By Stephen Beech

Polar bears act as "crucial" providers of food for other Arctic species, reveals new research.

The iconic mammals - officially classified as "vulnerable" - annually provide millions of kilos of meat, which supports a vast Arctic scavenger network, according to the findings.

The new study, published in the scientific journal Oikos , reveals for the first time the key role polar bears play as carrion providers for other Arctic species.

It is estimated that there are between 22,000 and 31,000 polar bears left in the wild, but man-made climate change and global warming are making life increasingly tough for them.

The research team estimates that polar bears leave behind around 7.6 million kilos (16.7 million lbs) of their prey annually, creating a "massive and vital"

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