The Life Sciences Unit of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum works to further our understanding of Saskatchewan's natural history and to enhance the ecological literacy of our industrialized society. We pursue these goals by actively engaging in ecologically based research, collections development, public programs, exhibits, and publishing.

The Unit has a long history of leading initiatives to conserve rare and endangered species in Saskatchewan and is also an international leader in helping people learn about sustainable living. Through our conservation field studies, our award-winning “Human Factor” exhibit, and our research on sustainability education, the Unit is striving to make a real difference in our world.

The Life Sciences Unit oversees a broad research program that focuses on natural history and sustainability questions. From a natural history perspective, we are currently studying some of Saskatchewan's rarest and most endangered species, particularly (Endangered) Burrowing Owls across southern Saskatchewan and (Threatened) Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers in the southwestern portion of the province.

We are also conducting prairie-wide surveys for small mammals, including (Endangered) Ord's Kangaroo Rats and (Endangered) Western Harvest Mice and Sagebrush Voles.

With sustainability in mind, we are initiating a study to compare the pesticide loads and reproductive success of grassland songbirds on organic and traditional farms. We are also studying the role that museums can play in sustainability education, building on feedback about The Human Factor exhibit.