Daily Dose of Nature | The Umbrella Bear How Protecting Bears Protects Ecosystems |
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We all know what it’s like to be in a rainstorm and find shelter beneath a protective umbrella. That’s how “umbrella species” function for lesser animals and plants in the ecosystems they inhabit: they offer protections that help safeguard other species that share their habitat. And bears are crucial umbrella species within their habitats, earning conservation hero standing for the important role they play. The status of bears strongly reflects the health of their environments. Assessing how bears are doing can shape and inform conservation initiatives within their habitat. Protecting bears leads to the protection of hundreds if not thousands of other species within their range. Expedition Leader and certified bear geek Eddy Savage explains how it all works as we learn how bears have such a far-reaching impact in their ecosystems. From brown bears to polar bears and pandas, Eddy has spent years studying and admiring these “ursine umbrellas,” and you’ll come away from today’s webinar with a deep appreciation for why their conservation matters.
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