The nominate subspecies E. c. collaris is found over most of the species range, the exception being near Tuzluca (eastern Turkey), where E. c. macrospilotus (Werner, 1904) is found.

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, has a tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

This species has a large distribution in far eastern Europe and West Asia. It can be found in eastern Turkey, between the Black and Caspian Seas, adjacent areas of Iraq and Iran (including Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces and Kurdestan [G. Nilson pers. comm. November 2008]) (map provisional for this country), southeastern Georgia, southern Armenia, Azerbaijan and the foothills of Dagestan (Russia). It generally occurs below 1,600 m asl.

This species appears common in at least part of its range (Gasc et al. 1997). Up to eleven specimens may be found in an area of 100 m² (Szczerbak 2003).

This generally subterranean species largely occurs in foothills, and often prefers sparsely vegetated slopes which are not steep. Populations have also been recorded from open desert and semi-desert areas with some shrubs and stones (not rocky steep areas or outcrops). Animals can be found under, and between, stones. The females lays clutches of four to eight eggs.

There are no major threats to the species as a whole. It is locally threatened through conversion of land to agricultural use (including vineyards) and housing. Overgrazing of the species' habitat by domestic animals represents an additional threat.

This species is included in the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to the status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001). This species is listed under Appendix III (Protected Fauna Species) of the Bern Convention.

It is found in the protected areas of Khosrov, Shikachogh and Erebuni in Armenia; Vashlovani and Lagodechi in Georgia; Zakataly, Shakhbyzsky and Shirvansky in Azerbaijan.

Other than general research activities, no direct conservation measures are needed for this species as a whole.