The Site is the only example in Bermuda of a non-tidal permanent shallow brackish lagoon; it features fringing mudflats and salt marshes, which are subject to periodic sea flooding. The coastal habitat supports the largest remaining mainland population of the Bermuda skink (Plestiodon longirostris) and the pond possibly supports both the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla); all of which are globally threatened species. The Site is noted for its bird life and is the most important wetland for wintering waterfowl and transient shorebirds in Bermuda. Other notable species include the threatened endemic daisy-like Darrell’s fleabane (Erigeron darrellianus); the Bermuda buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia subsp. Bergi), the only butterfly endemic to Bermuda, which is found in large numbers; and the West Indian top shell (Cittarium pica) which occurs along the rocky shore in significant numbers. Spittal Pond is one of the most popular and visited natural attractions on Bermuda. It has also been the subject of several detailed scientific studies and contains sites of cultural significance. The main threats are nutrient enrichment, invasive non-native plants, and damage from recreational use.