Tibetan antelopes are mostly found in Tibet autonomous region, Qinghai province, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The species is under first-class state protection in China.

In the 1980s, the Tibetan antelope population declined sharply from 200,000 to 20,000, due to illegal hunting. It has recovered thanks to the country's efforts to improve its habitat and crack down on poaching.

To make sure the species go back to their habitats safe and sound, the reserve's management bureau has staff monitor their migration. When they come over in large groups, the rangers temporarily close some sections of the road to make way for the animals and prevent them from having interactions with humans.

In July 2017, Hoh Xil became a world heritage site and is now home to more than 70,000 Tibetan antelopes.