How species at risk are listed
How a plant or animal is classified as endangered, threatened, special concern or extirpated. The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû (COSSARO) oversees this work.
Endangered Species Act
More than 200 species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing from °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû.
The Endangered Species Act provides:
- science-based assessment — species are assessed by an independent body based on the best-available science and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge
- automatic protection — species classified as endangered or threatened automatically receive legal protection
- habitat protection — when a species is classified endangered or threatened, its habitat is also protected
Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû
An independent committee of experts considers which plants and animals should be listed as at risk. The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in °ÄÃÅÓÀÀû (COSSARO) consists of up to 12 members with expertise in scientific disciplines or Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge.
For more information on °ä°¿³§³§´¡¸é°¿â€™s membership, meetings, species assessment reports and how to get involved please visit the .
Committee Reports
Reports to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Committee communicates its species listing decisions through a report to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Once a report has been received by the Minister, it is posted on this page.
Reports include the outcomes of assessment meetings, including the classification of each species assessed and a summary of listing decision rationales.
View past reports to the minister for:
- January 2025
- January 2024
- January 2023
- January 2022
- January 2021
- March 2017
- March 2016
- December 2014
- March 2014
- October 2012
- October 2011
- March 2011
- June 2010
- December 2009
- June 2009
- November 2008
Annual reports
View annual reports published by the committee that summarizes its activities for:
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