Saskatchewan, often referred to as the “Land Of Living Skies,” is a province in Canada celebrated for its vast, unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity. Spanning over 651,900 square kilometers, Saskatchewan is home to unique ecosystems ranging from rolling grasslands to dense boreal forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged badlands. These diverse habitats support an incredible array of wildlife, making the province a paradise for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike. This article delves into Saskatchewan’s natural areas and the fascinating wildlife that calls it home. Northern Saskatchewan boasts over 100,000 lakes; Popular ones include Lac La Ronge and Candle Lake.
Natural Areas In Saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park
Located in southern Saskatchewan near the U.S. border, Grasslands National Park is one of Canada’s most iconic prairie landscapes. This park preserves one of the last remaining areas of native mixed-grass prairie in North America. Its rolling hills, deep coulees, and rugged badlands create a strikingly beautiful environment that feels untouched by modern civilization.
Grasslands National Park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it one of the best places in Canada for stargazing. Visitors can marvel at constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way on clear nights. Badlands Parkway is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the park’s badlands and valleys.
Valley of 1,000 Devils is a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations that evokes an otherworldly charm. Grasslands National Park is also home to Prairie Dog Towns; These bustling colonies are home to Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs(Cynomys ludovicianus).
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Straddling the border between Saskatchewan and Alberta, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a unique area where elevation rises dramatically above the surrounding prairies. The park features lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes. The park offers trails that wind through forests and grasslands, providing opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife.
Prince Albert National Park
Located near Waskesiu Lake, this park combines boreal forest ecosystems with recreational opportunities such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife In Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for an extraordinary variety of wildlife. From large mammals roaming the prairies to migratory birds flocking to wetlands, the province supports both common species and rare ones at risk of extinction.
Mammals
Saskatchewan is home to over 70 species of mammals that thrive across its grasslands, forests, wetlands, and tundra-like regions.
Bison
Bison(Bison bison) are one of Saskatchewan’s most iconic mammals. Once nearly extinct due to overhunting during European settlement, Bison have been successfully reintroduced into protected areas like Grasslands National Park. These majestic animals play a vital role in maintaining prairie ecosystems by grazing on native grasses.
White-Tailed Deer
The White-Tailed Deer(Odocoileus virginianus) is Saskatchewan’s official provincial mammal. Found throughout the province’s forests and grasslands, these agile creatures are easily recognizable by their distinctive tail that flashes white when alarmed.
Other Mammals
Other notable mammals include:
Moose(Alces alces): Frequently spotted in northern boreal forests near lakes and rivers.
Elk(Cervus canadensis): Found in both grasslands and forested regions.
Coyote(Canis latrans): Adaptable predators often seen roaming prairies or outskirts of urban areas.
Pronghorn Antelope(Antilocapra americana): Pronghorn inhabit open grasslands in southern Saskatchewan.
American Black Bear(Ursus americanus): Commonly found in northern forests but occasionally wander farther south.
Birds
Saskatchewan lies along major migratory pathways for birds traveling between North America’s Arctic regions and southern destinations like Central America. Over 300 bird species can be found here during different seasons.
Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary
Established in 1887 as North America’s first bird sanctuary, Last Mountain Lake is a critical stopover point for migratory species. Birds such as cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, and shorebirds rely on this area during their journeys.
Endangered Birds
Several bird species in Saskatchewan are considered at risk due to habitat loss:
Burrowing Owl(Athene cunicularia): These small owls nest underground in abandoned burrows created by other animals.
Whooping Crane(Grus americana): One of North America’s rarest birds; sightings occur during migration seasons.
Piping Plover(Charadrius melodus): A small shorebird that nests along sandy beaches but faces threats from human activity.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Although less prominent than mammals or birds, reptiles and amphibians play essential roles in Saskatchewan’s ecosystems. Grasslands National Park hosts several fascinating species:
Prairie Rattlesnake(Crotalus viridis viridis): Found in southern regions; these snakes are shy but venomous.
Painted Turtle(Chrysemys picta): Frequently seen basking near ponds or slow-moving rivers.
Northern Leopard Frog(Rana pipiens): An amphibian that can be seen near wetlands.
Fish
Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers support diverse fish populations:
Northern Pike(Esox lucius)
Walleye(Sander vitreus)
Lake Trout(Salvelinus namaycush)
Conservation Efforts
Saskatchewan has made significant strides toward protecting its natural heritage through conservation initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
Species At Risk
Grasslands National Park alone supports over thirty species at risk under Canada’s Species At Risk Act.
Protected Areas
The province has established numerous protected areas such as national parks (Grasslands & Prince Albert), provincial parks (e.g., Cypress Hills), wildlife refuges (e.g., Last Mountain Lake), etc., ensuring long-term preservation efforts continue uninterruptedly!
Ecotourism Opportunities
Ecotourism has become increasingly popular among visitors seeking meaningful connections with nature while minimizing environmental impact.
