Researchers have made a fascinating observation: a polar bear used a diving hunting technique, never before reported, to capture large moulting snow geese.
Polar bears and wolves may get the glory, but small predators like weasels, foxes and their cousins play outsized ecological roles. And many of these species are declining fast.
Polar bears are increasingly seeking sustenance in human trash because of melting sea ice and a loss of hunting opportunities. The result is a rise in human-bear conflict – and dead bears.
Polar bears are being forced to adapt their feeding habits due to climate change – so reports of summer scavenging, foraging and terrestrial hunting are unsurprising.
This is the story of ‘Misha’, as I have come to know her. Both I and my research have been deeply affected by a polar bear I have never met face to face.
Emperor penguins have a few hidden tricks to stay warm, like blood vessels in the nose arranged so they can regain most of the heat that would be lost by breathing.
Polar bears ‘invading’ a Russian village have renewed concern over climate change in the Arctic, but human-wildlife conflicts are flaring up everywhere.
Climate change is shrinking Arctic sea ice and opening the region to ship traffic. Whales, seals and other marine mammals could be at risk unless nations adopt rules to protect them.
Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong