Abstract: Setting up nature reserves is considered as the most efficient way to protect biodiversity in-situ. Populations of wild vertebrates and their distribution in nature reserves of China were analyzed. In situ conservation of the 3632 vertebrates in China was evaluated. Results show that 23.49% of the vertebrate species in the nature reserves were effectively protected, 8.59% well protected, 14.92% generally protected, 47.66% less protected, 0.28% not protected, 0.94% unclear, and 4.13% not evaluated. Although 94.66% of the vertebrate species were protected to a varying degree, the percentage of the vertebrates species being effectively or well protected was obviously a bit too low and the protection of most of the vertebrates species was a worrisome issue. In order to strengthen in-situ protection of the vertebrates in China, it is essential to further optimize the distribution of nature reserves with emphasis on protection of minority species.