Collections & Conservation
![exhibit detail: black-footed ferret on left, in a clear bubble with an information wheel on the right](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/16_9_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Mammals-1-708586AC-4A25-430D-95DB-B370F4A32D92.jpg?h=872d42be&itok=UW9ujGA_)
Museum specimens are critical to solving problems that impact our lives. This new exhibit explores the relationships between endangered black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs. It also highlights how collections-based research can support conservation and track disease.
This exhibit was made possible through funding from the National Science Foundation, grant number 2100955, and by contributions by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center. Learn more about the grant.
The exhibit is on the museum's 5th floor gallery.
![exhibit detail showing animal burrow cross section below and taxidermied animals on top](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/1_1_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Burrow-22D7BBDB-4765-4E23-B74E-448F440D44B7.jpg?h=84524a55&itok=8cbwfCfJ)
![Exhibit detail of prairie dog looking out of hole, with an owl in the background](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/1_1_placeholder_/public/images/2023/Prairie-Dog-IMG_6641.jpg?h=4c11477d&itok=NT1b0Lvo)
![exhibit view with drawer of items on left, spinnable wheel in center and burrow on right.](/sites/biodiversity/files/styles/1_1_placeholder_/public/images/2023/exhibit-54037CCE-6B2F-4A29-B141-A8B64A36F0CE.jpg?h=0d9516ee&itok=eATIEsSi)