Snowy Owls & Lemmings: 35 Years of Predator-Prey Dynamics in the Arctic

Denver Holt, founder of the Owl Research Institute (ORI), will share insights from 35 years of dedicated snowy owl research in Utqiaġvik / Barrow, Alaska. He will highlight the intricate relationship between snowy owls and their primary prey, the lemming, and explore the alarming declines both species have faced at that location over the recent decades. Holt will discuss the critical role of predator-prey dynamics in Arctic ecosystems, the potential causes of these population shifts, and why understanding these changes is essential for conservation efforts. This presentation offers a rare glimpse into the nuances of Arctic wildlife and the ongoing challenges they face.