Snowy owl designated as "threatened" species

The snowy owl, Quebec's avian emblem, was recently designated as a "threatened" species following a meeting of experts of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

Although this iconic owl is still found in all provinces of the country, its survival is now compromised by the effects of global warming, warns COSEWIC.

"It breeds throughout the Arctic and winters further south, and while it is still found in all provinces and territories across the country, it is declining due to some of the effects of climate change as well as other threats," a report released in May said.

Beyond climate change, the bird is also exposed to other dangers, many of which are directly linked to human activities.

"When they migrate south for the winter, other threats await them – collisions, electrocution, rodenticide poisoning, and diseases like avian influenza," said Louise Blight, co-chair of the bird subcommittee, in a statement.