Conservation: In the wild, adult snowy owls have very few predators, they are however host to a plethora of biting insects, namely black flies. These insects have been observed drastically effecting the health of individuals and their ability to care for their young. Black flies are specialists with different species targeting different hosts, only two species, for example, are known to target humans. Unfortunately for the snowy owl, there are many species that will target birds and even carry parasites. Black flies tend to target areas of exposed skin such as around the eyelids and beak. Affected snowy owls have been observed with blood soaked feathers effecting camouflage, and eyes caked with dried blood, greatly hindering their vision. This greatly effects the owl’s ability to fly and hunt which is especially problematic when they are also hunting for their chicks. In studied areas, at least 7% of snowy owl nests are unsuccessful due to the persistence of black flies which has led many young owls to succumb to starvation. Snowy owls most drastically effected were found in close proximity to areas where black flies breed, streams in areas with little wind. It’s expected that these conditions will become more common due to the melting ice caused by climate change.
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Sources:
Solheim, Roar, et al. "Snowy Owl Nest Failures Caused by Blackfly Attacks on Incubating Females." Norwegian Ornithological Society , 2013, www.nina.no/Portals/NINA/Bilder%20og%20dokumenter/Solheim%20et%20al_%202013-%20Blackflies.pdf. Accessed 10 Dec. 2021. |