The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is federal legislation protecting wildlife species at risk of extinction or extirpation (local extinction) in Canada. SARA prohibits killing, harming, or harassing listed species and destroying their critical habitat on federal lands. While provinces have primary jurisdiction over wildlife on provincial and private lands, SARA can apply more broadly for aquatic species and migratory birds. For municipalities, SARA affects development approvals where endangered species or their habitat may be present. Projects requiring federal permits or funding must consider SARA implications. Environmental assessments must identify species at risk potentially affected by development. Municipal planners increasingly consider species at risk in land use planning to avoid development conflicts with protected species.