COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) is an independent committee of experts that assesses and designates the conservation status of wildlife species in Canada. COSEWIC evaluates species and categorizes them as extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened, special concern, or not at risk. These assessments inform decisions under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) about legal protection for species. COSEWIC assessments can affect municipal land use when protected species or their habitat are present—development may be restricted or require mitigation measures. Understanding species at risk helps municipalities consider biodiversity in planning and development decisions.