We’ve been fortunate enough to recently notch some great wins for Snowy Owls and all 200 varieties of birds that call the Arctic Refuge home—along with new proposed protections for 13 million acres in the Western Arctic. But we know there is still much to do as we work to curb the damage to our quickly warming planet.
Right now, more than half of all U.S. birds are in decline—including the Snowy Owl. And our 2019 climate report showed that the Snowy Owl has a vulnerability rating of high—losing 93% of their range at the most extreme warming scenario.
The Arctic is warming at four times the global average. This significant heating leads to the decline of sea ice, the melting of glaciers, and the loss of habitats and prey for animals like the Snowy Owl.
We know time is of the essence when it comes to protecting birds like the Snowy Owl, which is why Audubon has been advocating at the federal level for more protections in the Arctic lands these vulnerable birds call home.
After our work advocating for the conservation needs and cultural values connected to the Arctic Refuge, we’re pleased The Department of Interior recently released an environmental impact statement to formally recognize this area. The Department also issued a new conservation rule that would further protect, and possibly expand, the Western Arctic's designated Special Areas. If approved, these two actions would be historic wins for the Arctic and the Snowy Owl, advancing conservation at unprecedented levels.
The birds we love need protection
Snowy Owls have been listed as a “vulnerable” species since 2017.
The Snowy Owl has lost 50% of its population from 1970-2019.
We are working to permanently protect important Snowy Owl habitat from oil and gas developments.
While these recent conservation efforts are exciting and should be celebrated, there is still so much more we need to do to combat the disastrous impacts of climate change on species from the Snowy Owl to the Golden-winged Warbler.
![Your gift protects birds [GIVE NOW]](https://audubon.stagecoachdigital.com/sites/default/files/appeal/middle-image/AUD_Oct_MidMessage_GIF_v2.gif)
