Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Polar Bears in the Northern Eeyou Marine Region, Québec, Canada + Supplementary Appendix 1 (See Article Tools)

ARCTIC ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Laforest ◽  
Julie S. Hébert ◽  
Martyn E. Obbard ◽  
Gregory W. Thiemann
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Polar Bears

Polar bears are important socio-cultural symbols in the communities of the Eeyou Marine Region (EMR) in northwestern Québec, Canada. Members of the Cree communities in this region are generally not active polar bear hunters, but they encounter polar bears when fishing, trapping, or hunting during the ice-free season. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that reduced annual sea ice cover in Hudson Bay has led to declines in body condition of polar bears in the local Southern Hudson Bay subpopulation and to a population decline in the neighboring Western Hudson Bay subpopulation. In June 2012, we conducted 15 semi-directed interviews on the subject of polar bear biology and climate change with local elders and hunters in three communities in the northern EMR: Wemindji, Chisasibi, and Whapmagoostui. The interviews held in Whapmagoostui included informants from Kuujjuarapik, the adjacent Inuit community. The interviews addressed knowledge gaps in the Recovery Strategy for Polar Bear in Ontario. Transcripts of the interviews were coded thematically and analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The interviews revealed important insights into polar bear distribution, terrestrial habitat use, denning, and foraging patterns. Participants were unanimous in their recognition of a warming climate and prolonged ice-free season in the area in recent years. However, communities differed in their observations on other issues, with latitudinal trends evident in observations of polar bear distribution, denning activity, and foraging habits. Communities also differed in their perception of the prevalence of problem polar bears and the conservation status of the species, with one-third of participants reporting that polar bears will be unaffected by, or even benefit from, longer ice-free periods. A majority of participants indicated that the local polar bear population was stable or increasing. Interviewees also identified future research priorities pertinent to the communities, and provided comments on the methods employed by polar bear biologists. Our results demonstrate that communities in the EMR have important knowledge about polar bear ecology and illustrate the unique opportunities and challenges of combining traditional ecological knowledge with wildlife science in the context of a rapidly changing subarctic environment.

scholarly journals Conservation status of polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) in relation to projected sea-ice declines

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 20160556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric V. Regehr ◽  
Kristin L. Laidre ◽  
H. Resit Akçakaya ◽  
Steven C. Amstrup ◽  
Todd C. Atwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Arctic Sea Ice ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Conservation Assessments ◽  
Global Population

Loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is the primary threat to polar bears throughout their range. We evaluated the potential response of polar bears to sea-ice declines by (i) calculating generation length (GL) for the species, which determines the timeframe for conservation assessments; (ii) developing a standardized sea-ice metric representing important habitat; and (iii) using statistical models and computer simulation to project changes in the global population under three approaches relating polar bear abundance to sea ice. Mean GL was 11.5 years. Ice-covered days declined in all subpopulation areas during 1979–2014 (median −1.26 days year −1 ). The estimated probabilities that reductions in the mean global population size of polar bears will be greater than 30%, 50% and 80% over three generations (35–41 years) were 0.71 (range 0.20–0.95), 0.07 (range 0–0.35) and less than 0.01 (range 0–0.02), respectively. According to IUCN Red List reduction thresholds, which provide a common measure of extinction risk across taxa, these results are consistent with listing the species as vulnerable. Our findings support the potential for large declines in polar bear numbers owing to sea-ice loss, and highlight near-term uncertainty in statistical projections as well as the sensitivity of projections to different plausible assumptions.

Traditional ecological knowledge of the Critically Endangered Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris, endemic to Samoa

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
GIANLUCA SERRA ◽  
GREG SHERLEY ◽  
S. AFELE FAILAGI ◽  
S. TALIE FOLIGA ◽  
MOEUMU UILI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Scientific Approach ◽  
Status Assessment

SummaryTraditional ecological knowledge (TEK) rigorously collected in four Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Samoa provided conservation and ecological insights about the endemic and evolutionarily distinctive Tooth-billed Pigeon Didunculus strigirostris. This study confirmed the 2006 estimate of a sharply declining population, supporting the recent conservation status assessment of Critically Endangered. Birds are killed as bycatch during hunting for the sympatric Pacific Pigeon Ducula pacifica, suggesting that this activity may be a key threat. The Tooth-billed Pigeon was observed by selected reliable indigenous hunters in several forest areas targeted in the present study, from a few months to several years ago. In the field, it was detected acoustically and identified through TEK and a mix of a TEK-scientific approach in four forest areas within three Samoan KBAs. Detection of the bird in the field is an issue due to its highly cryptic behaviour and because its call largely overlaps with one of the calls of Pacific Pigeon. Original TEK about the behavioural ecology of this species, including the fruiting trees mostly used and its terrestrial habits is reported. Short-term conservation recommendations are provided based on the findings.

scholarly journals 523 - The design and implementation of Comprehensive Resilience-building psychosocial Intervention (CREST) for people with memory problems/dementia in the community: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
Priscilla Doyle ◽  
Grace O’Sullivan ◽  
Niamh Gallagher ◽  
Siobhán Smyth ◽  
Dympna Casey
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
The Social ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
With Memory

Background:In Ireland, approximately 65,000 people live with memory problems/dementia (PWMP). Most live in the community, supported by informal caregivers such as relatives. A comprehensive resilience-building psychosocial intervention (CREST) to strengthen intra- and interpersonal resources was piloted by PWMP and caregiver dyads, local GPs, and the community.Methodology:An advisory forum of PWMP, caregivers, and dementia advocacy representatives provided guidance on the intervention design and materials (e.g., interview guides), to ensure they addressed the needs of PWMP and caregivers. The 15-week CREST intervention comprised three components: cognitive stimulation therapy for PWMP (CST; 7 weeks), physical exercise for PWMP and partners from the community (8 weeks), and dementia education for key supporters of PWMP: caregivers (6 weeks), GPs, and the community (one-off events). Intervention processes (e.g., recruitment, data collection measures) were evaluated at each stage by PWMP and caregivers through qualitative (verbal feedback, interviews) and quantitative methods (ratings, questionnaires), to ensure they were feasible and acceptable.Findings:Nine PWMP/caregiver dyads were recruited and completed the CREST intervention; attendance was consistently high (90-95%) throughout. The dyads reported that the recruitment materials, phone calls, and letters from the research team were helpful and easy to understand. Feedback from PWMP, caregivers, event attendees, and programme facilitators confirmed that the intervention content and delivery were acceptable. Minor changes were recommended, and changes which facilitated participation by the PWMP during this pilot (e.g., giving verbal rather than written feedback, larger-print handouts) were implemented immediately. The PWMP enjoyed the CST activities (e.g., collages, tasting childhood sweets) and the “bit of fun” the group shared; some also perceived improvements in concentration and confidence. The PWMP enjoyed the group Exercise sessions, particularly the social aspects (e.g., “banter”, exercising with partners), and some reported improved fitness and feeling less breathless. Caregivers felt better informed about managing dementia and communicating with PWMP and enjoyed sharing experiences with other caregivers. Attendees at the community and GP education events reported improved knowledge of dementia.Conclusion:The involvement of the PWMP and caregivers was valuable to the iteration of the pilot CREST intervention. Consultations with both groups are ongoing to inform future research priorities.

scholarly journals Testing the hypothesis that routine sea ice coverage of 3-5 mkm2 results in a greater than 30% decline in population size of polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J Crockford
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Ursus Maritimus ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Sea Ice Decline

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was the first species to be classified as threatened with extinction based on predictions of future conditions rather than current status. These predictions were made using expert-opinion forecasts of population declines linked to modeled habitat loss – first by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List in 2006, and then by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2008 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), based on data collected to 2005 and 2006, respectively. Both assessments predicted significant population declines of polar bears would result by mid-century as a consequence of summer sea ice extent rapidly reaching 3-5 mkm2 on a regular basis: the IUCN predicted a >30% decline in total population, while the USFWS predicted the global population would decline by 67% (including total extirpation of ten subpopulations within two vulnerable ecoregions). Biologists involved in these conservation assessments had to make several critical assumptions about how polar bears might be affected by future habitat loss, since sea ice conditions predicted to occur by 2050 had not occurred prior to 2006. However, summer sea ice declines have been much faster than expected: low ice levels not expected until mid-century (about 3-5 mkm2) have occurred regularly since 2007. Realization of predicted sea ice levels allows the ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ assumption for polar bears to be treated as a testable hypothesis. Data collected between 2007 and 2015 reveal that polar bear numbers have not declined as predicted and no subpopulation has been extirpated. Several subpopulations expected to be at high risk of decline remained stable and five showed increases in population size. Another at-risk subpopulation was not counted but showed marked improvement in reproductive parameters and body condition with less summer ice. As a consequence, the hypothesis that repeated summer sea ice levels of below 5 mkm2 will cause significant population declines in polar bears is rejected, a result that indicates the ESA and IUCN judgments to list polar bears as threatened based on future risks of habitat loss were scientifically unfounded and that similar predictions for Arctic seals and walrus may be likewise flawed. The lack of a demonstrable ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ relationship for polar bears also potentially invalidates updated survival model outputs that predict catastrophic population declines should the Arctic become ice-free in summer.

scholarly journals Testing the hypothesis that routine sea ice coverage of 3-5 mkm2 results in a greater than 30% decline in population size of polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J Crockford
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Ursus Maritimus ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Sea Ice Decline

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was the first species to be classified as threatened with extinction based on predictions of future conditions rather than current status. These predictions were made using expert-opinion forecasts of population declines linked to modeled habitat loss – first by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List in 2006, and then by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2008 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), based on data collected to 2005 and 2006, respectively. Both assessments predicted significant population declines of polar bears would result by mid-century as a consequence of summer sea ice extent rapidly reaching 3-5 mkm2 on a regular basis: the IUCN predicted a >30% decline in total population, while the USFWS predicted the global population would decline by 67% (including total extirpation of ten subpopulations within two vulnerable ecoregions). Biologists involved in these conservation assessments had to make several critical assumptions about how polar bears might be affected by future habitat loss, since sea ice conditions predicted to occur by 2050 had not occurred prior to 2006. However, summer sea ice declines have been much faster than expected: low ice levels not expected until mid-century (about 3-5 mkm2) have occurred regularly since 2007. Realization of predicted sea ice levels allows the ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ assumption for polar bears to be treated as a testable hypothesis. Data collected between 2007 and 2015 reveal that polar bear numbers have not declined as predicted and no subpopulation has been extirpated. Several subpopulations expected to be at high risk of decline remained stable and five showed increases in population size. Another at-risk subpopulation was not counted but showed marked improvement in reproductive parameters and body condition with less summer ice. As a consequence, the hypothesis that repeated summer sea ice levels of below 5 mkm2 will cause significant population declines in polar bears is rejected, a result that indicates the ESA and IUCN judgments to list polar bears as threatened based on future risks of habitat loss were scientifically unfounded and that similar predictions for Arctic seals and walrus may be likewise flawed. The lack of a demonstrable ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ relationship for polar bears also potentially invalidates updated survival model outputs that predict catastrophic population declines should the Arctic become ice-free in summer.

scholarly journals More bears, less bears: Inuit and scientific perceptions of polar bear populations on the west coast of Hudson Bay

2008 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Tyrrell
Keyword(s):  
West Coast ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Quota System ◽  
The West ◽  
Hunting Season ◽  
Internal Conflicts ◽  
The People ◽  
Mixed Feelings

Abstract Inuit and scientific perceptions of polar bear populations are grounded in different epistemologies, relationships and interactions with polar bears. In many communities, the presence of polar bear hunting quotas has led to both external and internal conflicts. Inuit throughout Nunavut are seeing more polar bears in close proximity to their communities. Scientists argue that the increase in bear-human encounters is due to rapid environmental change, leading to a decrease, rather than an increase, in polar bear numbers. These opposing perceptions result in confrontation regarding the hunting and protection of bears. Within communities, ethical, social and economic conflicts arise with regard to the enactment of the quota system due to differing views on the allocation of the quota, the existence of a sport hunt, and the morality of such an intense focus on polar bears. One such community is Arviat, on the west coast of Hudson Bay. The people of Arviat feel particularly vulnerable to the year-round presence of polar bears in and near their community. The inclusion of women in the hunt and the cost of undertaking a bear hunt, lead to discussion and mixed feelings about the open hunting season each year. While the situation in Arviat is in some ways unique, it also serves as an example of the questions and concerns facing Inuit across the Canadian Arctic as they increasingly have to deal with polar bears on their doorstep.

scholarly journals Threatened Biodiversity and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Associated Beliefs, Customs and Uses of Herpetofauna among the `Are`Are on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Maeniuta Pollard ◽  
Randy Thaman ◽  
Gilianne Brodie ◽  
Clare Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Solomon Islands ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Cultural Conservation ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

Biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are in danger of being lost in many societies, especially in the rapidly urbanising Pacific Islands. Herpetofauna, in particular, are globally threatened along with their associated cultural knowledge and beliefs. The aim of this study was to examine the species richness and conservation status of herpetofauna and associated TEK among the `Are`Are on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect and gather information from local informants separated into equal sex and age cohorts. A total of 18 different species of frogs and lizards were recorded and described with seven distinct cultural uses identified. Informants above the age of 60 exhibited greater herpetofaunal knowledge with males slightly more informed than females. Our results clearly show that action must be taken to document and preserve community TEK in the Solomon Islands as a foundational basis for both biodiversity and cultural conservation. 

scholarly journals Testing the hypothesis that routine sea ice coverage of 3-5 mkm2 results in a greater than 30% decline in population size of polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J Crockford
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Ursus Maritimus ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Polar Bears ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Sea Ice Decline

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was the first species to be classified as threatened with extinction based on predictions of future conditions rather than current status. These predictions were made using expert-opinion forecasts of population declines linked to modeled habitat loss – first by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List in 2006, and then by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2008 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), based on data collected to 2005 and 2006, respectively. Both assessments predicted significant population declines of polar bears would result by mid-century as a consequence of summer sea ice extent rapidly reaching 3-5 mkm2 on a regular basis: the IUCN predicted a >30% decline in total population, while the USFWS predicted the global population would decline by 67% (including total extirpation of ten subpopulations within two vulnerable ecoregions). Biologists involved in these conservation assessments had to make several critical assumptions about how polar bears might be affected by future habitat loss, since sea ice conditions predicted to occur by 2050 had not occurred prior to 2006. However, summer sea ice declines have been much faster than expected: low ice levels not expected until mid-century (about 3-5 mkm2) have occurred regularly since 2007. Realization of predicted sea ice levels allows the ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ assumption for polar bears to be treated as a testable hypothesis. Data collected between 2007 and 2015 reveal that polar bear numbers have not declined as predicted and no subpopulation has been extirpated. Several subpopulations expected to be at high risk of decline remained stable and five showed increases in population size. Another at-risk subpopulation was not counted but showed marked improvement in reproductive parameters and body condition with less summer ice. As a consequence, the hypothesis that repeated summer sea ice levels of below 5 mkm2 will cause significant population declines in polar bears is rejected, a result that indicates the ESA and IUCN judgments to list polar bears as threatened based on future risks of habitat loss were scientifically unfounded and that similar predictions for Arctic seals and walrus may be likewise flawed. The lack of a demonstrable ‘rapid sea ice decline = population decline’ relationship for polar bears also potentially invalidates updated survival model outputs that predict catastrophic population declines should the Arctic become ice-free in summer.

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