Kuma Nature Reserve contains a sample of the natural temperate grassland of the Southern Tablelands, a plant community typical of the Monaro basalt plains which extend to the north, south and east of Cooma. This plant community is recognised as a threatened ecological community under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The grassland habitat of Kuma Nature Reserve contains populations of three species of threatened grassland reptiles: the Grassland Earless Dragon, which is listed as endangered by both New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments; the Striped Legless Lizard, which is listed as vulnerable by both New South Wales and the Commonwealth; and the Little Whip Snake which is listed as vulnerable in New South Wales.
The primary purpose for the reservation and management of Kuma Nature Reserve is to protect populations of these reptiles and a remnant of their natural temperate grassland habitat.
