The reserve is located within the Murray-Darling Depression Bioregion and comprises extensive areas of flat to undulating red sandy plains and sand dunes in the Scotia Mallee region. It contains relatively large areas of four main plant communities: mallee with Triodia understorey, mallee with mixed shrub understorey, belah/rosewood woodland and chenopod shrubland.
Several of the reserve’s plant communities have a restricted occurrence and the reserve has several biogeographically significant plant species. Two species are listed as endangered in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
Eighteen endangered or threatened species of native animals have been recorded in the reserve. Of particular importance are the population of malleefowl and the discovery of Bolam’s mouse in 1995. The reserve is of very high significance for both these species.
A number of extensive Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the reserve and it is probable that survey will reveal more. Post-contact cultural heritage in the reserve includes a homestead complex, ground tanks and brush breaks (stock yards). The latter are regionally significant and will be protected from disturbance and fire.
