Imbota Nature Reserve protects a small but significant remnant of Tablelands dry open forest close to Armidale in a landscape of predominantly cleared pastoral land. A total of 179 species of plants have been recorded in the reserve.
The ecosystems of the reserve support a range of vertebrate fauna. Surveys have identified 129 bird and 9 mammal species. The reserve is highly significant for declining woodland bird species. The reserve has a long history of use by the University of New England for teaching, research and extension purposes, particularly pertaining to woodland birds.
