The Reserve is situated on the summit, eastern slopes and foothills of the Magaliesberg, which is among the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The Ramsar Site is part of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve. It is composed of two distinct geomorphological regions: the high plateaus and the low-lying valleys. The Magaliesberg serves as a catchment for numerous streams; the absence of vegetation cover on the crest and upper slopes increases runoff which flows into cracks and crevices in the underlying rock, only to seep out further down. The Reserve features grassland, shrubland and mixed woodland, with pockets of fynbos. Over 115 tree and bush species have been identified in the Reserve, as well as endemic and threatened plant species such as Frithia pulchra and Aloe peglerae. Around 500 antelopes are found, including mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), as well as a few predators such as leopard (Panthera pardus). 320 bird species shelter in the Reserve, including the vulnerable martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus). The Site plays an important role in groundwater recharge; it provides fresh water for people and livestock, and local communities also collect water from the Reserve for religious, spiritual and cultural purposes. It is also used for recreation and tourism. Storms, flooding and fire are the main threats. There is no management plan but conservation and restoration measures are implemented as well as monitoring of birds, other animal and plant species, and water quality.