The population of snowy owls soaring over the Arctic tundra is declining significantly due to various threats, but the process of granting them legal protection is moving slowly. These iconic birds are facing challenges such as habitat loss, making it harder for them to find prey as ground cover thickens. Additionally, collisions with vehicles, buildings, and power poles during migration are contributing to the decrease in their numbers.
Currently, the snowy owl population stands at around 14,000 and is decreasing by more than 30% per decade. The species was classified as threatened due to the sharp decline in its population, as noted by retired biologist Syd Cannings, who was part of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
After a species is identified as threatened, a lengthy process of consultations on conservation efforts involving researchers, federal, Indigenous, and local governments follows. This process can extend for two years or more, leaving the snowy owl vulnerable for an extended period before any conservation measures are implemented.
The delay in providing legal protection is attributed to the cautious approach taken by the government. It takes at least two years from the assessment of a threatened status to the formal listing of the species under federal law. The snowy owl, being an umbrella species and an indicator of environmental health, plays a crucial role in signaling environmental issues affecting other flora and fauna.
The federal government is currently engaged in consultations regarding the snowy owl, following the assessment provided by the committee. The main threat faced by these birds is the gradual transformation of their habitat due to a warming climate, leading to a scarcity of productive hunting grounds and nesting sites.
Various factors, such as avian flu, collisions with structures, electrocution from power lines, and poisoning from contaminated prey, contribute to the decline in snowy owl populations. These challenges highlight the complex and global nature of the threats faced by these birds, requiring comprehensive conservation efforts.
Cameron Eckert, from the Yukon Bird Club, emphasized the cultural significance of the snowy owl, noting its long migration journeys and the link it represents to the far North. Despite efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, the unpredictable changes in sea ice and lemming populations continue to influence snowy owl populations beyond human control, posing a significant conservation challenge.