As pointed out by Wilson and Reels (2001) there are unresolved problems of synonymy associated with Macromia berlandi. Lieftinck (1941) described M. berlandi from a Tonkinese male specimen identified by Martin (1907) as Macromia borneensis Krüger, 1899; the latter taxon is now recognised as a synonym of  Macromia cincta Rambur, 1842. M. pyramidalis Martin 1907 was also described from male and female specimens collected in Tonkin. The male specimen, Martin described as M. pyramidalis, has the characteristics of Macromia moorei malayana Laidlaw 1928 and is certainly synonymous with it, but the female specimen is identical to Macromia berlandi Lieftinck, 1941, which was described for the first time by Wilson and Reels (2001) from a Hong Kong specimen. Note Lieftinck (1929) considered  Macromia moorei malayana was synonymous with Macromia moorei fumata Krüger, 1899. In essence Martin (1907) examined two males and one female Macromia speciemens collected from Tonkin in the Selys collection; (i) a male he misidentified as Macromia borneensis (= holotype M. berlandi), (ii) a second male (type M. pyramidalis = M. moorei malayana = M. moorei fumata) and (iii) a female (type M. pyramidalis = M. berlandi).

There are two courses of corrective action possible: (1) Designate the male specimen, described by Martin (1907) as M. pyramidalis, as the holotype pyramidalis specimen. M. pyramidalis would then become a junior synonym of Macromia moorei Selys, 1874 and the new combination Macromia moorei pyramidalis Martin, 1907 would become a junior synonym of Macromia moorei fumata (= M. moorei malayana). (2) Designate the female specimen, described by Martin (1907) as M. pyramidalis, as the type-specimen. M. pyramidalis Martin, 1907 would become a valid taxon and Macromia berlandi Lieftinck, 1941 would be a junior synonym. The first course of action is strongly favoured by the assessor, which would have the least impact on current nomenclature and render Macromia berlandi a valid species.

Although this species has only been recorded from just ten locations within a restricted range its proven ability to recolonise newly established secondary forest and its preference for stream and small reservoir habitat, which is widely available in south-western and southern China, indicate it is not a threatened species. It is likely that further field work will record this species from many more protected forested areas in southern China. If the taxonomic status of Macromia berlandi is resolved, it should be reassessed.

Macromia berlandi was described from Tonkin (northern Viet Nam) and has been recorded from several locations in Hong Kong (Wilson 2004), Hainan (Wilson and Reels 2001), Guangxi (Zhou et al. 1994), and Guangdong (Wilson and Xu unpub.), and it has also been recorded from Yunnan. The species should be looked for in adjacent parts of Lao PDR and in Myanmar

Although Macromia berlandi has been recorded from only a few sites in northern Viet Nam, south-western and southern China its presence at several locations in Hong Kong (Wilson 1995, 2004) indicate it is able to colonise, or recolonise, secondary forested areas and its presence in south China has probably been under recorded.

This larvae and its habitat preferences were described by Wilson and Theischinger (1996). M. berlandi prefers muddy substrates found in small forested streams with deep pools and sluggish lentic sections. The larvae have also been found in small stream impoundments and small water supply reservoirs surrounded by forest habitat.

Extensive loss of forested areas in Vietnam, south-western and southern China will have significantly reduced suitable habitat for this species. Wilson (1997) discussed the development threats to a site in Hong Kong (Sha Lo Tung), which is a stronghold for this species. The site was threatened for many years by large-scale development but is now being developed on a greatly reduced scale, as a Pilot Project for a Public - Private Partnership Conservation Scheme, which is sympathetic to the stream and forest ecosystem. The Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual (Environmental Resources Management 2008) for this scheme, which includes requirements to monitor odonate populations, is available on line.

Resolution of the taxonomic status of the species is required. All measures to extend and protect forested areas within the range of this species will help protect it. Several site records from recently developed secondary forest areas in Hong Kong indicate this species is able to colonise or recolonise newly established suitable habitat.