Atelopus laetissimus is only known from three geographically separated locations. The populations appear stable and even locally abundant, but almost all observed animals are males. Habitat loss is a threat, with ongoing conversion of forest to pasture lands acutely threatening one of the populations. The species is also potentially threatened by chytridiomycosis (although as of 2014, the disease has not been detected in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta). The species is present in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park as well as in the adjacent El Dorado Nature Reserve.