Objectives The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) has already established many protected areas (PA). Whether the spatial distribution of PA is reasonable or not is important for assessing whether there are gaps in the protection of species.

Methods Using the existing statistical data of various types of protected areas, we statistically analyzed their distribution types and characteristics, and conducted a spatial analysis with the distribution of human activity intensity, pointing out problems in the construction of protected areas and suggestions for future planning.

Results (1) QXP has established 54 national and 61 provincial PA, including essential types such as forest parks, scenic spots, wetland parks, geological parks, desert parks, nature reserves, and national parks. The total area was approximately 8.22×10⁵ km², accounting for 32.35% of the QXP. It encompassed the majority of the endangered species on the QXP, effectively safeguarding the rare wild animals and plants on the QXP and the protection efficiency has been significantly improved; (2) The spatial distribution of established PA was uneven. Large-scale PA have been established in uninhabited areas with high altitudes and single species types. In coontrast, the southeastern QXP was rich in biodiversity and the conflicts between humans and PA in low-altitude valleys where human activities were relatively strong have become increasingly prominent, increasing "Conservation-Development" conflicts. These conflicts were further compounded by the increasing impact of climate change and human activities, which will greatly affect the habitats of wild species.

Conclusions The paper proposed the southern valleys of the eastern Himalayas, the southeastern QXP alpine coniferous forests, and the northwestern Sichuan alpine shrub meadows as the three key planning and protecting areas in the future. It should coordinate the functional relationship and management conflicts between PA. A long-term monitoring of the impact of climate change and human activities to PA is highly needed. Integrated assessment of the efficiency of PA should be carried out timely and make adjustments to planning and construction accordingly.