Helgen et al. (2009) proposed this species to be a subspecies of S. pygmaeus. Kryštufek and Vohralík (2012) consider it to be within S. pygmaeus, but there is currently no consensus.

This species is assessed as Least Concern. Although it has a relatively small extent of occurrence of 4,788 km², area of occupancy of 675 km² and occurs in naturally scattered patches, its population is growing, and it is found in at least one protected area. It is considered relatively common within its range. If declines in population or habitat are detected in the future, this species might qualify as threatened given its limited distribution. Further research is needed to monitor its population trends and to clarify its uncertain taxonomic status.

This species is endemic to the Caucasus. It is distributed on the northern slopes of the central part of the Major Caucasus Ridge (Prielbrusje), in five distinct areas separated by the valleys of the rivers Kuban, Malka, Baskan and Chegem (Karachai-Circassia and Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia). The northern boundary of its distribution runs north of the Rocky Ridge, with some colonies found in the upper reaches of the Kich-Malka River. The eastern border runs along the right bank of the Cherek-Bezengiysky River valley. The southern border runs along the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Ridge. The western border extends from the headwaters of the Aminkol, Kuban, Uchkulan and Uchkulanichi rivers (Kulichenko et al. 2022). 

The five areas inhabited by this species are physically isolated from one another and can be divided into Landscape Ecological Regions (LER): the Upper Kuban LER in the western Elbrus (with the species occupying ~95 km²); the Kubran-Malkinsky LER in the northern region (~170 km²); the Malko-Baksansky LER in the eastern region (~310 km²); the Baksano-Chegemsky LER from the Baskan River to the Chegem River (65 km²), and the Chegemo-Chereksky from the Chegem River to the Cherek River (35 km²). Thus, within its overall range, the species is spread across relatively small and isolated patches (Kulichenko et al. 2022). However, this is related to the mosaic habitats within which it is found: patches are separated by wide mountain rivers, high mountain peaks, rock formations, glaciers, etc., and this level of 'isolation' is considered natural for this species. 

Colonies have been recorded between 1,000 m and 3,200 m Asl. In the 1970s, 234 separate colonies were recorded, the largest of which were found in the central parts of its range and in the west (the Bechasyn Plateau, the upper reaches of the Kuban River) (Dyatlov 1989, Dyatlov et al. 1999, Kotenev et al. 2021). Around that time, the species was thought to occupy approximately 844 km², though this declined slightly during the turn of the century to approximately 650 km² (Kulichenko et al. 2022).

The population of this species changes cyclically over time. Two population increases were observed during a 45-year observation period: from 1979–2000, and from 2009–present, with a decline in abundance noted in-between these periods. The population size is considered to be at a comparatively “average” level at present but is growing. The highest density of individuals is currently known from the Malko-Baskan Landscape Ecological Region (LER) (24.4 ± 16.8 individuals per ha), and the lowest from the Baksano-Chegemsky LER (19.0 ± 8.7 individuals per ha). The most stable abundance has been observed in the Upper Kuban LER (22.5 ± 8.3 individuals per ha) (Kulichenko et al. 2022).

Spermophilus musicus colonies are primarily located on gentle, terraced mountain slopes, high-mountain plateaus and in river valleys. It prefers South-exposed, well-warmed and protected slopes rather than North-exposed slopes, up to 60 degrees in steepness. This species has been recorded in alpine meadows, pastures, and cereal and wormwood steppes, as well as slopes with xerophytic vegetation, high-grass subalpine meadows, barley fields and water-meadows. It is diurnal (Kulichenko et al. 2022).

Its burrows are often located in piles of stones, stone screes, forest edges or glades. Burrows do not have vertical passages and most of the burrows have a simple structure: short main passages, with one nest cell 30-40 cm underground. Sometimes burrows have long passages with many bifurcations, additional exits and one or several nesting cells at 80-120 cm below the ground (Kulichenko et al. 2022).

Due to environmental differences in mountain zones, hibernation timings can differ and, correspondingly, times of mating, reproduction and juvenile dispersal also differ. Generally, most adults emerge by the end of March. Breeding commences following hibernation, with pregnant females recorded from April. Gestation is 22 days and litter size is 2-4 young (see Wilson et al. 2016). Dispersal begins in the start of June, and by the end of the of July, dispersed young gophers account for more than 90% of the population. Hibernation can commence from August; old males and young females enter hibernation earlier than reproducing females. Juveniles tend to enter hibernation last, from as late as October or November (Kulichenko et al. 2022). This species feeds on vegetative parts of different plants including cereals, tubers and bulbs, and rarely consumes animal matter. Generally, it needs to consume 60-70g of plant items daily (Ivanovsky 1982).

This species tends to prefer areas with short grass, thus, reductions in livestock grazing (and subsequent increases in vegetation height and/or replacement by shrubs or trees) can negatively impact habitat availability. The drying of water sources and droughts could also threaten this species by impacting vegetation communities. The species is not hunted.

Some colonies occur in the Elbrus National Park. No specific conservation actions are recommended at present as the species appears to be growing in population. However, further research is needed to monitor its populations and trends, improve understanding of its ecology, as well as to clarify its taxonomic status.