The trees are of tropical and afromontane origin, and include ironwood (Olea capensis), stinkwood (Ocotea bullata), Outeniqua yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus), real yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius), Cape holly (Ilex mitis), white pear (Apodytes dimidiata), Cape beech (Rapanea melanophloeos), bastard saffron (Cassine peragua), Cape plane (Ochna arborea var.

The forests were home to African elephants, but the last count (2017-2019) suggested that only one adult female, age 45 years, survives.

[5] In addition African leopard, bushbuck, blue duiker, bushpig and other mammals are resident.

The density and assortment of birds is not exceptionally high, but the buff-spotted flufftail (Sarothrura elegans), Narina trogon (Apaloderma narina), Knysna lourie (Tauraco corythaix), seven species of cuckoo, Knysna woodpecker (Campethera notata), Knysna warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus), chorister robin-chat (Cossypha dichroa), Cape batis (Batis capensis) and forest canary (Serinus scotops) occur, while birds of prey found here include the crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) and the African wood owl (Strix woodfordii).

Reptiles include the endemic Knysna dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum).