Cub survival underpins species survival, and the denning period is the most vulnerable period of their life \u2014 less than 50% of cubs may make it to adulthood.<\/p>\n
As industry expands in the Arctic, the study highlights the importance of undisturbed denning areas to protect polar bear populations.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolar bear mothers are having increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes, and are likely to face further challenges with the expansion of the human footprint in the Arctic,\u201d said Dr. Louise Archer, a researcher at the University of Toronto Scarborough.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable time and to gain insight into their behavior across the Arctic, so that we can work to protect cubs and therefore the species.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery den we monitored had its own story, every data point adds to our understanding of this crucial time and supports more effective conservation strategies.\u201d<\/p>\n
In their research, the authors monitored behavior of polar bears at den emergence in Svalbard, Norway.<\/p>\n
Female polar bears were fitted with GPS satellite collars that recorded their location, temperature, and activity.<\/p>\n
The researchers used these collar data to locate dens, and they traveled through Svalbard\u2019s mountains to deploy timelapse camera traps at thirteen den sites over six years.<\/p>\n
They found that camera traps provided fine-scale insights into maternal den behavior, while satellite collars are accurate and useful for monitoring bears over longer periods and in more remote areas.<\/p>\n