New polarbear research findings revealed by WWF and Canon

The tagging and tracking of these bears has indicated some interesting behaviour in cubs, where they have been spotted travelling on their mothers’ backs during swimming.

Scientists assessing the behaviour believe that: Due to a decrease in sea ice during the summer polar bears now have to swim longer distances. Data from collared bears has also indicated that this is a recent phenomenon. This is dangerous for bears that are in poor condition or that are caught in poor weather. For cubs, travelling these distances on their mothers’ backs could be vital for their ability to survive in surroundings with scattered ice, which is prime habitat for polar bears when hunting seals. Polar bear cubs do not yet have a sufficient fat layer to avoid chilling if swimming in icy water for any prolonged period of time. Travelling on their mothers’ backs means much of their lower body will be in direct contact with the mothers’ fur and a considerable part of the body will be out of the water, reducing heat loss.

The findings come as Canon celebrates its 12th year as conservation partner to WWF. “We are proud of our long partnership with WWF,” said James Leipnik, Chief of Communication at Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The WWF-Canon Polar Bear Tracker programme helps to raise awareness of some of the key challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, engaging a wide audience, including children, parents and teachers. It is an important project which has strong synergies with our corporate philosophy of Kyosei – which means living and working together for the common good.”

A key part of the Polar Bear Tracker Programme is the Canon Kid’s Zone, a micro-site designed to teach children aged 7-11 about the conservation of polar bears and the Arctic region. It uses educational games, trivia and fact sheets themed around the Arctic environment to interact with children and, as well as educational fun for them, it provides teacher packs and resources for parents.