Literature review and field research over the last two decades have shown that this species can be considered to be facing risk of extinction in the wild. The extent of occurrence (EOO) for the species is estimated as 16,842 km² and the area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated as 36 km². Although the figure for AOO may represent an underestimate due to incomplete botanical inventory, the AOO is considered unlikely to exceed the 500 km² threshold for the Endangered category under criterion B2. The species is estimated to be known from no more than five locations and the population is inferred to be severely fragmented. Due to road construction, logging activities and agricultural expansion, the area, extent and quality of habitat is inferred to be undergoing continuing decline. Given this, the species is assessed as Endangered B2ab(iii).

Rubus cartalinicus is an endemic species of the Caucasus. It occurs across West, Central and Southern Transcaucasia (Komarov 1941). In Georgia, it occurs in Bashikhevi, Kvabiskhevi and Nedzvi (Ketskhoveli 1980). In Armenia, it grows in the Ijevan and Meghri floristic regions. It occurs between 650–1,900 m asl (Гроссгейм 1952).

There is no numerical population information available, and the current population trend is unknown. The population is inferred to be severely fragmented.

This shrub grows in oak and hornbeam forests, on forest edges, in thickets of bushes, on the banks of rivers and streams, on edges of roads, and in fields, on mountain slopes up to the subalpine belt.

The species is threatened by overharvesting of other species by locals, as well as unsustainable logging, agricultural expansion and road construction․ These threats are contributing to an ongoing decline in the quality of habitat.

The fruits are edible and are used by locals. There is no information about trade of the species.

One subpopulation in Georgia is suspected to partially occur in the Nedzvi managed reserve, and another may occur in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Ex situ collections are available from the Millennium Seed Bank, as well as national repositories in Georgia.