dwarf buffalo small belonging family endemic island philippines endemic philippine believed larger island originally found sea level mountains meters sea level human hunting logging restricted remote grassy plains endangered species contrary common belief past classification subspecies local slightly larger common water buffalo contrast number distinguishing characteristics slightly light markings face shorter horns somewhat shaped largest native terrestrial country anatomy morphology appearance typical member family compact body legs end small head end short neck smaller compared water buffalo little sexual species males reported thicker average shoulder height length body tail adds reported weights ranged adults dark brown grayish color hair limbs short white markings seen inner lower markings similar face color body members species pair gray white strips begins inner corner eye horns nose lips black skin ears centimetres long notch tip white markings sexes grows short black horns shaped manner compared shaped horns horns flat surfaces triangular base regular horns worn outer surface rough inner sides horns reported centimetres long distribution documented island people avoided settling strain malaria anti medicine developed people settled island increase human activity drastically reduced population range reduced areas mount mount areas near settlement range reduced areas mounts national park initial estimates population placed individuals early 1900s years later population thousand individuals fewer animals estimated alive population estimates continually grew smaller iucn publication red data book population noted low heads head count rose animals current estimates place wild population thirty individuals ecology life history rare endemic relatively island ecology largely unknown individuals species shy away humans addition small sizes species spread thin fragmented range individuals found square kilometer area contact solitary individual rarity habitat prefers tropical highland forested areas typically found thick brush near open feed grasses human subsequent forest home island habitat preferences somewhat expanded lower altitude grassy plains mountainous environment usually found far sources water live water drink live moist areas areas ecology feeds grasses young bamboo shoots known prefer grass wild naturally feeding daytime hours daytime human activities recently forced select individuals nocturnal avoid human contact life history known live years estimated lifespan adult female gives birth offspring gestation period days interval years female sighted juveniles stays years mother independent ecology unlike closely related water buffalo solitary creature adults species occur smaller packs encountered juveniles exhibit typical behavior clan hierarchy seen water buffalo males females known associate year round interaction lasts hours suggested solitary behavior adaptation forest environment adult males solitary apparently aggressive adult females accompanied bull young different ages similar mud pits suggested behavior employed animals order avoid biting insects distinct behavior reports concerning threat posture involves lowering head shifting horns vertical position accompanied lateral shaking head evolutionary history presence island coupled discovery fossil islands archipelago indicates family widespread philippines fact fossil finds 20th century shown found northern philippine island pleistocene member family close affinity water buffalo times past considered subspecies recent genetic analysis studies family members strengthen view etymology taxonomic history originally described french zoologist marie described subspecies water buffalo species little decade elevated species status later research analyses relationships determined genus genus scientific updated present form referred variants like suggested term came probable alternative conservation entirely endemic rare land stands extremely vulnerable species currently classified critically endangered species iucn iucn red list endangered species awareness conservation status began way classified status known iucn data gathered population iucn conservation monitoring center declared species endangered succeeding surveys conducted species remained listed red list endangered species fulfilled iucn criteria criterion indicated species range square kilometers known exist independent locations noticed continuing decline population fulfilled sub criterion given condition population sole habitat criterion essentially required population composed mature individuals individual counts population time figured significantly lower red list severe criteria estimates population decline years generations factors contributed decline population course century increase human population exposed island sole population severe pressures 1930s introduction non native cattle island caused severe epidemic population numbering thousands hunting food taken toll species numbers major factor threatening survival habitat loss infrastructure development logging agriculture factors reduced population thousands early 1900s individuals decline population philippine laws organizations created conservation species commonwealth act enacted philippine commonwealth act specifically prohibited killing hunting merely wounding exception noted self defense attacked agitated individual scientific purposes penalties harsh include fine imprisonment executive order signed creating committee specifically geared conservation referred source national pride said conservation project established organization successfully bred nicknamed captivity republic act wildlife resources conservation protection act enacted protect endemic species hunting sale 1970s gene pool established preserve numbers project successful offspring named produced surviving animal gene project project improved protected areas wildlife bureau shown breeding wild implemented conservation department environment natural resource argued measures diminish genetic diversity species small found confines game refuge bird sanctuary island appendix convention international trade endangered species species list january listing cites recognizes species critically endangered threatened extinction international commercial trade species derivatives meat horns flesh considered illegal commercial trade species prohibited exchange non commercial reasons scientific research allowed october department agriculture philippine center director del officially reported population increased yearly average april expedition reports conservation program national park government private entities including far eastern university students revealed population counted year compared heads rate estimated number considerably high mean giving birth mount national park official count animal indigenous people stopped animal blood foundation called animal endangered treasure later philippines endangered flagship species 1930s population declined viral disease affecting cattle 1960s 1970s hunters killed sport importantly rampant habitat forest cover 1900s area animal decline thailand international union conservation species established gene pool farm extensive implemented propagation animals found mountainous portions national park eagle pass valley presidential proclamation set october special month conservation protection belong mount day left extinct humans importance humans economical commercial value heavily exploited large endangered mammals population subject harvesting pressure hunters conservation efforts spurred half 20th century iucn described ongoing red list report philippine culture national animal philippines considered national symbol philippines image animal found version coins proclamation enacted october special working holiday province line conservation month proclamation aimed remind people importance conservation environment 1970s toyota motors defunct local company delta motors built asian utility vehicle simplicity design examples survive day copied multinational companies ford general motors local subsidiary manufacturers day asian utility vehicle shares design indonesian version automobile maker toyota held franchise philippine basketball association naming team toyota wake asian utility popularity 1990s toyota motors philippines released asian utility vehicle called philippines evolution widely taxi operators immediately turned staple mode transportation like cross taxi eventually evolved mascot varsity teams far eastern university university athletic association philippines toyota philippine basketball association falls puerto named


fisher animal fisher small native north_america member family commonly referred family genus fisher closely related larger american fisher forest dwelling creature range covers forest canada northern united_states names derived languages include called fisher cat males females look similar adult males long weigh kilograms adult females long weigh fur fisher varies winter summer color fur goes cycle fisher prefers hunt forest spends time forest floor prefers forage fallen trees fisher feeds wide variety small animals occasionally fruits mushrooms prefers hare animals able prey successfully despite common fisher seldom eats fish reproductive cycle fisher lasts year female birth litter kits spring nurse care kits late summer old set females enter shortly giving birth leave den find mate delayed following spring birth cycle renewed predators humans trapped 18th century fur demand parts united_states early 20th century conservation protection measures allowed species rebound current range reduced historic limits 1920s prices high fur farmers attempted raise unusual delayed reproduction breeding difficult prices fell late 1940s fisher farming ended usually avoid human contact forest habitats resulted conflicts reports attacking pets case rhode_island year old boy year old boy attacked believed fisher massachusetts etymology despite fisher animal known eat fish comes colonial dutch resemblance european french language called regions fisher known derived language word borrowed fur traders american indian names fisher carrier meaning big taxonomy latin specific named thomas pennant described fisher described creature calling pennant examined specimen called fisher unaware earlier description 18th century scientists gave similar names named named fisher eventually placed genus smith members genus distinguished teeth upper lower jaws close relative fisher teeth formula evolution evidence ancestors fisher migrated north_america era million years ago extinct found eastern asia true fisher found north_america strong indications related asian finds suggests migration found early late pleistocene era years ago major differences pleistocene fisher modern fisher fossil evidence indicates fisher range extended farther south today subspecies identified later research debated subspecies positively identified concluded subspecies based fur skull characteristics debate exists general recognized fisher species extant subspecies biology behavior physical characteristics medium sized comparable size domestic cat largest species genus bodies long thin low ground sexes similar physical features sexually size male larger female males length weigh females measure weigh largest male fisher recorded weighed fisher fur changes season differs slightly sexes males coats females early winter coats dense glossy ranging chest color ranges deep brown black appears winter contrasted white snow face shoulders fur gold silver guard hairs underside fisher completely brown randomly placed patches white cream colored fur summer fur color variable considerably undergo starting late summer finishing november december toes foot retractable claws feet large legs making easier snow packs addition toes central pads foot hind coarse hairs grow pads toes giving added traction walking variety surfaces highly mobile ankle joints rotate hind degrees allowing maneuver trees climb head fisher relatively species ability descend trees head circular patch hair central pad hind marks distinctive odor patches enlarged breeding season likely scent trail allow find mate hunting diet predators primary prey hare known supplement diet insects nuts mushrooms solitary hunters choice prey limited size analyses stomach contents found evidence birds small mammals deer food sources shows eating observed feed deer left hunters uncommon found kill larger animals wild turkey predators seek kill stories popular literature flip belly like identified exaggerated early studies repeated biting attacks face kill minutes reproduction female fisher begins breed year age reproductive cycle year long event mating takes place late march early april delayed months mid february following year active pregnancy begins days female gives birth kits female enters days later breeding cycle begins females den hollow trees kits born blind helpless partially covered fine hair kits begin crawl weeks weeks open eyes start climb weeks kits completely dependent mother milk weeks begin switch solid diet months kits litter mates months mother pushes year juveniles established range social structure home range generally active dawn dusk active year round solitary mating purposes males active mating season females active pregnancy gradually increase activity birth kits fisher hunting range varies km2 summer km2 winter ranges km2 winter possible depending quality habitat male female overlapping territories behavior imposed females males dominance size male desire increase mating success parasites parasites include habitat competent tree spend time forest floor prefer continuous forest habitats found extensive forests typical forest common mixed hardwood forests prefer areas continuous overhead cover greater coverage avoid areas coverage likely found old growth forests female require moderately large trees forests heavily logged extensive second growth appears unsuitable needs factor select forest floors large amounts coarse woody debris western forests fire regularly removes debris preference woodland habitat tend avoid areas deep snow habitat affected snow moisture content distribution widespread northern forests north_america found nova_scotia east pacific shore british_columbia alaska found far north great slave lake northwest territories far south mountains oregon isolated populations sierra nevada california mountains pennsylvania west_virginia late 19th century early 20th century virtually eliminated southern eastern parts range including american states eastern canada including nova_scotia trapping loss forest habitat reasons decline states placed restrictions fisher trapping 1930s end logging boom combination forest abandoned improved forest management practices increased available habitat allowed remnant populations recover populations recovered sufficiently species longer endangered increasing forest cover eastern north_america means fisher populations remain sufficiently robust near future states allowed limited trapping resume areas eliminated populations subsequently increased areas high density found extensive damage timber crops cases reintroduced releasing adults relocated places forest fisher populations numbers returned natural levels washington state fisher sightings reported 1980s extensive survey 1990s locate scattered fisher populations exist pacific_northwest british_columbia minnesota introduced oregon southern near falls mountains near introduced region crater lake starting january reintroduced washington state initial olympic peninsula animals subsequent south cascade mountains reintroduced animals monitored radio remote cameras shown introduced northern sierra nevada near city fisher populations national park california northern boundary pacific_coast ranges mountains protected species oregon washington wyoming idaho california protected closed trapping season afforded specific protection expected california fisher probably granted listing endangered species act june fish wildlife service recommended removed endangered list idaho montana wyoming recommended study ensure current populations managed properly recent studies evidence begun making suburban farmland areas states eastern canada far south northern massachusetts new_york connecticut rural new_jersey reports shown populations begun cape populations likely smaller populations western new_england people long history contact humans fisher populations attacks humans extremely rare attack feel threatened case fisher blamed attack year old boy case fisher believed responsible attack year old boy new minor league baseball team based manchester new_hampshire held team contest new_hampshire fisher cats chosen public list suggestions reflecting local culture environment fur trade conservation trapped 18th century popular value fur neck pieces best winter trapping secondary quality spring trapping lowest quality come season trapping easily trapped value fur particular incentive catching species prices varied considerably past years highest 1920s 1930s average prices offered sale new_york_city prices declined 1960s picked late 1970s hudson bay company paid female sold canada average price threatened near extinction southern range alterations habitat new_england nearly trapping northern states abundant canada maintain harvest year figure limited protection afforded early 20th century total protection finally given remaining closed seasons habitat recovery restored original range trapping resumed numbers recovered sufficient numbers early 1970s value fisher leading population crash couple years closed seasons fisher trapping opened shortened season restricted bag limits population steadily increased steadily increasing numbers trapped animals despite lower value captivity captured live fur farming zoo specimens scientific research prices averaged relatively valuable attempts raise farms fur farming popular species thought techniques applied farmers found difficult raise unusual reproductive cycle general knowledge delayed unknown time farmers noted females spring birth declining prices fisher farms closed operations late 1940s captured bred common zoo species poor animals exhibit general hide visitors day difficulty keeping alive susceptible diseases captivity example fisher kept captivity lived years old natural lifespan years raised fisher kits purpose performing scientific research primary interest attempt measure activity order determine food animals required function running exercises simulated activity wild compared food intake data estimate daily food requirements research lasted years year died unknown causes second released wilderness michigan upper peninsula interactions domestic animals areas farmers raid chicken instances cats small dogs general evidence suggests attacks rare study examined stomach contents trapped state new_hampshire cat hairs found recent studies suburban upstate new_york massachusetts found cat remains fisher diet samples stomach contents respectively popular belief frequent attacks pets suggest likely prey domestic cats chickens poisoning study conducted integral ecology research center davis forest service tribe showed california exposed killed associated marijuana cultivation study tested california exposed average different died directly attributed follow study building data determined trend exposure mortality increased california exposed average different died bringing total extent marijuana cultivation home ranges highlighted study focusing fisher survival impacts marijuana cultivation sierra national forest research showed average individual grow sites home range fisher individual grow sites territory literature mentions literature occurred book true nature stories robert relates tale encounter woods mountains new_york recounts sightings including witnessed fisher attacking winter fisher cameron relates fictional encounter fisher aging living forest fisher trap nurses health fisher attention wild animal returns forest uses ecology known habits fisher tale survival tolerance northern woods canada mentioned books including blood jaguar animal birthday hunter sign beaver fisher thought caught trap


gray tailed gray tailed known gray tailed meadow gray tailed meadow mouse genus small meadow family small mammals species lies roughly middle size range collected endemic valley oregon clark county washington pacific_northwest region north_america historically found prairie areas valley areas converted agricultural purposes animals remain common reasons remain unclear population area widely season season year year preyed hawks mammals parasites include build underground complex tunnel networks share animals relatively little known behavior wild elusive unlikely enter traps taxonomy scientific gray tailed generic derives ancient greek words small ear species derives latin gray tail gray tailed described miller proceedings biological society washington type specimen collected oregon december miller initial examination included type specimen collection obtained remaining specimens collected national museum biological survey hart gray tailed differences specimens obtained columbia river appears sibling species classified geographic race subspecies hall laboratory analyses including subsequently confirmed separate species gray tailed terms arms quantity distribution different species description gray tailed small middle size range general fur yellowish brown yellowish gray short tail black brown grayish young gray fur underside darker gray feet young gray tail black stripe similar size overall appearance yellowish fur tail type specimen measured total length tail measured hind foot measured typical adults average total length tail feet measure ears upper lower upper lower total teeth gray tailed share similarities distinguished appearance darker longer tail differences structure hard gray tailed differ aspects hard structure especially gray tailed shares geographic range gray tailed build larger eyes differences upper distribution habitat gray tailed endemic valley oregon clark county washington range oregon extends north valley eugene reports species east called question gray tailed prevalent agricultural areas found grain fields disturbed habitats inhabited grassy valley burned annually native americans uncertain effects populations orlando bailey describes valley humid division transition zone annual precipitation falling winter valley warmer drier surrounding hills heavily forested better suited agricultural use zoologist visited type specimen gray tailed collected account journey relayed daniel referring specifically terrain inhabited gray tailed described area kind country level forested coast range miles distant places forests douglas fir occur land chiefly open grassy white oaks yellow pine occur region judge transition described low rolling hills entirely lacking immediate vicinity town land covered forests yellow pine douglas fir white oak etc soil chiefly black higher parts largely clay region evidently transition character vegetation shown presence yellow pine white oak mammals sharing transition zone gray tailed include roosevelt black tailed deer white tailed deer washington rabbit brush rabbit silver gray douglas douglas ground oregon flying wood rat deer mouse california red backed mouse red tree white oregon mouse mountain beaver jumping mice including pocket pocket northwest coast birds range include oregon band tailed california owl harris northern lewis swift jay western winter california oregon chestnut backed western golden crowned black headed behavior gray tailed construct complex networks tunnels nest ground sheltered wood abandoned equipment agricultural debris known use tunnel networks pocket tunnels built provide shelter wet periods frequent range tunnels flood swim dry areas chambers air trapped networks flood completely head higher ground seen gathered dry fence posts flooded areas approached swam safer ground nearby tunnels intersect establish long wide deep gray tailed difficult capture live wild unlikely enter enclosure type traps effective traps laid commonly run directly known obtained observing captivity ecology information reproductive habits gray tailed based studies captive animals captivity female young days weighing capable litters produced younger females result larger litters smaller mass lower rates newborn survival gestation period days weigh average litter size uncertain frequently gray tailed breed breeding likely occurs year round gray tailed recognize relatives based familiarity laboratory conditions gray tailed familiar produced fewer litters unfamiliar ones related resulted lower survival unrelated individuals common foods gray tailed wild thought grasses wild false published claims lack references evidence gray tailed described common bailey reported scarce specimens available claimed present east subsequent authorities refuted population density widely year data available population density field studies controlled settings yield estimates animals acres human interactions gray tailed laboratory research projects study effects mineral deficiencies lacking valley soils studies livestock feed modifications including feeds grains feeds clearance radioactive contaminated food gray tailed abundant range humans measures control populations trapping challenging conservation status gray tailed listed concern iucn international union conservation nature major threats common species recognized range limited agricultural environments land conversion purposes problematic species listed secure


biological family mammals includes african buffalo water buffalo sheep goats domestic cattle member family called consisting extant species known extinct species family consists major apart disputed family evolved million years ago early great variation size forms male horns species females possess horns size shape horns vary greatly basic structure pairs simple bony branches having spiral twisted form covered permanent bear teeth social activity feeding usually peak dawn dusk typically rest dawn midday dark methods social organisation social behaviour classified solitary behaviour use different forms vocal communication species alternately feed day small forage dense closed habitat larger species feed high fiber vegetation open mature mate year smaller species mate twice species remain hidden week months regularly mothers species followers accompanying dams tending remain hidden greatest occur africa maximum concentration species eastern africa species occur europe asia north_america includes mammals use spread outside original ranges cattle sheep goats dairy products milk butter cheese manufactured largely domestic cattle provide leather meat wool etymology given british zoologist john edward gray word combination prefix originating latin late latin taxonomy family placed order includes includes extant species accounting nearly known extinct species molecular studies supported family group organisms comprises ancestral species descendants number disputed suggestions molecular morphological fossil evidence indicates existence distinct consisting relatives relatives cattle goats sheep relatives relatives addition extinct known mid subfamily contains mid gentry natural history museum london divided major major basis evolutionary history comprised consisted rest somewhat primitive teeth resembling advanced teeth like goats controversy exists recognition comprising genera respectively american biologist george suggested inclusion grey sole species highly different morphology earlier classified later placed subfamily molecular morphological analysis supports inclusion based gentry evolution early early began deer earliest presence africa early small animals somewhat similar modern probably lived woodland environments earliest known weighed nearly size thompson early evolutionary history split main origin african origin early split attributed continental divide land masses continents later rejoined barrier removed group expanded territory tribes diverged early known reached americas pleistocene crossing land bridge present genera appeared extinct genus size believed come extinct middle pleistocene genera known pleistocene subfamily appears diverged early believed diverged rest late extinct africa early latest fossils excavated south_africa kenya middle middle marked spread china indian according radiation subfamily began middle tribes probably diverged early middle emerged middle replaced earliest fossils middle studies existence subfamily early occurred tribe middle upper mainly tribe appeared africa end widespread late late rapidly leading creation new genera late radiation partly adapted open grassland habitats appeared late significant difference sizes primitive modern noted fossils tribe africa date late earliest fossils date late excavated sites valley african fossils date probably diverged mid characteristics similar basic form snout blunt end pairs horns generally present males immediately oval pointed ears distinct neck limbs tail varying length species exhibit sexual males usually larger heavier females sexual prominent large sized toes foot walk central outer smaller rarely touch ground great variation size weigh stands high shoulder water buffalo heavier weigh shorter tall royal sharp contrast tall weighs small stands shoulder weighs differences occur ranging pale white arabian black black intermediate shades brown reddish brown commonly observed species females juveniles exhibit light coloured coat males age coat marked prominent faint stripes species coat colour vary season scent present species grant strongly facial markings conceal highly eye species look flat blend background outlines broken bold strongly contrasting patterns helping delay recognition predators including pale bodies faces conspicuous markings zoologist tim describes difficult explain given species suggests markings function communication strongly contrasting leg common example white communication likely function forms male horns species females possess horns size shape horns vary greatly basic structure pair simple bony branches having spiral twisted form covered permanent horns occur single pair species exceptions jacob sheep unique horn structure morphological feature distinguishes high exists horn morphology fighting behaviour individual instance long horns intended wrestling fencing curved horns males horns directed solitary horns directed tend results independent body size male horn development linked sexual selection horns small spikes small large formed example spiral structure giant extent horns depict degree competition males species presence horns females likely natural selection horns females usually smaller males different shape horns female believed evolved defence predators express females able use predator defence horns females possess horns half genera females genera heavier rest females use horns mainly stabbing anatomy fourth combined cannon bone reduced fused radius respectively long present absent stomach composed chambers bacteria complex simpler absorbed wall long small length small cattle body temperature day instance goats temperature change slightly nearly early morning afternoon temperature regulated cattle goats use right lung consisting times larger left bear teeth upper absent upper reduced absent instead upper thick tough layer tissue called dental pad provides surface grip grasses foliage low crowned crescent shaped lower project forward followed long gap known general dental formula members family like allow digest plant material grass animals like rabbits able use micro organisms living break ecology behaviour methods social organisation social behaviour classified solitary behaviour types divided territorial behaviour small generally solitary territorial hold small territories members species allowed enter form pairs species use mark territories offspring disperse time males need acquire territories prior mating solitary territorial hardly displays aggression tends form loose favourable habitat found close excluding spiral african territorial males forced disperse attaining sexual maturity form territories females required males hold territories form bachelor competition takes place males acquire dominance fights tend rigorous limited seasons exception migratory males males generally hold territory lives male individuals known satellite males allowed territories males wait till owner grows old acquire territory mating males gather display potential mates known exist cattle sheep goats territorial species males gain absolute dominance males fights confined territories males spend years body growth activity buffalo exceptions social activity feeding usually peak dawn dusk usually rest dawn midday dark usually tongue rarely roll mud dust buffalo usually mud heads horns mud bodies use different forms vocal communication involve varied neck head horns hair legs ears convey sexual excitement emotional state alarm expression response usually stand head high intent sense danger like leap heights feet caution warn predators include lion tiger brown bear dragon spotted response predators making high leaps stiff legs indicating honestly predator seen individual strong worth chasing mating season males presence known females male male fights male force air producing deter rival males attract females mothers use vocal communication locate separated fights dominance males tend display erect posture level muzzle fighting techniques differ families depend build fight knees usually fight sizes use different methods combat usually box fights clash fence consisting hard blows short range goat sheep males stand upright clash downwards use powerful head aggressive clashes horns opponents circular manner unlock ram high speeds rule equal build level defence engage fight intended determine superior individuals evidently inferior flee fight example immature males fight mature generally direct attacks opponent head body shaped horns sections help holding stabbing fights leading injury rare diet alternately feed day feed feed digest short intervals longer intervals small species hours day night feeding habits related body size small forage dense closed habitat larger species feed high fiber vegetation open exhibit different feeding strategies species extensively fresh grass forage species exception primarily consume fruits species depend unstable food sources specially adapted arid areas members flexible forage areas low productivity tribes high proportions contrary exception feed extensively conspicuous relationship exists body size consumption sexuality reproduction species individuals resulting minimal male male aggression reduced selection large body size males sexual absent females slightly larger males possibly competition females acquisition territories case small time taken sexual maturity sex varies broadly sexual maturity follow mating instance males sexually mature year mate years age contrary sheep females birth offspring gained sexual maturity delay male sexual maturation visible sexually species particularly probably competition males instance blue females capable reproduction year birth males mature years old mate year smaller species mate twice mating seasons occur typically rainy months breeding peak twice regions sheep goats exhibit remarkable reproduction determination annual cycle daily plays pivotal role factors significant influence cycle include temperature status social interactions date period study phenomenon concluded goats sheep short day breeders mating sheep breeds begins summer early autumn mating sheep affected advances onset breeding season terminates breeding season lasts day exception detect females testing organ male assured female begins courtship displays displays vary greatly elaborate marches species female solitary species females initially receptive ultimately mates male achieved dominance expressed permission mounting male setting aside tail female generally takes seconds period varies gestation ranges days gestation african buffalo ranges days usually single offspring born twins frequent able stand run hour birth species males assist defending young case species newborn remain hidden week months regularly mothers species start following mothers immediately days different different strategies defence juveniles instance mothers solely defend young exhibit collective defence occur early months royal late year lifespan wild live years larger species tend live longer instance american live years years mean lifespan individuals nearly years example goats average lifespan years wild live years larger species tending live longer usually males mainly species shorter females attributed reasons early dispersal young males aggressive male male fights vulnerability predation particularly males large size male body high requirements satisfied richard suggested females mimic male secondary sexual characteristics like horns protect male offspring dominant males feature strongly selected prevent male mortality sex attacks aggressive males forced dispersal young males distribution diverse species occur africa maximum concentration eastern africa depending feeding habits species large stretches land variations dental limb morphology observed inhabit occur near swamps inhabit occur live dense forests mountain goats live high altitudes species occur europe asia north_america tribes found outside african continent sheep goats found primarily sheep form african fauna confined arctic species human beings goats sheep began thousand years ago cattle thousand years ago interaction humans animals contributed shifting dependence human beings hunting gathering agriculture include mammals use spread outside original ranges cattle sheep goats found world species horse pig large remain ranges wild ancestors domestic buffalo indian water buffalo indian cattle earliest evidence cattle suggesting process began cyprus basin animal products dairy products milk butter cheese manufactured largely domestic cattle milk sheep goat buffalo parts world products example buffalo milk italy india sheep milk blue cheese france beef excellent source iron meat lower fat beef higher protein content leather tough additional advantage varying soft clothing leather hard shoe leather goat cattle leather wide variety use suited clothing purposes wool finest valuable wool long soft coarse resistant making tough bone meal important rich calcium nitrogen effective removing soil horns drinking vessels antiquity human culture featured stories time ancient greece include crow sheep frog wolf lamb mythological creature depicted lion head goat arising tail end snake head offspring sibling monsters sheep synonymous goat chinese mythology eighth animal chinese symbol classification family subfamily tribe genus subfamily tribe genus genus genus black blue genus genus genus genus genus genus genus common genus genus subfamily tribe genus genus genus genus red red fronted genus arabian indian queen mountain slender genus genus grant genus tribe genus tribe genus genus silver salt genus royal genus genus genus cape subfamily tribe genus genus blue bull tribe genus water buffalo wild asian water buffalo lowland mountain genus domestic cattle domestic genus genus african buffalo genus american ancient long genus giant buffalo tribe genus greater lesser mountain genus common giant subfamily tribe genus genus tribe genus sheep genus arabian genus west wild goat domestic goat alpine spanish genus genus domestic sheep american sheep sheep european snow sheep genus genus blue sheep dwarf blue sheep tribe genus japanese taiwan chinese red genus red chinese grey long tailed genus mountain goat genus subfamily genus bay black black fronted harvey red flanked red forest white white legged yellow backed genus blue walter genus common subfamily genus genus east african arabian genus subfamily genus classified subfamily genus classified grey subfamily genus genus southern mountain


series racing team team known white genus lives desert described suggested alternative pale long twisted horns typically females males males stand shoulder females sexually females smaller males colour coat depends season winter brown white legs long brown hair head neck shoulders summer coat turns completely white sandy blonde mainly eats grasses leaves available shrubs herbs bushes animals adapted exist desert habitat live water long periods time form members consisting males females led oldest female slow movements easy target predators lions humans african hunting dogs breeding season peak winter early spring natural habitat arid regions sandy critically endangered species classified iucn extremely rare native habitat hunting common captivity abundant north_africa native extinct algeria egypt libya western reintroduced morocco tunisia taxonomy naming scientific described french zoologist placed genus family observed museum royal college english naturalist richard stated type locality probably support claim finally discussion probable british hunters collectors obtained tunisia generic thought obtained arabic word meaning wild animal horns thought originated latin word species comes latin words prefix meaning nose spot spotted refers spots facial markings use arabic literally means cow wild refer common names white pairs pair largest medium sized short long arms pair correspond respectively 27th 1st cattle goats study banding patterns found similar species subfamily history fossil record ancient times occurred northern africa levant pictures tomb dating bce partial ancient pictures tied ropes stakes number captured person considered indicator high social economic position society today excess resulted extinction species egypt 1960s fossils found sites egypt bce fossil great sand sea bce fossil bce fossil bce fossil apart fossils excavated bce fossil pleistocene fossils physical description spiral male stand shoulder females sexually females smaller males head body length sexes long tail weight males varies females coloring coat varies season winter brown white legs long brown hair head neck shoulders summer coat turns completely white sandy blonde head marked brown black patches form prominent red nostrils long black hairs stick curved horns ending short neck horns found males females twists typically females males maximum recorded length lower mid portions horns marked series ring shaped ridges tail short slender ending black hair broad flat strong help walk soft sand feet possess scent life span years wild extended years captivity closely resembles distinguished horns facial markings spiral straight long horns brown hair extending base horns eyes white patch continuing brown hair extends till middle cheek hand white forehead notable brown marking brown lateral stripe eyes differs having large square teeth like cattle lacking typical facial parasites prone parasites moist climatic conditions infected families exotic ranch texas found host dominant behavior ecology animals mainly nocturnal particularly summers day dig sand locations rest depressions protect contain males females members generally stay place widely search food strong social structure probably based age led oldest female likely found northern edge tropical rain system summer north winter falls able track rainfall head areas vegetation plentiful males territorial guard females females establish dominance slow movements easy target predators lions humans african hunting dogs attack normally aggressive individuals charge disturbed adaptations suited live deep desert extreme conditions survive free water indefinitely moisture food plants scientists believe special lining stomach stores water use times produce highly concentrated conserve water pale colour coat reflects heat length density coat helps day shaded areas cool nights rest sand practices help dissipation body heat saving water cooling body study diet grass hay studied determine retention time food digestive tract found food retention time long taken adaptation diet including high proportion slow grasses long fluid retention time interpreted water saving mechanisms low water turnover diet live desert terrain eat grasses leaves shrubs herbs bushes available staple foods grasses turn green bit humidity rain eat certain parts plant tend crop grasses height contrast feeding grass drier outer leaves left eat tender inner shoots seeds seeds important diet main source protein reproduction females sexually mature years age males years breeding occurs year peaks winter early spring northern breeding peaks end winter beginning spring southern breeding peaks september october january mid april bout lasts days study blood female analyzed know phase cycle duration days pregnancy showed horns maximum corpus female underwent period lasting days rare winter suggested effect seasons cycle gestation period lasts days months females lie stand delivery born occurs days weighs birth weeks old habitat distribution inhabits arid regions sandy occur extremely arid areas annual rainfall inhabit grasses species widespread region africa west valley countries sharing desert today known self sustaining population present reserve reports sightings eastern air mountains rare seen north southern algeria libya rumoured present border confirmed sightings abundant north_africa native extinct algeria egypt libya western reintroduced morocco tunisia threats conservation decrease population begun notably recently found algeria mainly restricted rare easy hunt slow movements firearms easy hunting nomadic settlements near dry season feeding places decreased numbers meat leather highly prized threats include chronic habitat destruction human settlements agriculture individuals thought exist wild today animals found area region western today europe bar nature reserve israel libya zoo egypt north_america japan australia captive breeding programmes private collections united_states middle_east legally protected morocco tunisia algeria hunting forbidden libya egypt enormous reserves mountains algeria reserve newly established national park cover areas previously occurred present lack resources reintroduced national park tunisia national park morocco wild ongoing national park tunisia grand oriental planned morocco


polar bear polar bear bear native range lies largely arctic circle encompassing arctic ocean surrounding seas surrounding land masses large bear approximately size bear adult male weighs adult female half size sister species brown bear evolved occupy narrower ecological niche body characteristics adapted cold temperatures moving snow ice open water hunting seals diet polar bears born land spend time sea ice scientific means maritime bear derives fact polar bears hunt preferred food seals edge sea ice living fat reserves sea ice present dependence sea ice polar bears classified marine mammals expected habitat loss caused climate change polar bear classified vulnerable species nineteen polar bear currently decline decades large scale hunting raised international concern future species populations rebounded controls began effect thousands years polar bear key figure material spiritual cultural life peoples polar bears remain important cultures naming etymology constantine john describe polar bear distinct species chose scientific latin maritime bear animal native habitat refer animal language refer bear bear language russian usually called white bear older word use comes bear french polar bear referred white bear polar bear norwegian administered archipelago polar bear referred ice bear polar bear previously considered genus evidence hybrids polar bears brown bears recent evolutionary divergence species support establishment separate genus accepted scientific originally proposed taxonomy evolution bear family thought split million years ago subfamily originated approximately million years ago oldest known polar bear fossil year old jaw bone found prince charles fossils years ago polar bear teeth changed significantly brown bear polar bears thought diverged population brown bears isolated period pleistocene eastern siberia peninsula evidence dna analysis complex mitochondrial dna polar bear diverged brown bear roughly years ago brown bear assessed closely related polar bears brown bears meaning polar bear considered species species concepts extinct irish brown bears particularly close polar bears comparison nuclear polar bears brown bears revealed different pattern forming genetically distinct diverged approximately years ago latest research based analysis complete partial nuclear polar brown bears establishes divergence polar brown bears years ago species intermittently time likely coming contact warming periods polar bears driven land brown bears migrated northward brown bears percent genetic material polar bears population abc islands bears percent percent polar bear genes indicating frequent recent mating polar bears breed brown bears produce fertile polar bear hybrids indicating recently diverged new evidence suggests frequent mating continued longer period time bears remain genetically similar species survive long ecological niche different morphology social feeding characteristics bears generally classified separate species polar bear originally documented subspecies identified constantine peter simon distinction alleged fossil subspecies identified extinct pleistocene significantly larger living subspecies recent fossil suggests actually type brown bear population distribution polar bear found arctic circle adjacent land masses far south newfoundland absence human development remote habitat retains original range extant rare north evidence range way arctic far south james bay canada southernmost range near boundary humid continental climate zones occasionally drift widely sea ice sightings far south norwegian mainland islands sea difficult estimate global population polar bears range poorly studied use working estimate polar bears worldwide generally recognized polar bears thought exist low area arctic basin display seasonal fidelity particular areas dna studies isolated thirteen north american range sea south hudson bay east bay western greenland account global population population broken eastern greenland sea sea sea sea considerable uncertainty structure populations limited mark recapture data range includes territory nations denmark greenland norway russia united_states alaska canada nations signatories international agreement conservation polar bears cooperation research conservation efforts polar bear range modern methods tracking polar bear populations implemented mid-1980s expensive perform consistently large area accurate counts require flying helicopter arctic climate find polar bears shooting bear bear reported increases bear sightings human settlements recent years leading belief populations increasing scientists responded noting hungry bears human settlements leading illusion populations higher actually polar bear specialist group iucn species survival commission takes position estimates size sustainable harvest levels solely basis traditional ecological knowledge supporting scientific studies recognized polar bear declining stable increasing insufficient data habitat polar bear marine spends months year sea living marine powerful large limbs feet allow cover miles foot run land preferred habitat annual sea ice covering waters continental shelf arctic inter island areas known arctic ring life high biological productivity comparison deep waters high arctic polar bear tends frequent areas sea ice meets water leads temporary stretches open water arctic ice hunt seals diet freshwater limited environments locked snow polar bears able produce water found seal polar bears found primarily perimeter polar ice pack polar basin close north pole density seals low annual ice contains areas water appear disappear year weather changes seals migrate response changes polar bears follow prey hudson bay james bay areas ice completely summer event referred ice breakup forcing polar bears land wait months freeze seas polar bears retreat summer ice north remains frozen year round biology behaviour physical characteristics bear similar size polar bear bear subspecies brown bear adult male polar bears weigh measure metres total length book world records listed average male having body mass shoulder height slightly smaller average male bears sea mature males reportedly average adult females roughly half size males normally weigh measuring metres length slightly larger estimated average weight claimed adult females pregnant females weigh polar bear sexually mammals surpassed elephant seals largest polar bear record reportedly weighing male shot sound northwestern alaska specimen mounted stood tall shoulder height adult polar bear bears short tailed polar bear tail relatively shortest living bears ranging length compared closest relative brown bear polar bear elongated body build longer skull nose predicted allen rule northerly animal legs ears tail small feet large distribute load walking snow thin ice provide propulsion swimming measure adult pads covered small soft dermal provide traction ice polar bear claws short compared brown bear serve need grip heavy prey ice claws deeply underside assist digging ice natural habitat research injury patterns polar bear found injuries right frequent left suggesting right unlike brown bear polar bears captivity rarely overweight particularly large possibly reaction warm conditions teeth polar bear reflect highly diet cheek teeth smaller brown bear larger dental formula polar bears tissue hide fur temperatures nearly invisible infrared photography polar bear fur consists layer dense outer layer guard hairs appear white tan actually transparent guard hair body polar bears gradually august unlike arctic mammals shed coat darker shade camouflage summer conditions hollow guard hairs polar bear coat thought act fiber tubes conduct light black skin absorbed hypothesis study white coat usually age kept captivity warm humid conditions fur turn pale shade green algae growing inside guard hairs males significantly longer hairs increase length bear reaches years age male ornamental hair thought attract females serving similar function lion polar bear extremely developed sense smell able detect seals nearly away buried snow hearing acute human vision good long distances polar bear excellent swimmer swim days bear swam continuously days sea reach ice far land travelled swim bear lost body mass died body fat providing bear dog fashion large propulsion polar bears swim mph walking polar bear tends maintains average speed mph reach mph hunting diet polar bear member bear family range diet primarily consists seals arctic home millions seals prey surface holes ice order breathe haul ice rest polar bears hunt primarily interface ice water air rarely catch seals land open water polar bear common hunting method called hunting bear uses excellent sense smell locate seal breathing hole nearby silence seal appear bear lay wait hours seal bear breath reaches hole ice polar bear kills seal biting head crush skull polar bear hunts stalking seals resting ice spotting seal walks seal notice bear seal suddenly rushes forth attack hunting method raid birth female seals create snow widespread legend tells polar bears cover black hunting behaviour happens rare story exists oral history northern peoples accounts early arctic explorers record eyewitness account behaviour recent decades mature bears tend eat rich skin seal highly younger bears consume protein rich red meat studies photographed polar bears scaling near vertical cliffs eat birds chicks eggs bears independent mother gained experience body size successfully hunt seals bears kills important source nutrition forced accept half eaten kill seal defend larger polar bears feeding polar bears wash water snow polar bears powerful primary prey species seal smaller seals hunted pups adults seals born weighing grown estimated average weight places prey heavily seal harbor seal seal hand nearly size bear averaging adult male seals large female bear overtake potential prey mature male bears large males occasionally attempt hunt kill larger prey items kill adult rarely attempted typical adult mass range twice bear weight metre ivory formidable weapons polar bear charge group goal separating young injured pod attack adult diving holes frozen intercept diving hole ice polar bears seldom attack grown adult largest male probably injured attack tends extremely protracted exhausting venture bears known attack making initial injury polar bears seen prey breathing holes similar size nearly difficult bear subdue terrestrial animals arctic polar bear land polar bears quickly marine animals bear encounters areas polar bear diet supplemented dead adult readily rotten polar bears like fishing swim underwater catch fish like arctic exception pregnant females polar bears active year round induction trigger blood unlike brown black bears polar bears capable months late summer early fall hunt seals sea sea ice unavailable summer early autumn populations live fat reserves months time polar bears time year curious animals polar bears investigate consume garbage come contact humans polar bears attempt consume find including hazardous substances plastic car batteries hydraulic fluid motor oil dump churchill closed protect bears waste recycled transported thompson flexibility seal predation primary way life polar bears alternatives present flexible polar bears consume wide variety wild foods including birds eggs crabs crustaceans polar bears eat plants including roots significant diet marine exception stalking land animals willow polar bears appear use cover wind direction bring close prey possible attacking polar bears observed hunt small weigh adults barren ground twice heavy adult weigh formidable quarry typical prey killing summer months greatly increase odds survival lean period like brown bear prey polar bears likely young injured specimens healthy adults polar bear biology specialized require large amounts fat marine mammals derive sufficient intake terrestrial food southern range especially near hudson bay james bay canadian polar bears endure summer sea ice hunt food ecology shows flexibility manage consume seals food deprived summer marine important alternative sea ice especially whale alternatives reduce rate weight loss bears land scientist found hudson bay bears fed marine algae half feeding birds like sea ducks especially common long tailed duck swimming underwater catch diving feed blue underwater food sources like green sea eaten moss recently consumed grass eaten black half consumed study illustrates polar bear flexibility represent life history polar bears access alternatives marine important occur polar bears observed kill white spring trapped sea ice bears proceeded remained eaten ice free summer autumn behaviour unlike bears polar bears territorial aggressive normally cautious confrontations choose escape fight polar bears rarely attack humans severely provoked lack prior human interaction hungry polar bears extremely unpredictable fearless people known kill eat humans attacks brown bears result surprising animal case polar bear polar bears stealth hunters victim unaware bear presence attack underway brown bears person leave polar bear attacks likely predatory fatal small human population arctic attacks rare japanese wildlife photographer pursued briefly hungry male polar bear northern alaska according bear started running truck bear able reach truck tore doors truck able drive general adult polar bears live solitary lives seen playing hours time sleeping embrace polar bear zoologist described adult males having developed friendships cubs especially playful young males particular play fighting means practicing competition mating seasons later life polar bears wide range including photographer near churchill took widely circulated set photographs polar bear playing canadian dog tenth size pair wrestled afternoon days row apparent reason bear trying demonstrate hope sharing food kind social interaction uncommon far typical polar bears behave aggressively dogs reproduction courtship mating place sea ice april polar bears best seal hunting areas male follow tracks breeding female finding engage intense fighting males mating rights fights result broken teeth polar bears generally mating system recent genetic testing mothers cubs uncovered cases litters cubs different fathers partners stay mate repeatedly entire week mating ritual female mating egg remains suspended state august september months pregnant female eats amounts food gaining doubling body weight early life ice break fall ending possibility hunting pregnant female den consisting narrow entrance tunnel leading chambers underground sufficiently cold snow situated land kilometers coast individuals tend reuse areas year polar bears den land sea ice den enters dormant state similar like state consist continuous sleeping bear heart rate beats minute body temperature decrease period typical november february cubs born blind covered light fur weighing captivity delivered earlier months earliest recorded birth polar bears captivity october toronto zoo average litter cubs family remains den mid february mid april mother maintaining fast nursing cubs fat rich milk time mother breaks open entrance den cubs weigh kilograms days family spends time outside den remaining vicinity mother grazing vegetation cubs walking playing begin long walk area sea ice mother catch seals depending timing ice breakup fall months time cubs imitate mother hunting methods preparation later life female polar bears noted affection offspring protecting multiple cases adoption wild cubs confirmed genetic testing adult male bears occasionally kill eat polar bear cubs alaska cubs reaching months age areas cubs half years age mother chases away western hudson bay unusual female polar bears cubs half years case cubs early 1980s 1990s fewer cubs young mother leaves sibling cubs travel share food weeks months later life females begin breed age years areas years sea area males usually reach sexual maturity years competition females fierce breed age study hudson bay indicated reproductive success maternal weight females peaked mid teens polar bears appear affected infectious diseases parasites terrestrial mammals polar bears especially susceptible parasitic contract usually fatal case polar bear documented polar bears frequently interact arctic carry recorded polar bears problems skin diseases caused parasites life polar bears rarely live years oldest wild bears record died age oldest captive female died age causes death wild adult polar bears poorly understood rarely found species habitat wild old polar bears eventually weak catch food gradually death polar bears injured fights accidents die injuries unable hunt effectively leading starvation ecological role polar bear apex predator range species arctic animal species particularly arctic routinely polar bear kills relationship seals polar bears close abundance seals areas appears regulate density polar bears polar bear predation turn density reproductive success seals evolutionary pressure polar bear predation seals probably accounts significant differences arctic seals compared major surface predator arctic seals use breathing holes individual appear restless hauled ice rarely ice baby fur arctic seal species white presumably provide camouflage predators seals dark fur birth brown bears tend dominate polar bears disputes dead polar bear cubs found brown bear wolves rarely encountered polar bears records arctic wolf packs killing polar bear cubs unlikely killer grown polar bear reportedly included reported bear zoo bite throat conflict polar bears host arctic long distance swimming diving researchers tracked southern sea alaska gps system involved study males thick gps equipped long distance recorded longest kilometres average kilometres length ranged day days swim year cubs survived study determine lost cubs time long researchers know new behaviour polar ice opined probably need opportunity swim long distances polar bear swim underwater minutes approach seals shore ice hunting indigenous people polar bears long provided important raw materials arctic peoples including russian hunters commonly teams dogs distract bear allowing hunter spear bear shoot arrows closer range parts captured animals use fur particular trousers like outer called meat edible despite risk fat food fuel lighting homes alongside seal whale thread clothes heart dried medicinal purposes large teeth highly valued liver high concentration poisonous hunters sure toss liver sea bury order spare dogs potential poisoning traditional hunting small scale significantly affect polar bear populations human population polar bear habitat history commercial harvest russia polar bear commercially traded 14th century low value compared arctic fox fur growth human population arctic 16th 17th century advent firearms increasing trade dramatically increased harvest polar bears polar bear fur played marginal commercial role data historical harvest known example winter russian harvested polar bears early 20th century norwegian hunters harvesting bears year location estimates total historical harvest suggest beginning 18th century roughly animals harvested annually northern reaching peak animals early 20th century falling numbers began half 20th century efficient methods hunting trapping came use north_america polar bears chased practice described new_york_times editorial sporting machine cow self killing guns comprising loaded rifle box placed level bear head fired string attached bait pulled numbers taken grew rapidly 1960s peaking global total bears year contemporary regulations concerns future survival species led development national regulations polar bear hunting beginning mid-1950s soviet_union banned hunting canada began imposing hunting norway passed series increasingly strict regulations completely banned hunting united_states began regulating hunting adopted marine protection act international agreement conservation polar bears signed nations territory inhabited polar bears canada denmark norway soviet_union united_states member countries agreed place restrictions recreational commercial hunting ban hunting aircraft conduct research treaty allows hunting local people traditional methods norway country harvest polar bears banned agreement rare case international cooperation cold war biologist commented years conservation polar bears subject entire arctic nations sides iron curtain agree sufficiently sign agreement intensity human fascination magnificent predator marine bear agreements countries manage shared polar bear years negotiations russia united_states signed agreement october jointly set indigenous hunting alaska treaty ratified october september polar bear range states agreed action plan describing conservation strategy polar bears united_states government proposed polar bears transferred appendix cites ban international trade polar bear parts polar bears currently remain listed appendix decision approved members iucn traffic determined unlikely conservation benefit canada polar bears designated risk april special concern april status evaluated confirmed april november april polar bears continue listed species special concern canada sensitivity expected range caused loss arctic sea ice bears killed year humans canada rate calculated scientists areas notably bay canada allowed sport hunters accompanied local guides dog teams practice common 1980s guiding sport hunters provides meaningful employment important source income northern communities economic opportunities sport hunting bring bear northern communities recently american hunters territory accounts location annual kills canada government increased bears despite protests iucn polar bear specialist group areas harvest levels increased based increased sightings science based studies indicated declining populations area considered data hunted indigenous people growing share sold recreational hunters 1970s 1980s 1990s polar bear biologist mitchell taylor responsible polar bear conservation territory insisted bear numbers sustained current hunting limits increase partially reversed government officials announced polar bear bay region gradually reduced year year government northwest territories maintain bears communities set aside sports hunters environment canada banned export canada fur claws products polar bears harvested bay january way polar bear hunting managed canada attempts discourage sport hunting actually increase number bears killed short term canada certain number permits year sport hunting sport hunting allocated indigenous hunting northern communities kill polar bears permitted year half sport hunters permits actually manage kill polar bear sport hunter kill polar bear permit permit transferred hunter august environment canada published national polar bear conservation strategy greenland greenland hunting restrictions introduced expanded executive order greenland placed limit hunting indigenous people imposed limit allowed recreational hunting time provisions included year round protection cubs mothers restrictions weapons administrative requirements catalogue kills norway russia soviet_union banned harvest polar bears continued estimated pose threat polar bear population recent years polar bears approached coastal villages frequently sea ice humans raising concerns illegal hunting prevalent russian government hunting legal indigenous peoples supported russia prominent bear researchers world wide fund nature means curb polar bears currently listed rare uncertain status red data book russia depending population ministry natural resources environment published strategy polar bear conservation russia united_states marine protection act afforded polar bears protection united_states banned hunting indigenous hunters banned polar bear parts polar bear taken legally canada banned harassment polar bears united_states department interior listed polar bear threatened species endangered species act citing melting arctic sea ice primary threat polar bear banned polar bear trophies products polar bears prohibited marine protection act restricted restrictions permits united_states fish wildlife service required import sport hunted polar bear trophies taken hunting expeditions canada permit process required bear taken area based sound management principles hundreds sport hunted polar bear trophies imported fish wildlife service published draft conservation management plan polar bears improve status endangered species act marine protection act conservation status threats controversies polar bear population sizes trends difficult estimate accurately occupy remote home ranges exist low population polar bear hazardous researchers international union conservation nature iucn reports global population polar bears current population trend unknown polar bears listed vulnerable criterion indicates expected population decrease generations years decline area occupancy extent occurrence quality habitat risks polar bear include climate change pollution form toxic conflicts shipping oil gas exploration development human bear interactions including harvesting possible stresses recreational polar bear watching according world wildlife fund polar bear important indicator arctic ecosystem health polar bears studied gain understanding happening arctic risk polar bears sign wrong arctic marine ecosystem climate change international union conservation nature arctic climate impact assessment united_states geological survey leading polar bear expressed grave concerns impact climate change including belief current warming trend survival polar bear key danger posed climate change starvation habitat loss polar bears hunt seals platform sea ice rising temperatures cause sea ice melt earlier year driving bears shore built sufficient fat reserves survive period scarce food late summer early fall reduction sea ice cover forces bears swim longer distances energy stores occasionally leads drowning thinner sea ice tends easily appears difficult polar bears access seals insufficient leads lower reproductive rates adult females lower survival rates cubs juvenile bears addition poorer body condition bears ages addition creating stress warming climate expected affect aspects polar bear life changes sea ice affect ability pregnant females build suitable distance increases pack ice coast females swim longer distances reach favored areas land affect bears traditionally den underground warm winters result den roofs collapsing having reduced value polar bears currently den multi year ice increased ice mobility result longer distances mothers young cubs walk return seal hunting areas spring disease causing bacteria parasites flourish readily warmer climate problematic interactions polar bears humans foraging bears garbage historically prevalent years ice breakup occurred early local polar bears relatively thin increased human bear interactions including fatal attacks humans likely increase sea ice hungry bears try find food land effects climate change profound southern polar bear range significant degradation local populations observed western hudson bay southern range happens best studied polar bear feeds heavily seals late spring newly easily hunted seal pups abundant late spring hunting season ends polar bears ice begins melt break fast eat little summer sea warming air temperatures ice breakup western hudson bay currently occurring weeks earlier years ago reducing duration polar bear feeding season body condition polar bears declined period average weight lone likely pregnant female polar bears approximately western hudson bay population declined population currently listed stable alaska effects sea ice contributed higher mortality rates polar bear cubs led changes locations pregnant females recent years polar bears arctic undertaken longer usual find prey possibly resulting recorded unusually large ice pack new development polar bears begun ranging new territory uncommon polar bears sighted increasingly larger numbers ashore staying mainland longer periods time summer months particularly north canada traveling farther inland cause increased reliance terrestrial eggs increased human bear conflict pollution polar bears accumulate high levels persistent organic position ecological pyramid diet heavy concentrate bodies contaminated arctic mammals known toxic animals mimic chemistry suggest similar effects polar bears received study associated birth defects immune system chemicals ddt internationally banned recognition harm environment concentrations polar bear tissues continued rise decades banned chemicals spread food chain trend discontinued tissue concentrations declining studies performed studies performed time periods ddt notably lower western hudson bay population oil gas development oil gas development polar bear habitat affect bears variety ways oil spill arctic likely concentrate areas polar bears prey concentrated sea ice leads polar bears rely partly fur fur oil reduces value oil bears risk dying polar bears exposed oil spill conditions observed oil fur leading fatal kidney failure pregnant females females disturbed nearby oil exploration development disturbance sensitive sites trigger mother abandon den prematurely abandon litter altogether predictions geological survey scientists predicted thirds world polar bears disappear based moderate projections summer sea ice caused climate change validity study debated bears disappear europe asia alaska depleted canadian arctic archipelago areas northern greenland coast disappear greenland entirely northern canadian coast leaving numbers interior arctic archipelago short term polar bear populations historically colder regions arctic temporarily benefit climate ice thick seals create breathing holes replaced thinner annual ice polar bears diverged brown bears years ago survived past periods climate claimed polar bears able adapt terrestrial food sources sea ice use hunt seals disappears polar bear think polar bears unable completely offset loss rich seal terrestrial foods brown bears terrestrial niche ultimately leading population decline controversy species protection warnings future polar bear contrasted fact worldwide population estimates increased past years relatively stable today estimates global population early 1970s estimates 1980s current estimates global population reasons apparent past projected population trends estimates 1950s 1960s based stories explorers hunters scientific surveys second controls harvesting introduced allowed previously species recover recent effects climate change affected sea ice abundance different areas varying degrees debate listing polar bear endangered species legislation conservation groups canada opposing positions government northern residents condemned initiative list polar bear endangered species act believe polar bear population increasing restrictions commercial sport hunting likely lead loss income communities culture indigenous folklore indigenous peoples arctic polar bears long played important cultural material role polar bear remains found hunting sites dating years ago year old cave paintings polar bears found peninsula suggested arctic peoples skills seal hunting construction acquired polar bears alaska natives folk tales featuring bears including legends bears humans inside houses bear hides going outside stories said resemble great bear surrounded dogs came legends reveal deep respect polar bear portrayed powerful closely akin humans human like posture bears standing sitting resemblance skinned bear human body probably contributed belief spirits humans bears legends tell humans learning hunt polar bear eastern siberia longstanding ritual thanksgiving hunted polar bear killing animal head skin removed cleaned brought home feast held hunting camp honor order spirit bear traditional song drum music skull fed offered pipe spirit skull separated skin taken bounds homestead placed ground facing north traditions faded somewhat time especially light total hunting ban soviet_union russia north central siberia placed particular value power prominent teeth traded villages lower rivers forest dwelling peoples south hats protection brown bears believed little nephew brown bear dare attack man wearing tooth powerful big uncle polar bear killed polar bears buried specific sacred sites called constructed sites preserved peninsula symbols distinctive appearance association arctic polar bears popular icons especially areas native canadian dollar coin features image polar bear northwest territories license plates canada shape polar bear polar bear mascot college maine university alaska alaska chosen mascot winter olympics held calgary berlin professional hockey team playing del level pro hockey league germany uses polar bear seen head team logo companies polar good humor images polar bear advertising fox featured polar bear named brand mascot supported popularity polar bear collection creatures associated christmas including european robin fiction polar bears popular fiction particularly books aimed children teenagers example polar bear son adapted traditional tale animated television series island features polar bear named protagonist polar bears feature prominently east released north child bear adapted animated short chris fire series philip fantasy trilogy dark materials polar bears exhibit anthropomorphic qualities feature prominently film adaptation golden compass television series lost features polar bears living tropical island setting cited sources jon june 14th working meeting iucn polar bear specialist group nicholas andrew seattle washington united_states iucn isbn archived original april retrieved april fred world polar bear toronto ontario canada key porter books isbn annie polar bear press isbn polar bears child world isbn downs polar bear san_francisco chronicle books isbn world polar bear books ltd isbn


species genus tribe medium sized native north_america introduced species parts europe asia south_america found wetlands wide range climates habitats important effects ecology wetlands resource food fur humans largest species subfamily includes species referred rats general sense medium sized lifestyle diet members genus etymology probably comes word possibly origin literally red called native word seen archaic english animal association odor uses mark territory flattened tail altered beaver later resemblance rats similarly specific means genus comes word animal entered new latin french description adult long half tail weighs times weight brown rat adult slightly longer certainly largest heaviest members diverse family includes mice native americas smaller share habitat covered short thick fur medium dark brown black color belly bit lighter age increases turns partly gray color fur layers helps protect cold water long tails covered scales hair aid swimming slightly flattened vertically shape unique walk land tails drag ground makes tracks easy recognize spend time water suited life swim water minutes bodies like seals sensitive buildup carbon dioxide mammals close ears water hind feet swimming tails main means propulsion distribution ecology found canada united_states small northern mexico introduced europe beginning 20th century invasive species northwestern europe inhabit wetlands areas near freshwater wetlands rivers lakes ponds found state florida round tailed florida water rat fills niche populations naturally cycle areas abundant capable removing vegetation wetlands thought play major role determining vegetation prairie wetlands particular remove preferred plant species changing abundance plant species kinds wetlands species commonly eaten include yellow water lily thought important natural predator absence florida result predation wetland habitat eliminated human activity new habitat created construction canals irrigation channels remains common widespread able live alongside streams contain water drains away coal mines fish frogs streams thrive occupy wetlands benefit human persecution predators classed prohibited new organism new_zealand hazardous substances new organisms act preventing imported country behavior normally live groups consisting male female pair young spring fight territory potential mates injured killed fights families build nests protect young cold predators streams ponds lakes bank underwater entrance entrances wide marshes push ups constructed vegetation mud push ups height snowy areas openings push ups closed vegetation replace day push ups swept away spring floods replaced year build feeding platforms wetlands help maintain open areas marshes helps provide habitat aquatic birds active night near dawn dusk feed aquatic vegetation store food winter eat push ups appear steal food stored seemingly cooperative partnerships exist featured bbc david wildlife documentary life mammals plant materials eat small animals freshwater frogs fish small turtles follow trails swamps ponds water continue follow trails ice provide important food resource animals including wolves bears eagles snakes large hawks snapping turtles large fish pike prey baby feed vegetation makes push ups winter food scarce introduced range soviet_union greatest predator golden completely shallow water bodies winter river central asia constituted contents houses destroyed unsuitable occupation harm industry eating caught traps taking skins left dry like prolific breeders females litters year young babies born small weigh southern environments young mature months colder northern environments takes year populations appear regular pattern rise dramatic decline spread year period including famously close relatives type population changes human history native americans long considered important animal predict winter snowfall levels observing size timing lodge construction native american creation myths sea bring mud earth created animals failed task food resource americans southeastern portion michigan longstanding allows catholics consume ash wednesday eating meat fish prohibited tradition dates early 19th century fur warm prime beginning december northern north_america early 20th century trapping animal fur important industry era fur specially trimmed dyed sold widely hudson seal fur introduced time europe fur resource spread northern europe asia european countries belgium france netherlands considered invasive pest damages low lying countries depend protection flooding countries trapped poisoned hunted attempt population eat corn farm garden crops growing near water bodies royal canadian mounted police winter hats fur