- Nima Sarikhani wins prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for her captivating image “Ice Bed” showcasing a polar bear sleeping on sea ice in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
- Sarikhani hopes her photograph will inspire action on climate change and raise awareness of the damaging effects humans have on the environment.
- Rising temperatures and decreasing ice thickness in Svalbard threaten the survival of polar bears, as they rely on sea ice for travel and hunting.
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One of the most prestigious wildlife photography awards in the world, the Natural History Museum of London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, has announced its winner. Nima Sarikhani won the award for her captivating image titled “Ice Bed,” which depicts a polar bear sleeping on sea ice in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Sarikhani spent three days searching for polar bears in thick fog while on an exploration vessel before finally encountering two bears. The winning photograph shows the bear creating a bed on a small iceberg and drifting off to sleep under the midnight sun.
Sarikhani expressed her honor in winning the People’s Choice award out of nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries. Her winning image will be displayed at the museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit until June 30. She also stated her hope that the photograph would inspire hope and encourage action to address climate change, citing the importance of fixing the damage humans have caused.
Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, praised Sarikhani’s image for its ability to highlight the beauty and fragility of the planet. He emphasized the strong connection between animals and their habitats, as well as the detrimental impacts of climate change and habitat loss.
Polar bears are known to dig spots to sleep, sometimes referred to as “day beds,” according to scientist Thea Bechshoft. They often take short naps, particularly after a good meal. The area in which the polar bear was photographed is one of the most isolated in the world and is home to 19 polar bear populations that rely on sea ice for travel and hunting.
However, a 2018 report by the Norwegian Centre for Climate Services indicates that air temperatures in Svalbard have increased by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in the past 40 to 50 years. This has led to heavy winter rainfall and a decrease in ice thickness and extent. The period with sea ice over shallower water is now much shorter, forcing polar bears to hunt in deeper waters that may be less productive. This lack of sea ice also limits the bears’ genetic diversity and can lead to increased inbreeding.
Although Svalbard’s polar bear population is currently stable, the changing climate poses a threat to their survival. As global temperatures continue to rise, these majestic creatures face an uncertain future.