Snowy owl must wait years for legal protection

The snowy owl was assessed as threatened while its population, about 14,000 birds, is reported to be falling by more than 30% per decade. A formal federal listing under the Species at Risk Act requires additional study and consultations that can take two years or more, and consultations are currently underway.

The snowy owl has been assessed as threatened as its numbers decline across the Arctic and into southern Canada. The population is reported at about 14,000 and is falling by more than 30 per cent per decade. Officials say the bird faces changing tundra habitat and other pressures such as collisions and disease. A formal listing under the Species at Risk Act follows additional study and consultations, which can extend the timeline by years. Known details: - The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the snowy owl as threatened and provided its report to the environment minister on Oct. 16. - The population is estimated at around 14,000 and is reported to be decreasing by over 30% per decade. - The minister extended consultation timelines on Jan. 16 to meet land claims obligations, and those consultations are reported as underway. - The Species at Risk Act process involves at least two years of scientific review and further consultations, and the final decision goes to cabinet. Summary: The assessment identifies a continued decline and a range of threats, with officials noting habitat change on the tundra as a primary driver. Because the Species at Risk Act requires additional review and consultations, formal legal protections can take two years or more to materialize. The consultation process is currently underway and the timing of a final listing is not yet determined.