One of these is the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), known to give us some beautiful moments within urban Europe too; as occurred last year in Berlin. It is one of the most identifiable species due to it grand round white head, a large size owl with piercing yellow eyes. This evolution helps it to escape the view of predators looking for an easy meal in a snowy Arctic setting during winter.
The Snowy Owl is a nomad hunter, chased food in the wide open tundra and arctic. It mainly feeds on small mammals such as voles and lemmings. But it is also said that this species eats birds as well, waterfowl and shorebirds. The species can adapt to its harsh living environments, where food resources are often scarce.
Both characteristics are necessary for survival in one of the harshest environments on earth — and this is a surprisingly fitting environment for Snowy Owls to thrive. Its armor-like clothing and winter down suit give it the ability to survive in temperatures well below zero, even during wind. In addition, it has immense powerful wings where let alone rises with ease from the Arctic air and also cover over extensive region sea food hunting for as well mating.
The Snowy Owl is not listed as endangered or threatened, yet numerous dynamics exist that could indeed place pressures on this species. Changes to the larger Arctic ecosystem as a result of climate change can drive shifts in prey availability and nesting conditions for birds. If temperatures are rising and the landscape of the Arctic is changing, then it may be that a different future is on display for this species to adapt.
Human activities, such as oil and gas development can fragment the owl’s habitat hindering its breeding which involves listening for underground rodent movements to locate prey. Climate change from the warming western Arctic and its storm centre, has a myriad of external effects on Snowy Owl existence: noise pollution; oil spills (pollution); habitat loss- all contribute to an actual or potential population crisis.
Conservation efforts are in top gear to save the Snowy Owl as well as its Arctic home. Actions such as the surveys of populations, conservations of essential habitats and reducing impacts from human interference are these effort steps. Understanding and valuing the Snowy Owls distinctive adaptations, its ecological role helps us ensure their survival for generations to come.