There are two sub-species of this species, T. goetzei goetzei and T. goetzei nyikae (Tilbury 2010). The sub-species have not been investigated in a phylogenetic framework, but there is potentially divergence between them given their wide distribution but isolation on montane grassland plateau environments.

This species is listed as Least Concern because it has a large extent of occurrence in an area where disturbance is localized within its range, and therefore no major threats are thought to exist at present.

This species is widespread in montane plateau grasslands of southern Tanzania, extending south into both Malawi and Zambia. Known areas of occurrence include the Udzungwa Mountains, Ubena Mountains, Ngosi Volcano, Ukinga Mountains, Tukuyu District, Rungwe Districts, Poroto Mountains, Nyika Plateau. It may occur at other localities in these countries (especially in Malawi) but this needs to be confirmed (Tilbury 2010). There are two sub-species: T. goetzei goetzei which is found in the northern part of the distribution, and T. goetzei nyikae which is found in the south. The geographic feature that divides these sub-species is unclear, but the northern sub-species may have a larger and more continuous distribution (ca. 31,600 km²) than the southern sub-species (ca. 11,000 km²). The distribution of the latter may be more fragmented, due to the low elevation gaps between plateau's where it is found.

There is no quantitative information on the population of this species. General habitat loss throughout the entire region has probably affected some of this species habitat, but no substantial population declines are inferred at present.

This species inhabits mountain plateau grasslands up to 3,000 m asl (Tilbury 2010), with the lowest records occurring around 1,400 m. On the Nyika Plateau it may be more abundant in western, drier areas, where it has been found near the edges of evergreen forest patches (Tilbury 2010) and elsewhere. It can be found perching on grasses and ferns. Newborn animals of this viviparous species have been reported between December and March (Tilbury 2010).

The grassland habitat is prone to natural fires, and any increase in frequency or intensity due to human activities could impact this species. General habitat degradation occurs throughout the region, but at present, these threats are probably not inferred to be causing population declines.

Annual CITES export quotas for T. goetzei between 2000 and 2013 ranged from 28-295 (86 average) captive born individuals per year from Tanzania (CITES 2013). Between 1977 and 2011 (2012 and 2013 trade data are incomplete or unavailable) a total of 181 live individuals were exported from Tanzania for the pet trade (total of all commercial exports), of which 5 were reported as wild collected and 43 as confiscations (UNEP-WCMC 2013). All commercial exports occurred between 1999 and 2010, during which time 1-40 individuals were exported per year (UNEP-WCMC 2013). No other trade is reported, although illegal trade and/or harvest may occur on occasion.

This species occurs in Nyika National Park in Zambia and Malawi (Tilbury 2010) and in Kitulo National Park (Tanzania). No conservation or research recommendations are made at this time.