Rocky desertification in karst areas of Southwest China was studied using landscape ecology methods in Puding County, Guizhou Province. The study found that rocky desertification in karst depression areas was less severe and scattered, while in other karst areas it was more serious and formed large patches. Different levels of rocky desertification were identified, with more severe cases showing increased patch fragmentation. Puding County had more serious rocky desertification compared to other areas in Guizhou Province, indicating an urgent need for solutions in karst depression areas.