The Species at Risk Act (SARA) was enacted to protect Canada’s wildlife from extinction, support the recovery of extirpated, endangered, or threatened species, and manage species of special concern to prevent further decline. Passed with Royal Assent, the Act initially listed 233 species across four risk categories: extirpated, endangered, threatened, and special concern.

SARA outlines measures to prevent species loss, promote recovery, and encourage collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals. It also includes a process for species assessment and sanctions for non-compliance to ensure effective protection and recovery efforts.