This is a restricted concept of this species following the split of the broader concept into this and T. ivanbureschi (Wielstra et al. 2013).

Global and European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Not Recorded

In the European region, the Southern Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) is restricted to southern Crimea. It is assessed as Least Concern for the European region as, although its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are moderately restricted, the Southern Crested Newt (Triturus karelinii) is tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category. It does not occur in the EU27 Member States.

In Europe, this species inhabits the southernmost parts of Crimea (Ukraine). The highest locality in Crimea is the Chuchel' Mount (1,200 m asl) (Litvinchuk and Borkin 2009).

Out of Europe, this species distribution area broadly follows Caucasus mountain range, Russia (southern European Russia out of the European Red List region), Georgia and Azerbaijan), spreading there to the southern parts of the Russian Federation on the north, and to Türkiye to the south, and with a disjunct enclave on the north in Iran. There are apparently isolated populations on the Crimean Peninsula, and in the southern Caspian region of northern Iran. The map for this species largely follows Wielstra et al. (2014), and Wielstra and Arntzen (2016). It can be found from sea level to elevations approaching 2,100 m asl (southern Caucasus).

Habitat loss has caused the decline of many populations in Crimea.

It can be found in mountain forests (broad-leaved and coniferous species) and their surroundings. The majority of such populations are the relics of a former forest fauna. Within these landscapes, these populations inhabit slopes and plateau covered with meadows or xerophytic vegetation. Such habitats are especially widespread in the parts of the species' range in Crimea. In general, T. karelinii seems to be more resistant to xeric habitat conditions than other Triturus newts.

Breeding takes place in slow moving stream pools, ponds and occasionally drainage ditches. The female deposits approximately 100-250 eggs; these are individually wrapped in aquatic vegetation. The species can withstand some degree of habitat modification.

Deforestation and pollution of wetlands by agrochemicals appear to be the main threats to this species. In the former Soviet Union there is significant commercial collecting of this species for the pet trade.

This species is collected for the national and international pet trade.

It is listed on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive, and on Revised Annex I of Resolution 6 (1998; species requiring specific habitat conservation measures) and on Appendix II and III of the Bern Convention. It is listed in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists. It is recorded from many protected areas across its range in Crimea.