[Objective] A comprehensive evaluation is carried out on the long-term variations in landscape pattern indices and changes in current habitat quality in the Xiliugou basin, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for formulating effective ecological restoration strategies and promoting the sustainable development of the basin’s ecological economy. [Methods] Five time points（2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020） were selected to analyze the landscape pattern indices, current habitat quality, and their driving factors in the Xiliugou Basin using Fragstats, the InVEST model, and the geodetector.[Results] 1) From 2000 to 2020, the landscape in the study area demonstrated a clear trend of aggregation and homogenization. This was primarily reflected in the expansion of grasslands, a reduction in fragmentation, lower edge complexity, and decreased diversity. A temporary increase in fragmentation in 2015 reflected phased human disturbance. 2) The study area was dominated by regions with relatively high habitat quality, accounting for approximately 60% of the total area. From 2000 to 2020, the difference in area between habitat quality improvement zones and degradation zones gradually decreased, with degradation trends intensifying after 2010. Spatially, higher-quality habitats were primarily located in the downstream region, while lower-quality zones were concentrated in the northern midstream region, namely the Kubuqi Desert. Medium-quality habitats were distributed in a fragmented pattern in the upstream region. 3) Land use type was the dominant factor influencing the spatial differences in habitat quality. Its influence was strengthened by interactions with elevation, vegetation cover, and climatic factors such as annual mean temperature. A significant enhancement in the explanatory power for spatial differentiation was observed when both natural and human factors acted jointly. [Conclusion] A systematic analysis of the current status of the ecological environment and its driving factors in the Xiliugou basin clarified the spatial distribution of habitat quality and identified the key factors driving changes in ecological quality. This provides a theoretical basis for identifying priority areas and developing strategies for ecological restoration in the basin.