This species is endemic to mountains areas in Crete, where it is found in forest habitats, with localised sub-populations, and the population trend is declining. The extent of occurrence is below 2,000 km2 and the area of occupancy is 56 km2 (historically 80 km2). The population has been estimated to be as low as c.450 individuals but is possibly higher, shared between at least 11 locations (Kretzschmar et al. 2002) likely corresponding to three subpopulations, the main one probably hosting more than 250 individuals but certainly less than 1,000. There is a continuous decline especially of the habitat, which is threatened by a range of threats, including grazing, deforestation and potentially ongoing climatic changes. Therefore, the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU C2a(i); D1). In the case that the number of localities declines below ten, it could be also considered as VU (B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(iii,iv)).