[4] A survey in 1996 found nine species of plant to be present with roundleaved pigface, sea celery, beaded samphire and bower spinach occupying the exposed areas of the islet while the more sheltered areas were occupied by nitre-bush, ruby saltbush, variable groundsel and feather spear-grass.

The islet supports a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals while serving as a haul out for Australian sea lions.

A non-breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals are the main occupants of the islet while birds were represented by turnstones, sooty oystercatchers and welcome swallows.

[7] North Islet was declared a sanctuary in September 1955 to protect the fur seal population ‘from shooting parties from the mainland’.

[1][11][12] As of December 2012, the waters around both islets are part of a restricted access zone located within the boundaries of the Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park.