Climate Change: Rising temperatures and reduced snow cover can affect the availability of prey, such as lemmings and voles, which are essential for snowy owl survival.
Direct Persecution: Snowy owls have been subject to persecution and hunting due to misconceptions and conflicts with human activities.
Collision with Structures: Snowy owls may collide with man-made structures, such as power lines, wind turbines, and communication towers, resulting in injury or death.
Competition: Competition with other predators like great horned owls and golden eagles for food resources can impact snowy owl populations.
Disease: Snowy owls can contract various diseases, including avian influenza and West Nile virus, which can have severe effects on their health and survival.
Limited Genetic Diversity: Snowy owls have low genetic diversity, making them more susceptible to the impacts of environmental challenges and disease outbreaks.
Human Disturbance: Disturbance during nesting and breeding seasons, such as recreational activities and infrastructure developments, can disrupt snowy owl reproduction and reduce breeding success.
Pollution: Snowy owls can accumulate pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, and plastic debris in their bodies, potentially affecting their health and reproductive success.
Illegal Trade: While it is illegal in most countries, snowy owls are sometimes captured for the pet or entertainment industry, posing a threat to wild populations.
These threats collectively contribute to the challenges faced by snowy owls and emphasize the need for conservation efforts and habitat protection to safeguard their populations.