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RESEARCH FOCUS: SNOWY OWLS

© DANIEL J COX / NATURALEXPOSURES.COM

SNOWY OWL RESEARCH PROJECT

We began the Snowy Owl Breeding Ecology and Lemming Population Study in Barrow, Alaska, in 1992.  The initial research question was to evaluate the predator-prey relationship between the Snowy Owl and Brown Lemming – the owl’s primary food source.  As with most studies, a host of other simple questions arose, similar to those described in our Long-eared Owl study.  These were followed by more original questions such as: satellite tracking of movement, growth rates, plumage development, stress response to research, nest defense behavior, and activity budgets.  In fact, we were the first researchers in the world to track Snowy Owls by satellite.

Our growth and plumage development studies are the most comprehensive in the world.  Our dietary studies provide the largest known sample sizes, highlighting the reliance of Snowy Owls on Brown Lemmings in Barrow.  Our simultaneous monitoring of Snowy Owls and Brown Lemmings is the longest running study of its kind in North America.  Our discovery of an infectious disease in lemmings that can affect human has direct human health implications.

However, the most important objective still remains to continue long-term research and monitoring, and to ascertain the owls’ population fluctuations in response to fluctuating lemming populations.  We also sought to evaluate if purported lemming cycles really exist in Barrow. 

Snowy Owl and Brown Lemming numbers in Barrow are declining for reason we don’t yet understand.  We hope to determine if these population changes are linked to a changing Arctic climate.  This study has evolved to include a message of advocacy for Arctic wildlife conservation.  

PHOTO CREDIT

 

We are so grateful to the photographers who capture owls, and our work, in the most amazing ways. They generously share their work with us, and you. Check out the works of some of the photographers whose work is featured on our site! They are incredible talented artists who are committed to wildlife conservation.

Thank you to:

Kurt Lindsay: https://kurtlindsay.smugmug.com/Nebulosa/i-7D8Wh9d

Daniel J Cox: http://naturalexposures.com

Radd Icenoggle: https://www.flickr.com/photos/radley521

Melissa Groo: https://www.melissagroo.com

Ly Dang: https://www.nature2pixels.com

Tom Murphy: https://www.tmurphywild.com/

Deborah Hanson

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ABOUT US

 

The ORI is a non-profit, 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. We are funded by individual and non-profit  group donations, grants from foundations and corporations, and occasionally agency contracts. We accept donations of real property, vehicles, and stock donations. Please consider us in your estate planning. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Our federal tax identification number is 81-0453479.

CONTACT ORI

 

PO BOX 39

Charlo, MT 59824

 

info@owlresearchinstitute.org

(406) 644-3412

Copyright © 2021-2024 Owl Research Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

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