Wheat wild relatives harbour rich genetic variations accumulated through natural evolution and serve as reservoirs of resistance genes against environmental stressors and vital genetic resources for breeding high-yield， high-quality wheat varieties. However， long-term breeding practices prioritizing yield-related traits and technical barriers in distant hybridization make modern wheat cultivars exhibit a narrow genetic base and leave numerous valuable genetic resources in wild relatives underutilized. Meanwhile， threats such as anthropogenic disturbances， habitat degradation and climate change have led to severe population decline or even extinction of some wild relatives， risking permanent loss of their unique genetic resources. Strengthened conservation efforts （especially in situ） are therefore urgently needed. This review systematically examines the taxonomy， geographic distribution of wheat wild relatives， the origin and domestication history of wheat and current genetic diversity； summarizes utilization of wild relatives in genetic improvement； critically analyses conservation status （in situ/ex situ）， challenges in preserving these resources and proposes science-based strategies for effective conservation and sustainable utilization. These insights aim to provide theoretical support for driving innovative development in the wheat seed industry and ensuring food security.