The Site comprises three rich and productive subsites, Hammervatnet, Lundselvoset and Lyngås-Lysgård; it features shallow freshwater areas, inland deltas and lakes. It is important for several nationally red-listed species such as ruff Philomachus pugnax, common tern Sterna hirundo, otter Lutra lutra and European eel Anguilla anguilla. During spring and autumn migrations more than 1,000 pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus stop at Lyngås-Lysgård, and up to 3,000 at Lundselvoset. The locations are also important breeding sites for several locally rare bird species; Lake Leksdalsvatnet is perhaps the most valuable breeding site for the horned grebe in Norway, with approximately 50 breeding pairs recorded in 2008. The complex also plays important roles in flood mitigation and water supply. The main activities within the Site are cattle grazing, fishing and birdwatching; all activities are controlled by detailed regulations specific to each protected area. The main threat to the ecological character derives from eutrophication caused by agricultural activities.