author(s)
Nidhi Singh and Anju Singh

abstract
Rapid warming in the Polar Regions has driven substantial declines in Arctic sea-ice extent, posing severe risks to sea-ice dependent mammals. This study assesses the impact of shrinking sea ice on the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) using secondary climatic data and ecological assessments. Findings indicate a more than 40% reduction in summer sea ice since 1979, leading to habitat fragmentation, reduced foraging efficiency, and increased human-wildlife interactions. Polar bear populations have decreased by nearly 25% over the same period, with future projections indicating continued decline under high-emission scenarios. These results highlight the direct link between climate-induced habitat loss and species vulnerability, underscoring the need for targeted conservation measures and global emission mitigation to preserve Arctic biodiversity.