Forty animal species have been placed under international protection under the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Among the latest additions is the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), familiar to many from the Harry Potter books.

According to Helsinki's Korkeasaari Zoo, the snowy owl is considered critically endangered in Finland.

Also newly listed are species such as the great hammerhead shark, the striped hyena and the giant otter.

Parties to the conventions commit to protecting species classified as endangered and to conserving their habitats.

The meeting, held in Campo Verde, Brazil, brought together representatives from more than 130 countries.

In 2021, the snowy owl was also included in the European zoo conservation programme.