Arctic Beringia
Drivers of Change
This is an environment in an unprecedented era of transition—it is one of the fastest changing places on Earth. Rapid climate change at twice the global average rate has led to a catastrophic loss of summer sea ice over the past few decades and ice-free Arctic summers are predicted within decades. Earlier springs and rainier winters are challenging the resilience of many Arctic species. In conjunction, there is burgeoning industrial development, greater desire for commercial and recreational access to and through the Arctic, and profound social change for (and political engagement by) Indigenous Peoples.
18 degrees
During 2019, March temperatures in coastal Beringia were 18° F above average.
Strategic Approach
WCS draws on over a century of active engagement in Alaska and a continuous presence in the Arctic Beringia region since 2002. We build on that foundation to secure the long-term needs of wildlife through partnerships, including with industry and local peoples facing a growing development footprint and profound climate change impacts.
Together we are:
- Strengthening a network of protected areas
- Promoting well managed public and indigenous lands and waters
- Fostering strong management roles for indigenous communities
Our work leverages cross-cutting WCS programs such as Marine (MPA creation), Ocean Giants (noise research), Climate Change (developing models for climate change adaptation) and Livelihoods (co-productive models of understanding and conservation). We leverage relevant Country Programs (U.S., Canada, Russia) and a broader suite of countries for migratory birds. Our outreach includes direct engagement with the New York Aquarium’s Sea Cliffs Exhibit.
Measuring Our Effectiveness
Recent Publications
Distribution and Occupancy of Wolverines on Tundra, Northwestern Alaska
Proposes four potential wolverine management zones with varying priorities for monitoring and managing wolverine populations.
Act NowBiologging physiological and ecological responses to climatic variation: New tools for the climate change era.
Argues that integrating biologging technology into long-term monitoring programs will be instrumental in documenting and understanding ecological responses to climate change.
Act NowThe risk of rodent introductions from shipwrecks to seabirds on Aleutian and Bering Sea islands
The risk was greatest for Saint George (Bering Sea), Buldir (Western Aleutians) and Saint Matthew islands (Bering Sea). Keeping these rodent free would maintain their high conservation value.
Act NowUnderstanding and adapting to observed changes in the Alaskan Arctic
The paper uses lessons from seven Alaskan cases studies to describe a typology of five elements important for the co-production of locally relevant actionable knowledge.
Act NowRelated Country Programs
Related News
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November 5, 2020
WCS Avian Conservation Work is Part of New Arctic Animal Movement Archive
WCS’s long-term conservation work on migratory birds in the Arctic is part of a new archive of animal tracking studies designed to facilitate future collaboration and analysis of animal movements in one of the earth’s most rapidly changing...
Read the story
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August 17, 2020
Oil and Gas Drilling in the Arctic Refuge Is a Direct Hit Against Our Country’s Natural Heritage
New York, Aug. 17, 2020 – The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) President and CEO Cristián Samper has issued the following statement today:“At WCS, we stand strongly against the Administration’s announcement to approve an oil leasing program for...
Read the story
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July 14, 2020
Periods of Ice-Free Arctic Seas Could Bring More Ocean Noise in Changing Marine Habitats
Scientists examining levels of ocean noise in the Bering Sea—an important migratory seascape for whales, walruses, seals, and other acoustically sensitive animals—have confirmed that the presence of sea ice plays a central role in the soundscape...
Read the story
View All News
WCS Avian Conservation Work is Part of New Arctic Animal Movement Archive
WCS’s long-term conservation work on migratory birds in the Arctic is part of a new archive of animal tracking studies designed to facilitate future collaboration and analysis of animal movements in one of the earth’s most rapidly changing...
Read the storyOil and Gas Drilling in the Arctic Refuge Is a Direct Hit Against Our Country’s Natural Heritage
New York, Aug. 17, 2020 – The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) President and CEO Cristián Samper has issued the following statement today:“At WCS, we stand strongly against the Administration’s announcement to approve an oil leasing program for...
Read the storyPeriods of Ice-Free Arctic Seas Could Bring More Ocean Noise in Changing Marine Habitats
Scientists examining levels of ocean noise in the Bering Sea—an important migratory seascape for whales, walruses, seals, and other acoustically sensitive animals—have confirmed that the presence of sea ice plays a central role in the soundscape...
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