The International Polar Bear Day, an annual event, is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges polar bears are facing. Observed every February 27, the day primarily focuses on raising funds for the betterment of the symbol of the Arctic wilderness.
Polar bears are the white northern bear found in the Arctic region, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). These giant creatures, considered to be the largest species of bears, have a thick layer of body fat under a water-repellent furry coat that insulates them from the cold and water in their habitat.
Placed on top of the food chain, the species is important for biodiversity and has a crucial role in the overall balance of the marine environment.
Population of polar bears
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports, there are approximately 22,000-31,000 polar bears across the world. In the past decade, the IUCN has pegged the global population of polar bears splitting into 19 sub-populations.
As per the IUCN report, the sub-populations are smaller groupings that together make up the total wild polar bear population to count.
The IUCN Red List has assigned the species vulnerable status in most of the regions.
History and significance of International Polar Bear Day
Polar Bear International, a non-profit organisation, was formed in 1994, and it suggested that February 27 be dedicated to polar bears. In the 2000s, when the population of these Arctic creatures witnessed a significant decline due to drastic climatic change, the organisation designated February 27 as the International Polar bear day in 2011.
According to the official website of the organisation, “We founded the day to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of our celebration, we focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.”
The primary objective of the organisation is to encourage people and countries to make active changes to curb fossil fuel emission. The day is to educate and raise awareness among people to preserve the climate for such animals.
