Interior finalizes ‘critical habitat’ for polar bears threatened by climate change

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Interior finalizes ‘critical habitat’ for polar bears threatened by climate change
By Ben Geman - 11/24/10 01:39 PM ET


The Interior Department is establishing large regions in northern Alaska as “critical habitat” for polar bears that are threatened by melting sea ice linked to climate change — a decision that could affect oil-and-gas development.

Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a final decision Wednesday to designate 187,000 square miles of “on-shore barrier islands, denning areas and offshore sea-ice,” for the bears, which were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2008 in response to a lawsuit by environmental groups.

While it does not set up a protected area such as a wildlife refuge or reserve, the designation nonetheless increases the level of protection for the bears under the species law, according to federal officials.

“This critical habitat designation us to work with federal partners to ensure their actions within its boundaries do not harm polar bear populations,” said Tom Strickland, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, in a prepared statement.

“Nevertheless, the greatest threat to the polar bear is the melting of its sea ice habitat caused by human-induced climate change. We will continue to work toward comprehensive strategies for the long-term survival of this iconic species,” he added.

The habitat designation adds protection by “ensuring that federal agency activities do not destroy or adversely modify,” the areas, according to Interior.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/130675-interior-department-finalizes-critical-habitat-for-polar-bears-threatened-by-climate-change