We have long forgotten the phrase live and let live. It about time we start taking it seriously and show some humanity towards animals. An effort by the U.S. Department of the Interior certainly deserves appreciation. The department has today announced that areas across Alaska have been designated for polar bear habitat. The critical habitat proposal will help in protecting the beautiful species that is near extinction.
The proposal by U.S. Department of the Interior identifies habitat in three separate areas or units namely the barrier island habitat, sea ice habitat and terrestrial denning habitat. Nearly 200,541 square miles of area has been proposed for designation, which is found entirely within the lands and waters of the United States. Barrier island habitat that is used for denning, refuge from human disturbances, access to maternal dens and feeding habitat, as well as travel along the coast mainly includes coastal barrier islands and spits along Alaska’s coast. Sea ice habitat is located over the continental shelf, and includes water 300m and less in depth. Terrestrial denning habitat includes lands within 32 km of the northern coast of Alaska between the Canadian border and the Kavik River and within 8 km between the Kavik River and Barrow.
WWF has applauded this great effort and is also taking a lot of interest in the act. The organization works around the Arctic with local communities, scientists and governments to enhance polar bear conservation, protect their habitat, and ensure sustainable populations. It is also encouraging the Department of the Interior to ensure that local people are involved in taking decision about the designation of critical habitat areas.
Via: PRWeb
