For a long time, the westernmost representatives of the genus Spalax were identified as a single species, Spalax graecus. According to the recent studies (Németh et al. 2013, Csorba et al. 2015) the three known subpopulations, separated by the Carpathian Mountains, represent separate species which can be assigned to described taxa. One of them is Spalax antiquus Méhely’s Blind Mole-rat. The separation of Méhely’s Blind Mole-rat as a distinct species is highly supported by the combined evidences of morphology, multilocus phylogeny, biogeographical evidences and species congruence with past tectonic and climatic events (Németh et al. 2013).

This species is endemic to Europe in a geomorphologically well-defined region: the Transylvanian Plateau. It is assessed as Endangered under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) because of its area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated to be 366 km², and the extent of occurrence is 2,128 km². The species is known to exist at no more than four locations. The area and quality of its available habitat is declining due to agricultural intensification. This decline is predicted to continue into the future.

This is a European endemic species of the Carpathian Basin (Csorba et al. 2015), Romania. Subpopulations can be found in the Transylvanian Plain (a hilly, steppe and forest-steppe region of Transylvania), predominantly in the administrative territory of Cluj County, but also in adjacent parts of Mureș and Bistrița-Năsăud counties, and the Târnavelor Plateau, within Alba County. Presently known from at least four isolates, which can be projected in 21 grids of 10 x10 km.

Previous records from the south and southeastern parts of the Transylvanian Plain could not be reconfirmed by recent surveys, hence it seems the species has gone extinct in those areas, presently it survives in only the northwestern part of the region (Csorba et al. 2015).

The subpopulations are severely fragmented, and habitat fragmentation is ongoing. Densities of 2.7–3.7 individuals/hectare have been recorded (Sugár 2009, 2012).

The species is an inhabitant of steppe and forest-steppe grasslands. It is typically found in areas of closed steppe on loess (Natura 2000 code: 6240*) and uncharacteristic dry grasslands (mostly degraded or secondary dry grasslands), and loess in mesic grasslands. It is also present in perennial intensive arable fields (such as alfalfa), and the mosaics above (Sugár 2012). The species seems to prefer slopes over valleys, although avoids very steep slopes (Sugár 2012). Most of its habitats are used as pastureland, however, it seems to avoid overgrazed pastures. It may occasionally enter some small-plot arable lands, especially alfalfa, for foraging. It is strictly subterranean, and more agile and aggressive compared to Nannospalax (superspecies leucodon). Blind mole rats entering the surface as a result of intraspecific aggression, for example, are easy targets and can be temporarily important food resource for several threatened species of birds of prey (Németh et al. 2016).

The most important threatening factors are the different processes leading to habitat loss. In the past, the expansion of agriculture was the most prominent cause for the loss of the best habitats for blind mole-rats. The most fertile loess soils were the first to undergo changes in land use which has pushed Méhely’s Blind Mole-rat populations to less favourable areas. The widespread use of deep tillage was the single most important direct effect that drastically reduced blind mole-rat population sizes and distribution. Firstly, repeated ploughing does not allow the formation of the vegetation type necessary for the survival of blind mole-rats; secondly, deep ploughing destroys their underground burrow systems as well as the animals themselves. Small plot farming with mosaics of fallow land has often given way to intensive crop production in large monocultures. Nowadays, the most common reason causing tillage is not so much the cultivation itself but the fulfilment of the requirements to apply for funding from the European Community. Blind mole-rats often colonise abandoned land if that is close to their habitat but are particularly vulnerable if cultivation starts again.

Urbanisation, site development and road constructions are also threats to this species. Most of the land in these cases is the property of the municipality and impending industrial investments can mean complete eradication. Road construction can also annihilate populations. This mainly concerns non-protected areas.

Overgrazing greatly reduces species diversity, and causes a significant decrease in the food resources of blind mole-rats. Sheep populations within the species’ range are generally very high, and grazing is currently not controlled by any effective legal means, which has led to a decline or local extinction of several plant and animal species dependent on dry grasslands (e.g. Meadow Viper).

Limited habitat sizes and low population sizes threaten the long-term viability of populations with inbreeding and other genetic problems.

Hadid et al. (2012) analysed the phylogeny of the subfamily Spalacinae calibrated by fossil records. Revealed evolutionary events show a remarkable synchronisation with the cycles of solar orbital fluctuations (eccentricity and precession) driving the ice ages. This makes it plausible that global climate changes following the ice ages played an important role in the formation of the unusually high genetic diversity of blind mole-rats.

Present changes in global climate will significantly impact blind mole-rats, but the direction and the extent of this impact cannot be predicted. In the past, such processes resulted in new taxa of blind mole-rats, but current changes are heavily distorted by human influence. There is a whole host of evidence (Nevo et al. 1994a,b, 1995; 2000a,b; Reyes et al. 2003; Karanth et al. 2004) that genetically and geographically distinct taxa adapted to the specific climate of their own range during speciation. However, blind mole-rat habitats have shrunk to small, isolated fragments that are few and far between, within a matrix impenetrable for blind mole-rats. Isolation is further abetted by their severely limited dispersal capacities. Thus, there is a high likelihood that ongoing climatic changes would rather wipe out blind mole-rat species than give rise to new ones.

Even though Méhely’s Blind Mole-rat is a protected species in Romania, there are still cases of intentional destruction. It is extremely hard to measure this kind of activity. Conflicts arise from some individuals living and foraging close to human settlements, damaging ornamental plants and vegetables. Another anthropogenic threat is the disturbance and destruction caused by pets (dogs and cats). Stray dogs and herding dogs are known to have killed individuals.

The species is not utilised or traded.

Méhely’s Blind Mole-rat is a protected species in Romania. An insignificant amount of the species' range overlaps with protected areas. More research is needed in order to design appropriate conservation measures for this species, but it should likely focus around site protection and management.