Verifying boundary of polar bear subpopulations

What is it about?

Harvest of polar bears is managed on a subpopulation basis; therefore, it is important to verify the accuracy of the subpopulation boundaries. We used a probabilistic approach to describe the utilization distribution for the Southern Hudson Bay subpopulation based on data from 1997–2003 from 26 adult female bears fitted with satellite collars and assessed whether the currently accepted boundaries represent the population utilization distribution. We conclude that the SH boundaries do reflect the current spatial distribution of adult female bears in this subpopulation.

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Why is it important?

Our analysis provides a benchmark to compare to the future distribution and habitat use of this subpopulation in response to effects of climate change and identifies future research needs to investigate polar bear distribution in James Bay and in the area near the boundary between the SH and Western Hudson Bay management zones.