In a surprising twist, polar bears around Norway’s Svalbard islands are in better physical health than they were 25 years ago, even as sea ice levels continue to decline, according to new research.
Scientists say the iconic Arctic predators have gained fat reserves and appear more robust, likely benefiting from improved hunting opportunities in the region. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, provide a hopeful counterpoint to previous studies that highlighted declining polar bear populations across much of the Arctic.
Dr. Jon Aars, senior scientist at the Norwegian Polar Institute, led a team analyzing 1,188 body measurements of 770 adult polar bears collected between 1992 and 2019. They compared changes in the bears’ body condition index (BCI)—an indicator of fat reserves and overall health with the number of ice-free days over the 27-year period. While the region saw roughly 100 more ice-free days since 1992, the average BCI of adult bears has actually risen since 2000.
“This indicates that fat reserves increased even as sea ice levels decreased,” Dr. Aars explained.
Researchers suggest several factors may be helping the Svalbard bears flourish. Populations of land-based prey, such as reindeer and walrus, have rebounded after previous over-exploitation. Additionally, shrinking sea ice may concentrate seal populations, making hunting more efficient for the bears.
Still, scientists caution that this positive trend may not last indefinitely. “Further reductions in sea ice could make hunting grounds harder to reach,” Dr. Aars noted, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty of climate change impacts.
While more research is needed to understand how polar bears in different regions will adapt to a warming Arctic, the current findings offer a rare moment of optimism: even in a changing environment, these majestic animals are showing resilience and strength.