Future Implications

The disturbance of the snowy owl population stands for so much more than just one species. The effects of global warming that are taking place in Arctic habitats are affecting each and every species in the area. Arctic environments are some of the most delicate environments on this planet, and thus the species contained within hang in a tenuous balance. As was demonstrated with the lemmings, each population is tied to another in some shape or form, so the preservation of each and every species in Arctic habitats is equally important.

That being said, the implications of snowy owl population disturbances are extremely widespread. They complete a delicate and varied ecosystem, and without them, other species will fall. 

Although snowy owl populations have not reached a major disturbance level, and for now are staying steady, the increased stress on these animals will eventually lead to a population decline. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect these creatures, such as establishing legislation that prohibits hunting of snowy owls, and designation of reserved land in their native range. However, this designation of lands might prove to be a fruitless effort if snowy owl ranges continue to shift in response to various pressures. As they are forced to expand their ranges further and further in search of food, the physiological strain on these creatures becomes greater. With that physiological strain comes a new wave of evolutionary stress, which only continues to rise with the change in climate. If this is allowed to grow unchecked, then this evolutionary stress could become so large that it diminishes or even wipes out snowy owl populations.

http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Europe/Germany/photo87201.htm