Note: This page does not reflect the current state of the law.

On June 5, 2025, the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) was amended by the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. More information on these amendments can be found on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (notice 025-0380).

The information on these pages is for guidance only and not intended to provide specific legal advice or recommendations. The ESA and its regulations can be found on e-laws.

Questions about how to apply for a permit can be sent to: SAROntario@ontario.ca

Questions on how to register under the ESA can be sent to: ESAReg@ontario.ca .

We recommend you seek appropriate professional advice when contemplating or preparing an application for a permit or a registration.

Endangered Species Act

More than 200 species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing from Ontario.

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 Ontario

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 Ontario (COSSARO) consists of up to 12 members with expertise in scientific disciplines or Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge.

For more information on COSSARO’s membership, meetings, species assessment reports and how to get involved please visit the agency’s website.

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:

Annual reports

View annual reports published by the committee that summarizes its activities for:

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