Daily News Analysis

Polar Bear Dies of Avian Flu in the Arctic

stylish_lining

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

News:

  • The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reported the discovery of a deceased bear in the vicinity of Utqiagvik, Alaska's northernmost community.
  • The first detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Arctic region occurred in the second week of April 2023, affecting birds and a fox.

About polar bear:

  • Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
  • Habitat: Primarily found in the Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal areas.

Survival Dependence on Arctic Sea Ice:

  • The Arctic sea ice is of paramount importance to polar bears, serving as a crucial element for hunting seals, as well as for activities such as travel, mating, and resting.

Predatory Characteristics:

  • Prey Base: Polar bears, as top predators in the Arctic region, primarily feed on ringed and bearded seals.
  • Physical Adaptations: They possess a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat, offering insulation against the extreme cold of both air and water.

Ecological Significance:

  • Top Predator Role: Polar bears play a vital role in maintaining the balance of biological populations, sustaining the Arctic food chain, and preserving overall ecosystem health.
  • Example: Leftovers from polar bear meals serve as a SOURCE of food for scavengers like Arctic foxes and Arctic birds.

Impact on Seal Population:

  • The potential overpopulation of seals, a key prey for polar bears, could pose a threat to the existence of crustaceans and fish. These, in turn, are crucial food Sources for local human populations and other wildlife in the Arctic region.

H5N1 Virus (Bird Flu):

  • Nature of Disease: Avian influenza, commonly known as 'bird flu,' is primarily a bird-borne illness caused by a virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family.
  • Initial Poultry Report and Outbreak: The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak of the variant H5N1 was first documented in poultry. It commenced in 2021 and rapidly disseminated among wild bird populations globally.
  • Influenza A Virus Circulation: Influenza A viruses have the capacity to circulate among seven different animal species, including humans, wild water birds, domestic poultry, swine, horses, dogs, and bats.
  • Zoonotic Nature: Five subtypes of avian influenza A viruses, namely H5, H6, H7, H9, and H10, possess the potential to cause infections in humans.
  •  Transmission Routes:
    •  
    • Migratory Wild Birds: The virus can be transmitted through migratory wild birds.
    •  
    • Human Transmission Risk: The primary risk factor for transmission from birds to humans involves direct or indirect contact with infected animals or exposure to environments and surfaces contaminated by feces.

Local Governance in India

The Panchayati Raj system and municipal bodies serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the state. However, grassroots governance in India often struggles with inaccessible, detail
Share It

China’s Mega-Dam on Brahmaputra

China is constructing a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (called the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh), located in Tibet near Gelling in Arunachal Prad
Share It

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

India recently hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing maritime connectivity and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. This event underscor
Share It

Manipur Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has now lasted for over two years, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement, yet it has not received the same level of national priority as
Share It

Road Safety in India

India is at a pivotal moment in its mobility transformation. While the country’s growing road infrastructure and urbanization offer numerous opportunities, they also present significant chal
Share It

India Africa

India and Africa are building a robust and evolving partnership, particularly in the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which holds tremendous potential to boost socio-economic developm
Share It

Mangrove Ecosystems

The International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on 26th July, serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect mangroves, which are disappearing at an alar
Share It

Food Security and Nutrition

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report presents a mixed picture of global progress in combating hunger, highlighting both positive trends and pressing challenges,
Share It

The ‘Rising Northeast

The Investor Summit 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi is a major event aimed at showcasing the immense investment and trade potentia
Share It

India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

Launched in 2015, India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was conceived to tackle urban challenges using technology and sustainable development practices. The mission has witnessed significant inve
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS