[2] Shrubland is mostly found on the Tondooni peninsula, and its vegetation includes Sorindeia madagascariensis, Diospyros consolatae, Tamarindus indica, Afzelia quanzensis, Terminalia boivinii, Cussonia zimmermannii, and Olea woodiana.

[2] Some areas of the reserve are dominated by mangroves, and host Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina, Xylocarpus granatum, Bruguiera, Rhizophora, and Ceriops.

[3] Other notable plants found in the reserve are the endemic Chrisalidocarpus pembanus and Ensete proboscoideum, as well as Terminalia catappa, Musa acuminata, Typhanodorun lindleyanum, and Philippia mafiensis.

There is also a significant number of orchids, including Aerangis, Bulbophyllum, Eulophia, Disperis johnstonii, Nervilia bicarinata, and Vanilla roscheri.

[4] Fauna in the reserve includes some rare species, such as the endemic Pemba flying fox; almost extinct in recent years, its population has now grown to an estimated 20,000 individuals, thanks to an effective protection programme.