January 2020 marked the 22nd consecutive January with below-average sea ice extent in the Arctic, according to NOAA’s National Snow & Ice Data Center. This rapidly changing habitat has left ice-dependent species, such as the polar bear, in a vulnerable position. Polar bears rely on sea ice as a platform to hunt their prey and raise their young. Research of several populations indicates that many polar bears have decreased body condition, increased time spent on land, and reduced reproductive success. It’s difficult to draw reliable conclusions about the long-term population trends of polar bears since historical population data was primarily gathered anecdotally, rather than through scientific surveys. However, it’s easy to imagine that a species that is so heavily-dependent on sea ice will certainly suffer from the loss of this sensitive habitat.
- Only 50 prints created in each size
- All prints created with pigment-based archival inks on 235 gsm paper
- All prints hand-signed and numbered
