One third of the total number of polar bears on this planet is likely to disappear during next four decades because of rapid melting of sea ice in the Arctic zone. If this prediction comes true the present number of polar bears may go down from 26, 000 to below 9, 000 after forty years, according to scientists who blame global warming for this phenomenon.
Experts have assessed that there is very high probability for polar bears to decrease by 30% in next few decades. These reports by scientists stand on equal terms with the enlistment of endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Continuous melting of sea ice due to the adverse effects of climate change has been threatening the survival of polar bears and it has also caused shortage of food for these creatures. Scientists have classified polar bears into 19 categories out of which two categories have meanwhile decreased by number for reasons of ice shrinking in the Arctic zone.
Satellite data and computer simulations were applied by experts to find the latest facts and figures about polar bears. Experts are worried that 30 to 80 percent polar bears may face extinction in the space of three generations to come.
This research on polar bears was conducted by US Fish and Wildlife Service with Dr. Eric Regehr as the head of the team.
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