Tibet is a region most typical of biological diversity and a major gene bank ensuring global biodiversity. For the moment, there are more than 9,600 species of wild plants in Tibet, of which, 39 are on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list and under national protection. Of the 789 species of wild vertebrates and nearly 4,000 species of insects, 125 are put under national protection, accounting for more than one-third of wild fauna under national protection in the country. The Tibet Plateau is also the exclusive habitat of approximately 600 species of higher plants and 200 species of terrestrial vertebrates.

For more than 50 years, the state and the autonomous region have conducted detailed investigations on the biological resources in Tibet. Based on the investigations, scientific plans have been mapped out for protection of the region's wild fauna and flora, and various measures have been adopted to protect the rare resources. According to relevant state laws and regulations, the Tibet Autonomous Region has set up a law enforcement agency for forest public security, founded the Armed Police Tibet Forest Team, and carried out special campaigns, such as the Hoh Xil No.1 Action that aims to protect Tibetan antelopes in the juncture of Qinghai, Xinjiang and Tibet. These efforts have effectively curbed unlawful activities, such as pouching, that destroy the resources of wild animals. In the meantime, the state invests millions of yuan annually in infrastructure construction for Tibet's forest security and forest fire prevention. In 2002, the state earmarked 3.66 million yuan from government bond funds for cracking down on the illegal hunting of Tibet antelopes and for strengthening public awareness of wildlife protection. Today, wildlife protection has become a conscious action of the Tibetan people and the once rampant illegal hunting of Tibetan antelopes has basically been brought under control.

Tibet conducted surveys of its biological resources and managed to protect its wildlife. Efforts were made to protect Tibetan antelopes in the Hoh Xil area, area where Tibet meets Qinghai and Xinjiang. In 2002, the state earmarked 3.66 million Yuan for their protection.