Context: The Arctic region has reported the first case of death of a polar bear due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Polar Bear Dies Due to Bird Flu for First Time

• The bear was found dead near Utqiagvik in Alaska’s northernmost community, as reported by the  Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
• HPAI was first detected in the Arctic region in the second week of April 2023 among birds and a fox.

Must Read: WOAH approves India’s declaration of freedom from avian influenza

About Polar Bear

• Scientific name: Ursus maritimus
• IUCN status: Vulnerable
• Habitat: Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal areas
  • The Arctic sea ice is crucial to polar bears’ survival as they use it for  hunting seal and also for travelling, mating and resting.

• Prey base: Polar bears are Arctic region top predators with their main prey consists of ringed and bearded seals.
• They have a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat that insulates them from the cold air and water.
• Significance of Polar bears: 
  • Top predator in the Arctic:  They play a major role in keeping  biological populations in balance, maintaining the food chain and health of the ecosystem.
  • Example:  Polar bear left overs serve as food resources for scavengers like Arctic foxes and Arctic birds. 
  • Overpopulation of  seals: It  could endanger the existence of crustaceans and fish that are an important food source for local human populations as well as other Arctic wildlife.

News source: Down to Earth