\n Published on
\n 30\/12\/2025 – 8:00 GMT+1\n <\/p>\n
The Snowy Owl is perhaps one of the most iconic birds on the entire planet, but conservationists warn its future hangs in jeopardy. <\/p>\n
Also known as the Polar or Arctic Owl, the species is known for their striking white plumage and bright yellow eyes. They\u2019re incredible hunters, able to dive through layers of deep snow to catch their prey, and can withstand years of living in theharshest of weather conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Snowy Owl is often associated with the character Hedwig from the Harry Potter franchise, who served as the wizard\u2019s loyal companion and mail carrier. However, in real life, these birds don\u2019t have it so easy.<\/p>\n Snowy Owl declared extinct in Sweden<\/p>\n The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Snowy Owl as globally \u2018Vulnerable\u2019 in its last assessment back in 2021. It warns that the population has significantly decreased, predicting there are only around 14,000 to 28,000 left in the wild.<\/p>\n The owl has been hunted and killed for years, whether it be for taxidermy or culinary delicacies. Deforestation and human-built infrastructure (such as housing developments and roads) have also destroyed their habitats and disturbed nesting seasons.<\/p>\n In Europe, the owl is actually classed as \u2018Least Concern\u2019 – but this assessment hasn\u2019t been updated since 18 December 2020. <\/p>\n In Sweden, Snowy Owls have been breeding irregularly for centuries. According to conservation charity BirdLife International<\/a>, several hundred pairs of owls raised their young in the country\u2019s mountains during the 1970s.<\/p>\n Their presence became a powerful symbol of Sweden\u2019s northern wilderness. But since 2015, the owls have seemingly vanished. <\/p>\n BirdLife says it has witnessed no new chicks or signs of breeding in the last decade, resulting in the owls being declared Regionally Extinct.<\/p>\n How climate change became the Snowy Owl\u2019s biggest threat<\/p>\n