The species is found at an elevational range of 4,500 to 5,900 feet. Population trends - There is one major population center with three important population groups of S. glaucus in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. There are two population centers of S. glaucus in the upper Colorado and Gunnison River valleys of western Colorado. Table 1 gives the general location and approximate documented and estimated populations numbers for each of the major S. glaucus population groups. Table 1 .
All numbers are approximate.
The estimated population size is the anticipated ultimate population size after the completion of inventory of all potential habitat. Legislation under which the species receives protection on the national level - Sclerocactus glaucus is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Section 9 of the Act makes it unlawful to remove and reduce to possession, maliciously damage, or destroy any listed endangered plant species from areas under Federal jurisdiction or to remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy any such species in knowing violation of any law or regulation of any State criminal trespass law. This legal protection may be extended to threatened plant species through regulation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other Federal agencies are responsible for ensuring that populations of S. glaucus on lands under Federal jurisdiction are not affected by unauthorized collection.