The Snowy Owl, (Bubo scandiacus), is a medium to large species of bird of prey found in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily in the arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is an emblematic animal of the Arctic and is characterized by its white, yellow and black plumage, its large size, its round face and its yellow eyes.
The snowy owl is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including lemmings, birds, small mammals, insects, and fish. Due to their arctic and subarctic habitat, snowy owls are well adapted to extreme cold and high winds. These animals have a great ability to regulate their body temperature, which allows them to survive in adverse climates. In addition, their excellent eyesight and hearing allow them to detect prey and predators at great distances.
The snowy owl is a species that has been the subject of concern in the Anthropocene, the current geological period characterized by human activity as the main force of change on the planet. Although the population of snowy owls is relatively stable, some declines in populations of the species have been reported in some regions due to factors such as poaching, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
Climate change is of particular concern for snowy owls. Due to rising temperatures, snow and ice melt sooner, reducing the amount of prey available to snowy owls in the winter. In addition, the reduction in Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activity in the region, leading to disturbance of nesting and feeding areas for snowy owls.
To protect the snowy owl and guarantee its survival in the Anthropocene, measures have been implemented such as the creation of protected areas, the regulation of hunting and the implementation of policies to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Research is also being carried out to better understand the ecology and behavior of the snowy owl and to assess the impact of climate change on its habitat and population.
Approximate measurements of the Snowy Owl:
- Scale 1:20 - 59 x 45 x 33 mm H
- Scale 1:10 - 118 x 90 x 65 mm H
