Abstract: V. macrolepis are mainly distributed in the upper and middle reaches of Hanjiang River Basin, this paper investigates the habitat, distribution range, biological characteristics and reproductive characteristics of V. macrolepis in Qinba Mountain Area. According to the survey, a large number of water conservancy projects and barrages have been built on major rivers in Ankang area, 86 small hydropower stations have been built （including 2 abandoned ones）, 11 are under construction, and 42 are planned to be built, including 72 barrages and reservoirs. V. macrolepis is a cold water, omnivorous fish, the sex ratio is close to 1∶1, batch spawning.In Ziyang, Pingli, Zhenping, Ningshan and other counties, there are more distribution of V. macrolepis. The population of V. macrolepis in Renhe River and its tributaries in Ziyang county is dominant in Maju River, Panxiang River, Zhuxi River and Raoxi River, in Zhenping county Nanjiang River and Lanhe tributaries Zhengyang River,they are also distributed, while Baishi River and Lengshui river of Baihe county, Xunyang county and Hanbin county,they are less distributed. V. macrolepis endangered main reasons,human destruction, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation and pollution, and excessive use. We can take steps to protect them, such as in situ protection, ex situ protection, publicity and education, strengthen fishery law enforcement, strengthen research. We hope these measures will protect and restore the population of V. macrolepis for sustainable use.

Key words: Varicorhinus macrolepis, germplasm resources, biological characteristics, reproductive characteristics, investigation and protection strategies