The Site lies near the town of Kothagiri, adjacent to the eastern slopes of the Nilgiri mountain range. It features intermittent freshwater marshes and streams nested within a “shola” (a tropical montane forest of southern India which is usually found in patches separated by grasslands). This Site is the only natural shola forest remaining in the vicinity of Kothagiri and has very high species endemism. Around 40 species of trees, four reptiles, 14 frogs and 14 birds that are endemic to the Western Ghats region are found here. Some of the noteworthy plant species that are endemic and threatened include Actinodaphne bourneae (the Bourne’s beak-rush), Psychotria nilgiriensis and Cinnamomum wightii (the Wight’s cinnamon). The Site is one of the key conservation areas of the endangered black-chinned Nilgiri laughing thrush (Strophocincla cachinnans), the Nilgiri blue robin (Myiomela major) and the vulnerable Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii). It is mainly threatened by encroachment, invasive species and deforestation. A committee of local residents actively work with the Reserve’s officials to protect the Site and its biodiversity.