Climate change killing harp seal pups

 

Over the years there has been a steady decline in the sea ice levels in the northern hemisphere.  Scientists have recently discovered a direct correlation between these sea ice levels and the rising rate of “strandings” of seal pups, natives of the icy northern hemisphere.  The stability of the ice platforms are crucial in the first five years of a harp seal’s (Pagophilus groenlandicus) life.  The mothers stay with the pups until they are old enough to be on their own, generally at five years of age.  But as the ice melt increases, researchers have noticed that “vulnerable pups are left stranded on small blocks of ice isolated from their parents and eventually succumbing to starvation or the elements.”  Because the pups did not have time to reach maturity before being left on their own, did not obtain the necessary skills for survival.  In a study comparing the DNA of 106 seal pups, scientists concluded that the “odds of survival for the young pups were completely independent from their durability, strength, or adaptive capabilities.”  The reason they were dying was almost certainly due to being separated from their mothers at a young age.



  This problem is only is result of the much larger, over-arching issue of global warming and the melting of the polar ice caps.  People, and nations as a whole, have to make a conscious effort to reduce carbon waste and use more environmentally-friendly products and technology.  Many people do not make this effort because it is inconvenient, or they simply do not care to, but without the participation of the majority, it will be impossible to make a positive impact on the environment.


Source: http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/46338