A, Regehr EV, Ovsyanikov N, Aars J, Atkinson SN, Sage GK, Hope AG, Zeyl E, Bachmann L, Ehrich D, Scribner KT, Amstrup SC, Belikov S, Born EW, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Taylor MK, Wiig Ø, Paetkau D, Talbo SL. Correction: Implications of the circumpolar genetic structure of polar bears for their conservation in a rapidly warming Arctic. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136126. [PMID: 26273835 PMCID: PMC4537302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew E. Derocher
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Univ. of Alberta; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Dept of Biological Sciences; Univ. of Alberta; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
- Wildlife Research Division; Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Evan Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division; Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada; Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cahill JA, Stirling I, Kistler L, Salamzade R, Ersmark E, Fulton TL, Stiller M, Green RE, Shapiro B. Genomic evidence of geographically widespread effect of gene flow from polar bears into brown bears. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:1205-17. [PMID: 25490862 PMCID: PMC4409089 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Polar bears are an arctic, marine adapted species that is closely related to brown bears. Genome analyses have shown that polar bears are distinct and genetically homogeneous in comparison to brown bears. However, these analyses have also revealed a remarkable episode of polar bear gene flow into the population of brown bears that colonized the Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof islands (ABC islands) of Alaska. Here, we present an analysis of data from a large panel of polar bear and brown bear genomes that includes brown bears from the ABC islands, the Alaskan mainland and Europe. Our results provide clear evidence that gene flow between the two species had a geographically wide impact, with polar bear DNA found within the genomes of brown bears living both on the ABC islands and in the Alaskan mainland. Intriguingly, while brown bear genomes contain up to 8.8% polar bear ancestry, polar bear genomes appear to be devoid of brown bear ancestry, suggesting the presence of a barrier to gene flow in that direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Cahill
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Peacock E, Sonsthagen SA, Obbard ME, Boltunov A, Regehr EV, Ovsyanikov N, Aars J, Atkinson SN, Sage GK, Hope AG, Zeyl E, Bachmann L, Ehrich D, Scribner KT, Amstrup SC, Belikov S, Born EW, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Taylor MK, Wiig Ø, Paetkau D, Talbot SL. Implications of the circumpolar genetic structure of polar bears for their conservation in a rapidly warming Arctic. PLoS One 2015; 10:e112021. [PMID: 25562525 PMCID: PMC4285400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We provide an expansive analysis of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) circumpolar genetic variation during the last two decades of decline in their sea-ice habitat. We sought to evaluate whether their genetic diversity and structure have changed over this period of habitat decline, how their current genetic patterns compare with past patterns, and how genetic demography changed with ancient fluctuations in climate. Characterizing their circumpolar genetic structure using microsatellite data, we defined four clusters that largely correspond to current ecological and oceanographic factors: Eastern Polar Basin, Western Polar Basin, Canadian Archipelago and Southern Canada. We document evidence for recent (ca. last 1–3 generations) directional gene flow from Southern Canada and the Eastern Polar Basin towards the Canadian Archipelago, an area hypothesized to be a future refugium for polar bears as climate-induced habitat decline continues. Our data provide empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis. The direction of current gene flow differs from earlier patterns of gene flow in the Holocene. From analyses of mitochondrial DNA, the Canadian Archipelago cluster and the Barents Sea subpopulation within the Eastern Polar Basin cluster did not show signals of population expansion, suggesting these areas may have served also as past interglacial refugia. Mismatch analyses of mitochondrial DNA data from polar and the paraphyletic brown bear (U. arctos) uncovered offset signals in timing of population expansion between the two species, that are attributed to differential demographic responses to past climate cycling. Mitogenomic structure of polar bears was shallow and developed recently, in contrast to the multiple clades of brown bears. We found no genetic signatures of recent hybridization between the species in our large, circumpolar sample, suggesting that recently observed hybrids represent localized events. Documenting changes in subpopulation connectivity will allow polar nations to proactively adjust conservation actions to continuing decline in sea-ice habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Peacock
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah A. Sonsthagen
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Martyn E. Obbard
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrei Boltunov
- All-Russian Research Institute for Nature Protection, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Eric V. Regehr
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | | | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - George K. Sage
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Andrew G. Hope
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Eve Zeyl
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lutz Bachmann
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kim T. Scribner
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Steven C. Amstrup
- Polar Bears International, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Stanislav Belikov
- All-Russian Research Institute for Nature Protection, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Erik W. Born
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrew E. Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mitchell K. Taylor
- Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Øystein Wiig
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David Paetkau
- Wildlife Genetics International, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sandra L. Talbot
- Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Selman L, Young T, Vermandere M, Stirling I, Leget C. Research priorities in spiritual care: an international survey of palliative care researchers and clinicians. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 48:518-31. [PMID: 24680625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Spiritual distress, including meaninglessness and hopelessness, is common in advanced disease. Spiritual care is a core component of palliative care, yet often neglected by health care professionals owing to the dearth of robust evidence to guide practice. OBJECTIVES To determine research priorities of clinicians/researchers and thus inform future research in spiritual care in palliative care. METHODS An online, cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was conducted. Respondents were asked whether there is a need for more research in spiritual care, and if so, to select the five most important research priorities from a list of 15 topics. Free-text questions were asked about additional research priorities and respondents' single most important research question, with data analyzed thematically. RESULTS In total, 971 responses, including 293 from palliative care physicians, 112 from nurses, and 111 from chaplains, were received from 87 countries. Mean age was 48.5 years (standard deviation, 10.7), 64% were women, and 65% were Christian. Fifty-three percent reported their work as "mainly clinical," and less than 2.5% stated that no further research was needed. Integrating quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated three priority areas for research: 1) development and evaluation of conversation models and overcoming barriers to spiritual care in staff attitudes, 2) screening and assessment, and 3) development and evaluation of spiritual care interventions and determining the effectiveness of spiritual care. CONCLUSION In this first international survey exploring researchers' and clinicians' research priorities in spiritual care, we found international support for research in this domain. Findings provide an evidence base to direct future research and highlight the particular need for methodologically rigorous evaluation studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Selman
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Teresa Young
- Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Mieke Vermandere
- Department of General Practice, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Carlo Leget
- Department of Ethics of Care, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Darking M, Anson R, Bravo F, Davis J, Flowers S, Gillingham E, Goldberg L, Helliwell P, Henwood F, Hudson C, Latimer S, Lowes P, Stirling I. Practice-centred evaluation and the privileging of care in health information technology evaluation. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:243. [PMID: 24903604 PMCID: PMC4086282 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Our contribution, drawn from our experience of the case study provided, is a protocol for practice-centred, participative evaluation of technology in the clinical setting that privileges care. In this context 'practice-centred' evaluation acts as a scalable, coordinating framework for evaluation that recognises health information technology supported care as an achievement that is contingent and ongoing. We argue that if complex programmes of technology-enabled service innovation are understood in terms of their contribution to patient care and supported by participative, capability-building evaluation methodologies, conditions are created for practitioners and patients to realise the potential of technologies and make substantive contributions to the evidence base underpinning health innovation programmes. BACKGROUND Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) and telemedicine are positioned by policymakers as health information technologies that are integral to achieving improved clinical outcomes and efficiency savings. However, evaluating the extent to which these aims are met poses distinct evaluation challenges, particularly where clinical and cost outcomes form the sole focus of evaluation design. We propose that a practice-centred approach to evaluation - in which those whose day-to-day care practice is altered (or not) by the introduction of new technologies are placed at the centre of evaluation efforts - can complement and in some instances offer advantages over, outcome-centric evaluation models. METHODS We carried out a regional programme of innovation in renal services where a participative approach was taken to the introduction of new technologies, including: a regional EPR system and a system to support video clinics. An 'action learning' approach was taken to procurement, pre-implementation planning, implementation, ongoing development and evaluation. Participants included clinicians, technology specialists, patients and external academic researchers. Whilst undergoing these activities we asked: how can a practice-centred approach be embedded into evaluation of health information technologies? DISCUSSION Organising EPR and telemedicine evaluation around predetermined outcome measures alone can be impractical given the complex and contingent nature of such projects. It also limits the extent to which unforeseen outcomes and new capabilities are recognised. Such evaluations often fail to improve understanding of 'when' and 'under what conditions' technology-enabled service improvements are realised, and crucially, how such innovation improves care. SUMMARY Our contribution, drawn from our experience of the case study provided, is a protocol for practice-centred, participative evaluation of technology in the clinical setting that privileges care. In this context 'practice-centred' evaluation acts as a scalable, coordinating framework for evaluation that recognises health information technology supported care as an achievement that is contingent and ongoing. We argue that if complex programmes of technology-enabled service innovation are understood in terms of their contribution to patient care and supported by participative, capability-building evaluation methodologies, conditions are created for practitioners and patients to realise the potential of technologies and make substantive contributions to the evidence base underpinning health innovation programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Darking
- School of Applied Social Science, Faculty of Health, University of Brighton, Mayfield House, Falmer BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Rachel Anson
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Ferdinand Bravo
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Julie Davis
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Steve Flowers
- Centre for Innovation Management (CENTRIM), Freeman Centre, University of Brighton, University of Sussex Campus, Falmer BN1 9QE, UK
| | - Emma Gillingham
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Lawrence Goldberg
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Paul Helliwell
- Clinical Computing Limited, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich IP2 8SD, UK
| | - Flis Henwood
- School of Applied Social Science, Faculty of Health, University of Brighton, Mayfield House, Falmer BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Claire Hudson
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Simon Latimer
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Paul Lowes
- Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Ian Stirling
- South Eastern Kidney Patients Association (SEKPA), c/o Sussex Kidney Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew E. Derocher
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaT6G 2E9EdmontonCanada
| | - Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaT6G 2E9EdmontonCanada
- Wildlife Research DivisionScience and Technology Branch, Environment CanadaT6H 3S5EdmontonCanada
| | - Evan Richardson
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaT6G 2E9EdmontonCanada
- Wildlife Research DivisionScience and Technology Branch, Environment CanadaT6H 3S5EdmontonCanada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Post E, Bhatt US, Bitz CM, Brodie JF, Fulton TL, Hebblewhite M, Kerby J, Kutz SJ, Stirling I, Walker DA. Ecological Consequences of Sea-Ice Decline. Science 2013; 341:519-24. [PMID: 23908231 DOI: 10.1126/science.1235225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Post
- The Polar Center, and Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
|
22
|
Derocher AE, Aars J, Amstrup SC, Cutting A, Lunn NJ, Molnár PK, Obbard ME, Stirling I, Thiemann GW, Vongraven D, Wiig Ø, York G. Rapid ecosystem change and polar bear conservation. Conserv Lett 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta; Edmonton; AB T6G 2E9; Canada
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre; 9296; Tromsø; Norway
| | | | | | - Nick J. Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada,; 5320 122 Street; Edmonton; AB T6H 3S5; Canada
| | - Péter K. Molnár
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Eno Hall, Princeton University; Princeton; NJ; 08544-1003; USA
| | - Martyn E. Obbard
- Wildlife Research and Development Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, DNA Building, Trent University; 2140 East Bank Drive; Peterborough; ON K9J 7B8; Canada
| | | | - Gregory W. Thiemann
- Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University; Toronto; ON; M3J 1P3; Canada
| | - Dag Vongraven
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre; 9296; Tromsø; Norway
| | - Øystein Wiig
- National Centre for Biosystematics, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo; PO Box 1172; Blindern 0318 Oslo; Norway
| | - Geoffrey York
- Arctic Species Conservation, WWF Global Arctic Programme; 30 Metcalfe Street; Suite 400; Ottawa; ON K1P 5L4; Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dietz R, Sonne C, Basu N, Braune B, O'Hara T, Letcher RJ, Scheuhammer T, Andersen M, Andreasen C, Andriashek D, Asmund G, Aubail A, Baagøe H, Born EW, Chan HM, Derocher AE, Grandjean P, Knott K, Kirkegaard M, Krey A, Lunn N, Messier F, Obbard M, Olsen MT, Ostertag S, Peacock E, Renzoni A, Rigét FF, Skaare JU, Stern G, Stirling I, Taylor M, Wiig Ø, Wilson S, Aars J. What are the toxicological effects of mercury in Arctic biota? Sci Total Environ 2013; 443:775-90. [PMID: 23231888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This review critically evaluates the available mercury (Hg) data in Arctic marine biota and the Inuit population against toxicity threshold values. In particular marine top predators exhibit concentrations of mercury in their tissues and organs that are believed to exceed thresholds for biological effects. Species whose concentrations exceed threshold values include the polar bears (Ursus maritimus), beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), pilot whale (Globicephala melas), hooded seal (Cystophora cristata), a few seabird species, and landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). Toothed whales appear to be one of the most vulnerable groups, with high concentrations of mercury recorded in brain tissue with associated signs of neurochemical effects. Evidence of increasing concentrations in mercury in some biota in Arctic Canada and Greenland is therefore a concern with respect to ecosystem health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department for Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, P.O. Box 358, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bajzak CE, Bernhardt W, Mosnier A, Hammill MO, Stirling I. Habitat use by harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in a seasonally ice-covered region, the western Hudson Bay. Polar Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-012-1274-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
25
|
Vongraven D, Aars J, Amstrup S, Atkinson SN, Belikov S, Born EW, DeBruyn TD, Derocher AE, Durner G, Gill M, Lunn N, Obbard ME, Omelak J, Ovsyanikov N, Peacock E, Richardson E, Sahanatien V, Stirling I, Wiig Ø. A circumpolar monitoring framework for polar bears. URSUS 2012. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-11-00026.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
26
|
Stirling I, Derocher AE. Effects of climate warming on polar bears: a review of the evidence. Glob Chang Biol 2012; 18:2694-706. [PMID: 24501049 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02753.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Climate warming is causing unidirectional changes to annual patterns of sea ice distribution, structure, and freeze-up. We summarize evidence that documents how loss of sea ice, the primary habitat of polar bears (Ursus maritimus), negatively affects their long-term survival. To maintain viable subpopulations, polar bears depend on sea ice as a platform from which to hunt seals for long enough each year to accumulate sufficient energy (fat) to survive periods when seals are unavailable. Less time to access to prey, because of progressively earlier breakup in spring, when newly weaned ringed seal (Pusa hispida) young are available, results in longer periods of fasting, lower body condition, decreased access to denning areas, fewer and smaller cubs, lower survival of cubs as well as bears of other age classes and, finally, subpopulation decline toward eventual extirpation. The chronology of climate-driven changes will vary between subpopulations, with quantifiable negative effects being documented first in the more southerly subpopulations, such as those in Hudson Bay or the southern Beaufort Sea. As the bears' body condition declines, more seek alternate food resources so the frequency of conflicts between bears and humans increases. In the most northerly areas, thick multiyear ice, through which little light penetrates to stimulate biological growth on the underside, will be replaced by annual ice, which facilitates greater productivity and may create habitat more favorable to polar bears over continental shelf areas in the short term. If the climate continues to warm and eliminate sea ice as predicted, polar bears will largely disappear from the southern portions of their range by mid-century. They may persist in the northern Canadian Arctic Islands and northern Greenland for the foreseeable future, but their long-term viability, with a much reduced global population size in a remnant of their former range, is uncertain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pilfold NW, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Richardson E, Andriashek D. Age and sex composition of seals killed by polar bears in the eastern Beaufort Sea. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41429. [PMID: 22829949 PMCID: PMC3400654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of the Beaufort Sea enter hyperphagia in spring and gain fat reserves to survive periods of low prey availability. We collected information on seals killed by polar bears (n = 650) and hunting attempts on ringed seal (Pusa hispida) lairs (n = 1396) observed from a helicopter during polar bear mark-recapture studies in the eastern Beaufort Sea in spring in 1985–2011. We investigated how temporal shifts in ringed seal reproduction affect kill composition and the intraspecific vulnerabilities of ringed seals to polar bear predation. Principal Findings Polar bears primarily preyed on ringed seals (90.2%) while bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) only comprised 9.8% of the kills, but 33% of the biomass. Adults comprised 43.6% (150/344) of the ringed seals killed, while their pups comprised 38.4% (132/344). Juvenile ringed seals were killed at the lowest proportion, comprising 18.0% (62/344) of the ringed seal kills. The proportion of ringed seal pups was highest between 2007–2011, in association with high ringed seal productivity. Half of the adult ringed seal kills were ≥21 years (60/121), and kill rates of adults increased following the peak of parturition. Determination of sex from DNA revealed that polar bears killed adult male and adult female ringed seals equally (0.50, n = 78). The number of hunting attempts at ringed seal subnivean lair sites was positively correlated with the number of pup kills (r2 = 0.30, P = 0.04), but was not correlated with the number of adult kills (P = 0.37). Conclusions/Significance Results are consistent with decadal trends in ringed seal productivity, with low numbers of pups killed by polar bears in spring in years of low pup productivity, and conversely when pup productivity was high. Vulnerability of adult ringed seals to predation increased in relation to reproductive activities and age, but not gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Pilfold
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chambellant M, Stirling I, Gough WA, Ferguson SH. Temporal variations in Hudson Bay ringed seal (Phoca hispida) life-history parameters in relation to environment. J Mammal 2012. [DOI: 10.1644/10-mamm-a-253.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
29
|
|
30
|
Rode KD, Peacock E, Taylor M, Stirling I, Born EW, Laidre KL, Wiig Ø. A tale of two polar bear populations: ice habitat, harvest, and body condition. POPUL ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-011-0299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
31
|
Stirling I. E. W. Born, A. Heilmann, L. K. Holm and K. L. Laidre: Polar bears in Northwest Greenland. Polar Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-011-1122-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|
32
|
St Louis VL, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Graydon JA, Lee C, Jocksch E, Richardson E, Ghorpade S, Kwan AK, Kirk JL, Lehnherr I, Swanson HK. Differences in mercury bioaccumulation between polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian high- and sub-Arctic. Environ Sci Technol 2011; 45:5922-5928. [PMID: 21678897 DOI: 10.1021/es2000672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are being impacted by climate change and increased exposure to pollutants throughout their northern circumpolar range. In this study, we quantified concentrations of total mercury (THg) in the hair of polar bears from Canadian high- (southern Beaufort Sea, SBS) and sub- (western Hudson Bay, WHB) Arctic populations. Concentrations of THg in polar bears from the SBS population (14.8 ± 6.6 μg g(-1)) were significantly higher than in polar bears from WHB (4.1 ± 1.0 μg g(-1)). On the basis of δ(15)N signatures in hair, in conjunction with published δ(15)N signatures in particulate organic matter and sediments, we estimated that the pelagic and benthic food webs in the SBS are ∼ 4.7 and ∼ 4.0 trophic levels long, whereas in WHB they are only ∼ 3.6 and ∼ 3.3 trophic levels long. Furthermore, the more depleted δ(13)C ratios in hair from SBS polar bears relative to those from WHB suggests that SBS polar bears feed on food webs that are relatively more pelagic (and longer), whereas polar bears from WHB feed on those that are relatively more benthic (and shorter). Food web length and structure accounted for ∼ 67% of the variation we found in THg concentrations among all polar bears across both populations. The regional difference in polar bear hair THg concentrations was also likely due to regional differences in water-column concentrations of methyl Hg (the toxic form of Hg that biomagnifies through food webs) available for bioaccumulation at the base of the food webs. For example, concentrations of methylated Hg at mid-depths in the marine water column of the northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago were 79.8 ± 37.3 pg L(-1), whereas, in HB, they averaged only 38.3 ± 16.6 pg L(-1). We conclude that a longer food web and higher pelagic concentrations of methylated Hg available to initiate bioaccumulation in the BS resulted in higher concentrations of THg in polar bears from the SBS region compared to those inhabiting the western coast of HB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent L St Louis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Peacock E, Derocher A, Thiemann G, Stirling I. Conservation and management of Canada’s polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in a changing Arctic1This review is part of the virtual symposium “Flagship Species – Flagship Problems” that deals with ecology, biodiversity and management issues, and climate impacts on species at risk and of Canadian importance, including the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). CAN J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1139/z11-021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Canada has an important responsibility for the research, conservation, and management of polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) because the majority of polar bears in the world occur within the nation’s borders. Two fundamental and recent changes for polar bears and their conservation have arisen: (1) the ongoing and projected further decline of sea-ice habitat as a result of climate change and (2) the implementation of aboriginal land claims and treaties in Canada’s North. Science has documented empirical links between productivity of polar bear population and sea-ice change. Predictive modeling based on these data has forecast significant declines in polar bear abundance and distribution of polar bears. With the signing of northern land claims and treaties, polar bear management in Canada has integrated local aboriginal participation, values, and knowledge. The interaction of scientific and local perspectives on polar bears as they relate to harvest, climate change, and declining habitat has recently caused controversy. Some conservation, management, and research decisions have been contentious because of gaps in scientific knowledge and the polarization and politicization of the roles of the various stakeholders. With these ecological and governance transitions, there is a need to re-focus and re-direct polar bear conservation in Canada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Peacock
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0 Canada
| | - A.E. Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - G.W. Thiemann
- Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Canada
| | - I. Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9 Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 3S5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stirling I, McDonald TL, Richardson ES, Regehr EV, Amstrup SC. Polar bear population status in the northern Beaufort Sea, Canada, 1971-2006. Ecol Appl 2011; 21:859-876. [PMID: 21639050 DOI: 10.1890/10-0849.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of the northern Beaufort Sea (NB) population occur on the perimeter of the polar basin adjacent to the northwestern islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Sea ice converges on the islands through most of the year. We used open-population capture-recapture models to estimate population size and vital rates of polar bears between 1971 and 2006 to: (1) assess relationships between survival, sex and age, and time period; (2) evaluate the long-term importance of sea ice quality and availability in relation to climate warming; and (3) note future management and conservation concerns. The highest-ranking models suggested that survival of polar bears varied by age class and with changes in the sea ice habitat. Model-averaged estimates of survival (which include harvest mortality) for senescent adults ranged from 0.37 to 0.62, from 0.22 to 0.68 for cubs of the year (COY) and yearlings, and from 0.77 to 0.92 for 2-4 year-olds and adults. Horvtiz-Thompson (HT) estimates of population size were not significantly different among the decades of our study. The population size estimated for the 2000s was 980 +/- 155 (mean and 95% CI). These estimates apply primarily to that segment of the NB population residing west and south of Banks Island. The NB polar bear population appears to have been stable or possibly increasing slightly during the period of our study. This suggests that ice conditions have remained suitable and similar for feeding in summer and fall during most years and that the traditional and legal Inuvialuit harvest has not exceeded sustainable levels. However, the amount of ice remaining in the study area at the end of summer, and the proportion that continues to lie over the biologically productive continental shelf (< 300 m water depth) has declined over the 35-year period of this study. If the climate continues to warm as predicted, we predict that the polar bear population in the northern Beaufort Sea will eventually decline. Management and conservation practices for polar bears in relation to both aboriginal harvesting and offshore industrial activity will need to adapt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Stirling
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 5320-122nd Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 3S5, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Abstract
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) depends on sea ice for feeding, breeding, and movement. Significant reductions in Arctic sea ice are forecast to continue because of climate warming. We evaluated the impacts of climate change on polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea by means of a demographic analysis, combining deterministic, stochastic, environment-dependent matrix population models with forecasts of future sea ice conditions from IPCC general circulation models (GCMs). The matrix population models classified individuals by age and breeding status; mothers and dependent cubs were treated as units. Parameter estimates were obtained from a capture-recapture study conducted from 2001 to 2006. Candidate statistical models allowed vital rates to vary with time and as functions of a sea ice covariate. Model averaging was used to produce the vital rate estimates, and a parametric bootstrap procedure was used to quantify model selection and parameter estimation uncertainty. Deterministic models projected population growth in years with more extensive ice coverage (2001-2003) and population decline in years with less ice coverage (2004-2005). LTRE (life table response experiment) analysis showed that the reduction in lambda in years with low sea ice was due primarily to reduced adult female survival, and secondarily to reduced breeding. A stochastic model with two environmental states, good and poor sea ice conditions, projected a declining stochastic growth rate, log lambdas, as the frequency of poor ice years increased. The observed frequency of poor ice years since 1979 would imply log lambdas approximately - 0.01, which agrees with available (albeit crude) observations of population size. The stochastic model was linked to a set of 10 GCMs compiled by the IPCC; the models were chosen for their ability to reproduce historical observations of sea ice and were forced with "business as usual" (A1B) greenhouse gas emissions. The resulting stochastic population projections showed drastic declines in the polar bear population by the end of the 21st century. These projections were instrumental in the decision to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Hunter
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cherry SG, Derocher AE, Hobson KA, Stirling I, Thiemann GW. Quantifying dietary pathways of proteins and lipids to tissues of a marine predator. J Appl Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
38
|
Rode KD, Reist JD, Peacock E, Stirling I. Comments in response to “Estimating the energetic contribution of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) summer diets to the total energy budget” by Dyck and Kebreab (2009). J Mammal 2010. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-a-399.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
39
|
Blight LK, Ainley DG, Ackley SF, Ballard G, Ballerini T, Brownell RL, Cheng CHC, Chiantore M, Costa D, Coulter MC, Dayton P, Devries AL, Dunbar R, Earle S, Eastman JT, Emslie SD, Evans CW, Garrott RA, Kim S, Kooyman G, Lescroël A, Lizotte M, Massaro M, Olmastroni S, Ponganis PJ, Russell J, Siniff DB, Smith WO, Stewart BS, Stirling I, Willis J, Wilson P, Woehler EJ. Fishing for Data in the Ross Sea. Science 2010; 330:1316. [DOI: 10.1126/science.330.6009.1316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise K. Blight
- Centre for Applied Conservation Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Stephen F. Ackley
- Geological Sciences Department, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | | | - Tosca Ballerini
- Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Robert L. Brownell
- NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Malcolm C. Coulter
- Specialist Group on Storks, Ibises, and Spoonbills, Chocorua, NH 03817, USA
| | - Paul Dayton
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Arthur L. Devries
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Robert Dunbar
- Department of Environmental Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sylvia Earle
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20090, USA
| | - Joseph T. Eastman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Steven D. Emslie
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Clive W. Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert A. Garrott
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Stacy Kim
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, CA 95062, USA
| | - Gerald Kooyman
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amélie Lescroël
- Biodiversité et gestion des territoires, Université de Rennes 1, UMR 7204, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Michael Lizotte
- Sustainability Office, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, 650 Witzel Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USA
| | - Melanie Massaro
- School of Biological Sciences and Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Silvia Olmastroni
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Applied Ecology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paul J. Ponganis
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joellen Russell
- Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Donald B. Siniff
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Walker O. Smith
- Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA
| | | | - Ian Stirling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jay Willis
- HR Wallingford, Ltd., Oxfordshire OX10 8BA, UK
| | | | - Eric J. Woehler
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
McKinney MA, Stirling I, Lunn NJ, Peacock E, Letcher RJ. The role of diet on long-term concentration and pattern trends of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in western Hudson Bay polar bears, 1991-2007. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:6210-6222. [PMID: 20870269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue was sampled from the western Hudson Bay (WHB) subpopulation of polar bears at intervals from 1991 to 2007 to examine temporal trends of PCB and OCP levels both on an individual and sum-(∑-)contaminant basis. We also determined levels and temporal trends of emerging polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and other current-use brominated flame retardants. Over the 17-year period, ∑DDT (and p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT) decreased (-8.4%/year); α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) decreased (-11%/year); β-HCH increased (+8.3%/year); and ∑PCB and ∑chlordane (CHL), both contaminants at highest concentrations in all years (>1ppm), showed no distinct trends even when compared to previous data for this subpopulation dating back to 1968. Some of the less persistent PCB congeners decreased significantly (-1.6%/year to -6.3%/year), whereas CB153 levels tended to increase (+3.3%/year). Parent CHLs (c-nonachlor, t-nonachlor) declined, whereas non-monotonic trends were detected for metabolites (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane). ∑chlorobenzene, octachlorostyrene, ∑mirex, ∑MeSO(2)-PCB and dieldrin did not significantly change. Increasing ∑PBDE levels (+13%/year) matched increases in the four consistently detected congeners, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE153. Although no trend was observed, total-(α)-HBCD was only detected post-2000. Levels of the highest concentration brominated contaminant, BB153, showed no temporal change. As long-term ecosystem changes affecting contaminant levels may also affect contaminant patterns, we examined the influence of year (i.e., aging or "weathering" of the contaminant pattern), dietary tracers (carbon stable isotope ratios, fatty acid patterns) and biological (age/sex) group on congener/metabolite profiles. Patterns of PCBs, CHLs and PBDEs were correlated with dietary tracers and biological group, but only PCB and CHL patterns were correlated with year. DDT patterns were not associated with any explanatory variables, possibly related to local DDT sources. Contaminant pattern trends may be useful in distinguishing the possible role of ecological/diet changes on contaminant burdens from expected dynamics due to atmospheric sources and weathering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University (Raven Road), Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Affiliation(s)
- Eric V Regehr
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Medill S, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Lunn N, Moses RA. Estimating Cementum Annuli Width in Polar Bears: Identifying Sources of Variation and Error. J Mammal 2009. [DOI: 10.1644/08-mamm-a-186.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
43
|
Post E, Forchhammer MC, Bret-Harte MS, Callaghan TV, Christensen TR, Elberling B, Fox AD, Gilg O, Hik DS, Høye TT, Ims RA, Jeppesen E, Klein DR, Madsen J, McGuire AD, Rysgaard S, Schindler DE, Stirling I, Tamstorf MP, Tyler NJC, van der Wal R, Welker J, Wookey PA, Schmidt NM, Aastrup P. Ecological dynamics across the Arctic associated with recent climate change. Science 2009; 325:1355-8. [PMID: 19745143 DOI: 10.1126/science.1173113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 480] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, we take stock of the ecological consequences of recent climate change in the Arctic, focusing on effects at population, community, and ecosystem scales. Despite the buffering effect of landscape heterogeneity, Arctic ecosystems and the trophic relationships that structure them have been severely perturbed. These rapid changes may be a bellwether of changes to come at lower latitudes and have the potential to affect ecosystem services related to natural resources, food production, climate regulation, and cultural integrity. We highlight areas of ecological research that deserve priority as the Arctic continues to warm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Post
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, 208 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Medill S, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Lunn N. Reconstructing the reproductive history of female polar bears using cementum patterns of premolar teeth. Polar Biol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-009-0689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
45
|
|
46
|
|
47
|
Durner GM, Douglas DC, Nielson RM, Amstrup SC, McDonald TL, Stirling I, Mauritzen M, Born EW, Wiig Ø, DeWeaver E, Serreze MC, Belikov SE, Holland MM, Maslanik J, Aars J, Bailey DA, Derocher AE. Predicting 21st-century polar bear habitat distribution from global climate models. ECOL MONOGR 2009. [DOI: 10.1890/07-2089.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
48
|
Hobson KA, Stirling I, Andriashek DS. Isotopic homogeneity of breath CO2 from fasting and berry-eating polar bears: implications for tracing reliance on terrestrial foods in a changing Arctic. CAN J ZOOL 2009. [DOI: 10.1139/z08-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With a changing Arctic climate, it is important to know whether polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) can supplement their stored fat reserves by intake of terrestrial berries. Although polar bears are known to consume berries while on land, it has been difficult to quantify their relative dependence on stored adipose tissue and berry carbohydrates to meet their energy needs. We sampled breath CO2 from 300 bears fasting on land in western Hudson Bay during the open-water seasons of 1997 and 1998 and analyzed this breath for stable carbon isotope (δ13C) values. We found no difference in the bear breath δ13C values for bears known to have recently fed on berries and those that had not. The distribution of δ13C values was remarkably tight with average values ranging from –24.2‰ to –24.8‰ with no effect of age, sex, or year of capture. This result was counter to our simple isotopic discrimination model that predicted bears metabolizing adipose tissue derived from seals would have breath δ13C values close to –24.7‰ and those metabolizing berries exclusively would have values close to –32.6‰. If correct, our results suggests that the bears which had fed on berries while fasting on land received an insignificant amount of energetic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Hobson
- Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 3S5, Canada
| | - I. Stirling
- Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 3S5, Canada
| | - D. S. Andriashek
- Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 5320 122 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 3S5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
|
50
|
Cherry SG, Derocher AE, Stirling I, Richardson ES. Fasting physiology of polar bears in relation to environmental change and breeding behavior in the Beaufort Sea. Polar Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-008-0530-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|