Euphorbia clivicola is listed on the Red List of South African Plants as Critically Endangered (CR) (Pfab et al. 2008).

Population size: The numbers of E. clivicola plants have decreased drastically in the past two decades. In 1986 there were 1,500 individuals in the Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve and 3,000 individuals in the urban area (Fourie 1986). In 1996, the numbers decreased to 165 and 382 in the respective areas (Hilton-Taylor 1996). In 2005, there were 58 plants left in the nature reserve while the plants in the urban area had increased to 651 (D. Engelbrecht, pers. comm.). Last year a survey was done and only ten plants were found in the nature reserve (E.T. Moeng, pers. comm.).

Threats: The plants in the Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve are decreasing due to continuous trampling by antelopes, herbivory by insects such as Protostrophus beetle and poor fire management (Pfab & Witkowski 1998).

The plants in Polokwane occur on the fringes of a growing human settlement. The dumping of building rubble on the plants has lead to a number of losses. Recreational activities such as quad biking also led to the disruption of the growth habit and death of some plants. Illegal waste dumping in the area has resulted in the introduction of rodents that feed on the branches and fruits of the plant (D. Engelbrecht, pers. comm.).