Callianthemum kernerianum occurs only at the narrow mountain ridge of Mt. Baldo in Italy with an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 20 km². There are 17 subpopulations, which count as one location as they are affected by the same threats. The population trend seems to be stable, but a population reduction in the near future is possible, due to increased tourist impact (trekking and skiing) and to encroachment after the abandonment of grazing which leads to competition with some shrubs such as Rhododendron spp. Callianthemum kernerianum occurs in a protected area and monitoring is underway but in addition to those measures, fences should be erected and the trekking paths should be changed in order to preserve this plant. Because of its rarity, the very small area it inhabits and the existing threats, it is classed as Critically Endangered.

Callianthemum kernerianum occurs only at Mt. Baldo, Provinces of Trento and Verona, with 17 subpopulations (Prosser 2000). Other growing sites recorded in the past have not been confirmed.

The extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) are 20 km² as the species grows along a narrow mountain ridge.

The species grows in about 17 subpopulations distributed on the top of the Mt. Baldo ridge. The whole population is very large and it is estimated to be larger than 3 million of individuals.

It is a self-compatible, diploid (2n = 32) species with 50% of autogamous reproduction and 50% of cross reproduction. It probably spreads vegetatively (G. Parolo pers. obs. 2010). The pollen viability is probably very reduced and the seed production is also low (about 30%).

The population trend seems to be stable, but a population reduction in the near future is possible, due to increased tourist impact (trekking and skiing) and to encroachment after the abandonment of the grasslands by livestock (cows). Furthermore, C. kernerianum suffers from competition with some shrubs such as Rhododendron spp. (Bonomi et al. in press).

Callianthemum kernerianum grows on limestone in subalpine pastures between 1,500 and 2,100 m asl. It suffers from competition with other herbs and can also grow in rocky areas adjacent to grassland (Bonomi et al. in press).

The main threat is the decrease in habitat quality due to two main factors that affect only some subpopulations: Firstly, the human disturbance due to tourist trampling as some populations are crossed by paths with high tourist frequentation during the summer months. Secondly, soil removal in preparation for winter skiing activities (Bonomi et al. in press).

Callianthemum kernerianum does not require urgent conservation measures. Nevertheless, a monitoring program was started in 2010 with the aim of monitoring the population trend and studying the species biology.

Fences and a change of trekking paths should be taken into account to mitigate plant damage in those areas where trampling is more intense (Bonomi et al. in press).
Callianthemum kernerianum is protected in Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige by regional law (Anchisi et al. 1985). It is listed as Vulnerable in the Italian Red List of Vascular Plants (Conti et al. 1992) and as Lower Risk in the Regional Red List of the Italian Vascular Plants (Conti et al. 1997). The species is cultivated at the Botanical Garden of Ferrara del Monte Baldo (Verona) and at the Botanical Garden of Viotte (Trento).