Colchicum leptanthum is known from a single location in NE Anatolia, Turkey, where its area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated to be 4 sq. km. Its steppe habitat is declining because of dam and road construction and the overall population is in continuing decline due to habitat loss. The species is therefore listed as Critically Endangered. My stock derived from type collection, used for its description, so no damage to native population was done by me.