[1] It forms part of the greater Sainte Luce rainforest, which is approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) long and varies from 100 to 700 m (330 to 2,300 ft) wide.

The reserve includes enclaves of rare ebony (Diospyros) forest growing on white sand, and river mangroves.

The palm has been felled for materials to construct lobster traps to supply the nearby hotels, and also lies in the habitat where ilmenite ore mining is taking place.

The littoral rainforests in this region are threatened by deforestation and shifting agricultural practices (slash and burn farming, known as tavy).

Volunteers assist with lemur research, sea turtle monitoring, seed collecting, tree planting and community outreach.