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This is a widespread, common and abundant species. Because it is rupicolous, its habitat is generally unlikely to be impacted through loss in quality or extent of habitat, hence it is assessed as Least Concern.
This species is widespread in South Africa, also ranging across most of Lesotho and western Eswatini [Swaziland] (Bates et al. 2014).
Subspecies melanotus occurs in the Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with a single isolated record in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is also found in northwestern Eswatini. The southern Gauteng Province subpopulation (1,500-1,860 m) is isolated, as are subpopulations in Nkandhla district in KwaZulu-Natal Province (1,100-1,500 m) and in the northeastern and southeastern Free State Province (Bates 2005). This subspecies was recently recorded from the Magaliesberg Range in western Gauteng (Bates and Whittington-Jones 2009), representing yet another isolated subpopulation. A locality in northeastern Eswatini (Bates 2005) is questionable as it is situated well within the Lowveld—an unlikely area for this species—and it has therefore not been included.
Subspecies subviridis occurs in at least two geographically isolated subpopulations, one in the Maloti-Drakenberg range (1,400-3,200 m) in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal and northeastern Free State Province, southwestern KwaZulu-Natal and the northeastern part of the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa), and the other in the Amatole and Great Winterberg mountains (1,400-1,600 m) in the Eastern Cape (Bates 2005). A single record near 31° 30' S 26° 15' E is slightly out of range and requires confirmation as the specimens may be referable to Pseudocordylus microlepidotus fasciatus.
A common and abundant species with a stable population.
Although there is habitat loss within this species distribution, it is strictly rupicolous. Therefore, its habitat is generally unlikely to be directly impacted by habitat loss.
This species is listed in CITES Appendix II. Pseudocordylus melanotus (subspecies not specified) has been recorded by CITES as being exported for the pet trade, most recently in 2014. However, these exports are few and are reported as captive bred (UNEP-WCMC 2017). Few individuals are reported as wild caught exports, and none since 1997.
This species is listed in CITES Appendix II. Occurs in a number of protected areas across its range, but no species-specific conservation measures are in place and none are recommended. Taxonomic research informed by phylogenetics is required to resolve the status of this species complex.