The populations of Arum idaeum from Kriti were erroneously included in A. maculatum by Greuter (1973); this record of A. maculatum was actually the type specimen of A. idaeum (Greuter 1984, Greuter et al. 1985, Turland et al. 1993).
According to Strid (2014): "Arum idaeum is a Cretan endemic, confused with Arum creticum in the past and clearly related to it due to the lack of sterile flowers, but normally quite distinct, found at higher altitude and recognized on the following combination of characters: Inflorescence smaller, unscented; spathe-tube broadly oblong-ellipsoid, pale green or whitish outside, as long and wide as the limb; the latter erect, ovate-acuminate, white or occasionally pale pinkish inside, not opening fully; female flowers yellow, the male purple; spadix blackish-maroon or rarely yellow."

The distribution range of Arum idaeum is within the limits of criterion B for Vulnerable, but the number of locations is estimated around 25-30. There are no data on population size and trends and no data on threats (except from the likely pressure by plant collection) but the population is apparently not fragmented, the species occurs at a variety of habitats and there is apparently no habitat decline at several of its localities. Thus, according to the available data, the species is characterised as Least Concern (LC).

The species is endemic to the mountains of the island of Kriti. It has been recorded at more than 30 subpopulations at the main mountain massifs of Lefka Ori, Dikti, and Idi (Psiloritis) and at the mountains Kedros (central Kriti) and Afentis Kavousi (eastern Kriti) (MAIC Herbarium, Strid 2016, Flora Hellenica Data Base).

The species is distributed in scattered subpopulations restricted to high altitudes.The number of subpopulatios is estimated around 30

The species grows on calcareous woodland, open stony slopes with Berberis bushes, flat clayey areas and dolines, soil pockets between boulders, limestone scree and rocks, stony mountain meadows, often close to the snow-line.

There are no specific data regarding actual or possible threats for the species. Tuber and seed collection for horticulture might present a threat of unknown impacts on the population of the species. However, for the time being, collection is apparently not a significant pressure. The species is not vulnerable to grazing and may actually be favoured by this activity which is widespread at its distribution area. It is also protected from trampling as some individuals are found next to thorny bushes. The opening of roads in the mountainous areas has probably affected the population and the area it occupies, but because the species is widely distributed, it is estimated to have little impact.

The species has ornamental properties and can be utilized as an ornamental plant (Turland 1991, Krigas et al. 2021). A brief internet search revealed at least one website selling A. idaeum. While the propagation of the plant is desirable, tuber collection and also uncontrolled seed collection is a plausible threat for the species. 

Μost of its distribution area is within the NATURA 2000 sites GR4310006, GR4320002, GR4320005, GR4330002, GR4330005, GR4340008, and GR4340012. More research is needed on population size, trends and distribution, and threats. Three seed collections of two subpopulations are conserved in the Seed Bank of MAICh.