Species at Risk Act: listing process

The Act establishes Schedule 1, as the official list of wildlife species at risk. It classifies those species as being either extirpated, endangered, threatened, or a special concern. Once listed, the measures to protect and recover a listed wildlife species are implemented. More on the listing process>  

• View Schedule 1

Species that were designated at risk by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) prior to October 1999 must be reassessed using revised criteria before they can be considered for addition to Schedule 1 of SARA. After they have been assessed, the Governor in Council may on the recommendation of the Minister, decide on whether or not they should be added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk.

• View Schedule 2
• View Schedule 3

The Minister of the Environment's responses to COSEWIC assessments

Search response statements

Response statements sorted by year

• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments submitted by COSEWIC on November 2, 2022
• The Minister of the Environment's response to Species at Risk assessments submitted by COSEWIC on October 12, 2021
• The Minister of the Environment's response to Species at Risk assessments submitted by COSEWIC on September 2, 2020
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments submitted by COSEWIC on October 9, 2019
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments submitted by COSEWIC on October 15, 2018
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments submitted by COSEWIC on 24 October 2017
• The Minister of the Environment Response to Species at Risk Assessments Submitted by COSEWIC on 13 October 2016
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments Submitted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) on 6 October 2015
• Minister's response to species at risk assessments submitted by COSEWIC in 2014
• Minister's response to Species at Risk assessments submitted by COSEWIC in 2013
• COSEWIC Species at Risk assessments: Minister of the Environment's response 2012
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments Submitted by COSEWIC in 2011
• The Minister of the Environment's Response to Species at Risk Assessments Submitted by COSEWIC in 2010

Other links

Wildlife Species Eligible for an Amendment to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1) of SARA

Report on Outstanding Species at Risk 2010 (Archived)

Birds Protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Listed as Endangered, Threatened or Extirpated in SARA Schedule 1

Aquatic Species Listed under SARA and Protected by the Fisheries Act

Additional information

• COSEWIC quantitative criteria and guidelines for the Status Assessment of Species: table 2
• Species at Risk Act: order of decisions (volume 139, number 2, January 26, 2005)
• Aquatic species listed under Species at Risk Act and protected by Fisheries Act
• Minister's response to Species at Risk assessments submitted by COSEWIC in 2013
• List of wildlife species at risk: schedule 1
• Species listing process: Species at Risk Act
• Aquatic species at risk: Department of Fisheries and Oceans jurisdiction
• Minister of Environment response to COSEWIC species at risk assessments: October 13, 2016
• COSEWIC Species at Risk assessments: Minister of the Environment's response 2012
• Wildlife species eligible for amendment to list: Species at Risk Act, schedule 1