Canadian Panel Issues Re Confirmation Of AssessmentYellowknife (eCanadaNow) - -The population of Polar Bears in Canada is not covered by special legislation, but there are groups that are concerned about the status and are confirming its place on the list as a special concerned species.
This level is one category level below threatened and two listings below the listing of endangered. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada met recently in Yellowknife, and looked at over three dozen different animals and plants.
The Polar Bear, or Ursus martimus, is a species that garners a lot of attention both due to its sheer size and majesty, as well as the fact that many believe its habitat is threatened with the melting of the Arctic Ice Cap and Arctic Ice Sheet.
Various environmental threats to the Polar Bear are on the horizon, and the action by the environmental watchdog group is thought to be prudent, paving the way for later raising the status to threatened or endangered if necessary.
The Polar Bear has been listed as Special Concern status since 1991, and it has had its status reconfirmed before, both in 2002 and in 1999.
“It is a species that is at some risk currently and it is not that far away from being listed as Threatened in Canada,” said Jeff Hutchings.
Mr. Hutchings is the Chairman of the Status of Endangered Wildlife Committee.
