Origanum scabrum is a Greek endemic species belonging to Section Anatolicon Bentham

The species is endemic to Greece. It has an area of occupancy (AOO) of 116 km² and an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 13,554 km². Some of its subpopulations occur in grazed areas. In particular a mild grazing is observed Mt. Taygetos, while one locality in Evvia (Mt. Dirfis, Liri spring) was heavily grazed and a sheepfold occurred nearby. In a recent visit to the area the species was not found after extensive search. Thus, it is assumed that the plant is extinct from this area due to grazing. Fire is also a plausible threat in at least some parts of its range. Its habitat is inferred to be undergoing continuing decline, mostly due to grazing pressure, however this species occurs in more than 10 locations. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened [nearly meets criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)].

Origanum scabrum is endemic to Greece. It is found in Peloponnisos (Mts Taygetos and Parnon) and on the island of Evvia (Mts. Dirfis, Kandhili and Xerovouni) (Strid 2022, Antaloudaki 2022, Strid 2016, Kit Tan and Iatrou 2001, Ietswaart 1980).

Origanum scabrum occurs in several subpopulations. Antaloudaki E. visited in 2017 one population on Mt. Taygetos and observed around 20 individuals. In a recent visit in Mt. Dirfis (2022) she did not succeed to locate the species in a known locality (Liri spring) after extensive search.

Origanum scabrum occurs in calcareous rocky slopes and screes with phrygana vegetation and openings of coniferous forests (Antaloudaki 2022, Strid 2016)

Some subpopulations occur in grazed areas. In particular, Antaloudaki E. observed mild grazing on Mt. Taygetos, while one locality in Evvia (Mt. Dirfis, Liri source) was heavily grazed and a sheepfold occurred nearby. It is assumed that the plant is extinct from this area due to grazing. Fire is also a plausible potential threat to this species.

This species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and is also declared protected by the  Presidential Decree 67/81. Many of its subpopulations occur in the Natura 2000 sites GR2550006, GR2540001, GR2420002, but it is not known if specific conservation measures have been taken.