Nagy et al. (2002) showed that the subspecies H. viridiflavus carbonarius is probably a different evolutionary unit from H. v. viridiflavus. Mezzasalma et al. (2015) suggested on the basis of genetic evidence that these taxa should be considered distinct species, however there is a lack of correspondence between known morphological variation and genetic divergence (Rato et al. 2009) and between different genetic markers (Speybroeck et al. 2020). As such this assessment follows Speybroeck et al. (2020) in treating H. v. carbonarius as a subspecies. Rad-sequencing demonstrated that a large gene flow occurs in the contact zone between both subspecies, confirming the subspecies status of H. v. carbonarius (Meier et al., submitted).
The synonym Hierophis gyarosensis (known only from the island of Gyaros [Greece]) is actually an introduced population of H. v. carbonarius (Utiger and Schätti 2004).

Global and European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

This European endemic snake is assessed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category.

This species is endemic to Europe, where it ranges from northeastern Spain; western, southern, eastern and northeastern France; and southern Switzerland, through most of Italy, to southwestern Slovenia and northern Croatia. It is present on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica (France), Sardinia, Sicily and most other Italian islands, Krk (Croatia), and Malta (Speybroeck et al. 2016). The species may occur in Luxembourg, but this requires verification. The species is absent from Austria. It has also been introduced to the island of Gyaros (Greece) in the Aegean Sea. It ranges from sea level up to 2,000 m asl (Speybroeck et al. 2016).

It can be a common species. It is regarded as the most common species in central Italy (Vanni and Zuffi 2011). Analysis of population trends between 1995 and 2009 at one site in France suggests a weak increase over this period (Reading et al. 2010). A subsequent study modelling population trends based on citizen science data collected between 1980 and 2017 (Spain) and 1980 and 2018 (Languedoc, France) found that the population was stable in Spain but had exhibited a "moderate decrease" (57.49%) in Languedoc over this period, corresponding to a decline of 22.11% over a presumed minimal 3-generation period of 15 years (Santos et al. 2022). A slight reduction of the population was also observed in Switzerland during the last decades (-13.6% over 3 generations; OFEV and info fauna, 2023). While there have been no systematic surveys on Malta, there is a consensus among amateur herpetologists on this island that the species is in decline (E. Dobbs pers. comm. 2021).

This terrestrial snake is found in dry, open, well-vegetated habitats. It occurs in scrubland, macchia, open woodland (deciduous and mixed), heathland, cultivated areas, dry river beds, rural gardens, roads, stone walls and ruins. It is active between March and November, although it can be active in winter (Speybroeck et al. 2016). A study of 20 years of data (1990-2011) in central Italy documented earlier onset of the activity period correlated with to increasing air temperatures, and a reduction in surface activity in the hottest and driest periods of the year (Capula et al. 2014). The species lays 5-15 eggs (with a mean of 8 based on sources compiled by Santos et al. 2022) in June or July, and juveniles emerge in late summer (Speybroeck et al. 2016). Life history traits inferred from skeletochronology suggest that age of maturity is around 3-4 years, though variation across subpopulations appears to exist, and maximum estimated longevity of the sampled subpopulations was estimated to be between 24 and 33 years (longer in males than females) (Fornasiero et al. 2016). Santos et al. (2022) assume a generation length of 5 years, inferred as a year later than age at maturity; based on the longevity data provided by Fornasiero et al. (2016) the true generation length may be somewhat longer.

It is locally impacted by high accidental mortality on roads, especially close to urban or tourist areas, but this is not considered to be a major threat to the species overall. It is also persecuted throughout its range because people mistakenly believe it to be venomous. Analysis of seven years of data from a site in western France suggested that mortality from persecution is predominantly at the peak of the reproductive season in adults, and during dispersal from nests in subadults and juveniles (Meek 2012). Predation from cats and dogs, mainly of younger age classes, was also documented during this work (Meek 2012). It is not known to be collected in significant numbers. It is threatened by habitat loss through conversion of land to intensive agricultural use in Switzerland (Monney & Meyer, 2005).

There is not known to be any significant use of or trade in this species.

This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive. It is present in a number of protected areas throughout its range. It is protected by national legislation in Switzerland.