Listed as Near Threatened, because although this cryptic species has a wide range there are almost no recent records, and nothing is known about its population status. There are, however, widespread potential threats within its range, and its scarcity may reflect a historical or ongoing decline in its population. More research is needed to determine how close this reduction comes to a 30% decline over a three-generation period, however, the scarcity of reports makes quantifying both the rate and the timeframe of decline difficult to infer.

This species is present within the east Chinese low plains, the Yangtze River Basin, and the Chengdu Basin, although its precise distribution limits are unclear due to the potential for confusion with the similar Steppes Ratsnake (Elaphe dione) and possibly a hybrid zone between the two (Messenger 2021). As traditionally understood it has been recorded from the provinces of Anhui, Chongqing, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiling, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shanghai, Sichuan and Zhejiang (Zhao 2006), as well as Saihanwula Nature Reserve, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China (Nasendelger et al. 2010). Messenger (2021) suggests that the Chinese Leopard Snake is likely to be restricted to the area south of the Yangtze River, and for the purposes of this assessment records further north are excluded from the accompanying map pending clarification of their identity. This snake has a very wide elevational range, being found from coastal areas to 2,240 m asl (Zhao 2006).

Limited population information is available. It is very rarely encountered: there are only a small number of sightings or collections from recent surveys anywhere within its range (K. Messenger pers. comm. 2023). Its population status is consequently unknown, but a decline is suspected as a result of general habitat loss within its range.

This temperate zone species is found in shrubland, meadows and disturbed areas such as the edges of trails, agricultural land under traditional cultivation, and areas close to villages. It occurs in plains, hills and low mountains. It is predominantly nocturnal (Messenger 2021). This snake is oviparous, laying a single clutch of 2–12 eggs in June and July, and feeds on mice and lizards. Sexual maturity is reached at 2–3 years (Messenger 2021).

This snake is impacted by habitat loss resulting from the expansion of intensive agriculture, replacing meadowland and traditional cultivation. Threats from agricultural intensification and urban development are, however, localised within this species' very wide distribution.

This snake is found in small numbers in the international pet trade, which includes animals sourced from captive populations. It is also mistakenly harvested because of morphological similarities with the Steppes Ratsnake, which is collected for food, but is not actively targeted.

No conservation actions are currently known for this species. It is found in several protected areas. More information is needed on this species' population status, natural history and the extent of threats.