Preliminary Amphibian and Reptile Survey of the Lewis and Clark National Forest: 1994 A Report to: USDA Forest Service Lewis and Clark National Forest 1101 15th Street N. Box 869 Great Falls, MT 59403 Submitted by JAMES D.REICHEL March 1995 Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 201800 Helena, MT 59620-1800 1995 Montana Natural Heritage Program This document should be cited as follows: Reichel, J. D. 1 995. Preliminary amphibian and reptile survey of the Lewis and Clark National Forest: 1 994. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 92 pp. ABSTRACT A total of 40 surveys and several additional sightings were made in the Lewis and Clark National Forest (L&CNF) between May and September 1994. Mostwere surveys of ponds, lakes, seeps, streams or other wetlands, made by 1 or 2 individuals. Each survey took 1 0-200 person-minutes and consisted of a thorough search of the wetland perimeter and netting of near shore aquatic habitats for adults, eggs, larvae, and tadpoles. Stream sampling was done by hand and dipnet. Seeps were checked by rolling over rocks and logs in and near wet areas. In addition to surveys, sightings were made from road kills, vocal identifications or fortuitous sightings by other reliable individuals. Localized areas across the entire forest were covered in the survey, with specific locations determined largely by priorities set by Mike Enk, Fisheries Biologist for the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Six amphibians are reported from the L&CNF: Long-toed Salamander {Ambystoma macrodactylum). Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei). Western Toad (Bufo boreas). Northern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata). Northern Leopard Frog (Ranapipiens), and Spotted Frog (Ranapretiosa) . The Spotted Frog was the most widespread amphibian throughout the forest. The Tailed Frog and Long-toed Salamander were found in a few locations on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District (RMRD). The Western Toad was found in very small numbers on the RMRD in 1994. Historically it has also been reported in the Highwood, Little Belt, and Crazy Mountains; however it was not found during our surveys. Given the apparent region-wide declines in this species, all sightings should be reported. The Northern Leopard Frog was reported historically from a single site on the RMRD and several sites in the Highwood Mountains on the L&CNF; none were found on the L&CNF in this survey. It also has been reported historically from numerous prairie ponds, outside and at lower elevations than L&CNF lands. Northern Leopard Frogs are nearly extirpated from western Montana, and anecdotal evidence indicates a decline elsewhere in Montana (except the southeast corner); all sightings should be reported. The Northern Chorus Frog was common in prairie ponds, primarily outside and lower in elevation than L&CNF lands. Four other prairie-inhabiting amphibians have been recorded in the area, though in some cases well away from L&CNF lands; these include the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrimim). Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus), Woodhouseis Toad (Bufo woodhousii), and Plains Spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons). Eleven reptiles have been reported from near the L&CNF, but only two have been definitely reported from on the forest: the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) and Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Both were found in the RMRD and Little Belt Mountains. The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake also was found in the Big Snowy Mountains and there is a specimen record of the Common Garter Snake from the Highwood Mountains. The Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) and Racer (Coluber constrictor) have been recorded on the Helena NF just to the south and west of the L&CNF and therefore are likely to be found on the L&CNF as well. The Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spinifera) is present in large rivers at lower elevations; records include the Musselshell River near Shawmut and perhaps Canyon Ferry Reservoir This species could also occur on the Smith or Judith Rivers. The following reptiles have been recorded in the area and may eventually be found on in lower elevation L&CNF lands: Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta). Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma doiiglasi). Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasiciis). Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer). Plains Garter Snake {Thamnophis radix), and Western Rattlesnake (Crotahis viridis). n TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vii INTRODUCTION 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3 Species known to be present on the Lewis and Clark National Forest 6 Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) 6 TailedV vog (Ascaphus tniei) 8 WestevnToad (Bufo boreas) 10 Western ChovusVvog(Pseiidacristriseriata) 12 Northern Leopard Frog (i?a«a/»zp/e«5) 14 SpottedVvog (Ranapretiosa) 16 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 18 Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) 20 Species Potentially Present on the Lewis and Clark National Forest 22 Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 22 Great^lamsToad (Biifo cognatus) 24 Woodhouseis Toad (Bufowoodhousii) 26 Plains Spadefoot (Scaphiopus [=SpeaJ bombifrons) 28 ^amtedTurtle (Chrysemys picta) 30 Spiny Softshell {Trionyx spiniferus) (=Apalone spinifera) 32 Sl\ort-\iomed\Azard {Phrynosomadouglasi) 34 ^uhher ^oa{Charmabottae) 36 ^acer {Coluber constrictor) 38 Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) 40 Gopher Snake {Pituophis catenifer [=melanoleuciisJ) 42 Vlams Garter Snake {Thamnophis radix) 44 Western Rattlesnake (Crototev/ntZ/.s') 46 Rocky Mountain Division Information 47 Rocky Mountain Division 47 Jefferson Division Information 47 Highwood Mountains 47 Little Belt Mountains 48 Castle Mountains 48 Crazy Mountains 48 Big Snowy Mountains 48 Little Snowy Mountains 49 RECOMMENDATIONS 50 BroLIOGRAPHY 51 Appendix 1 . Data Sheets used for Reptiles and Amphibian Surveys and Observations 65 Appendix2. Sites surveyed during 1994 amphibian and reptile surveys 67 Appendix 3 . Amphibians and reptiles observed during surveys of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in 1993-94 71 Appendix 4. Amphibians and reptiles reported from in and around the Lewis and Clark National Forest 74 M ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank Mike Enk for his help throughout the study. Additional help, location of possible survey sites, information on herp observations, and other support was provided by Seth Diamond, Portia Jelinek, DavePilliod, Phillip Whitechey, Tom Whitford, and other Forest Service personnel. D. D. Dover, C. Jones, K. Jurist, and S. Thweatt assisted with element occurrence and map preparation. Financial support for the proj ect came from the Lewis and Clark National Forest (U.S. Forest Service, Northern Region) and the Montana Natural Heritage Program (Montana State Library, Natural Resources Information System and The Nature Conservancy). Museum records were received from: American Museum of Natural History, Academy of Natural Science, Brigham Young University, California Academy of Science, Carnegie Museum, University of Puget Sound Museum, Field Museum of Natural History, Glacier National Park Museum, Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Kansas, Los Angeles County Museum, Louisiana State University Museum of Zoology, Museum of Comparative Zoology - Harvard, Milwaukee Public Museum, Montana State University Museum, Michigan State University Museum, North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Northern Louisiana University Museum, University of Colorado Museum, University of Georgia Museum of Natural History, University of Idaho Museum, University of Michigan Museum, University of South Dakota, United States National Museum of Natural History, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - El Paso, and Peabody Museum - Yale. Most museum data were received with the help of Dr Charles Peterson, Idaho State University, Pocatello. vn INTRODUCTION Many amphibians are apparently declining in the western U. S. and world-wide (Corn and Fogelman 1984, Phillips 1990, Yoffe 1992). Acid rain, ozone depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and heavy metals, predation and/or competition by exotic species, habitat alteration, climate change, disease, immune system problems, and some combination of these factors have all been suggested as possible causes (Com and Fogelman 1984,Phimps 1990, Yoffe 1992). Bass have been introduced into waters on or near the Lewis and Clark National Forest (L&CNF) and have been implicated in declines of native amphibian populations in some areas. Past forestry practices and large scale logging continue to be detrimental to resident herpetofauna (Bury etal. 1991). The Tailed Frog (Ascaphiis tniei), present on the L&CNF, is thought to be one of the most sensitive indicators of stream-side and aquatic community health in forested landscapes (R. B. Bury, pers. comm.). Preliminary data indicate the Northern Leopard Frog {Ranapipiens) has disappeared over much of its former range in western Montana and is declining in at least some areas of eastern Montana. The US Fish and Wildlife Service now lists the Western Toad {Biifo boreas) as a Candidate (C-2) species in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Apparent declines have recently been reported in northern Idaho (C. Peterson pers. comm.), northwest Montana (Werner and Reichel 1 994), Yellowstone National Park (Peterson et al 1 992), Wyoming, and Colorado (Carey 1 993). The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists two Montana amphibians and two reptiles as candidate species: the Spotted Frog (C2) {Ranapretiosa), Tailed Frog (C2), Short-horned Lizard {Phrynosoma doiiglasi) andNorthern ^a.gQhnx^\\lAzax6i{Sceloporns graciosus graciosus). The U.S. Forest Service Region 1 lists the Coeur diAlene Salamander {Plethodon idahoensis) as iSensitivei and is considering adding several other amphibians. The Montana Natural Heritage Program and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks list 6 amphibians [Coeur diAlene Salamander, Idaho Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus). Tailed Frog, Canadian Toad (Biifo hemiophrys). Spotted Frog, Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)] and 7 reptiles [Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Spiny Softshell {Apalone spiniferd). Short-homed Lizard, Sagebmsh Lizard, Westem Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasiciis). Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis). Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)] as species of special concem in the state. The Northern Leopard Frog and Westem Toad (Biifo boreas) are being considered for addition to the list. Eight of these species, the Tailed Frog, Western Toad, Spotted Frog, Northem Leopard Frog, Spiny Softshell, Short-homed Lizard, Western Hognose Snake, and Milk Snake occur or potentially occur on the L&CNF. METHODS AND MATERIALS Historic locations of amphibians and reptiles were recorded from literature (see Bibliography) and museum specimen records. Records were received from over 20 maj or museums which have computerized their collections in North America (see Acknowledgments). Locations derived from these sources have been entered into a database and digitized. Records from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley, California, have yet to be received. Survey sites were chosen based on 4 criteria: 1) high priority sites as determined by the L&CNF; 2) location of streams, seeps and wetlands on topographic maps; 3) accessibility of the wetlands by roads or hiking trails; and 4) conversations with district biologists regarding stream-seep-wetland locations and past Forest Service surveys. Based on the above, 3-6 sites were chosen daily for surveys. Ten minutes to 2 hours were spent at each site, depending upon the size of the area and what was found. Initially, the entire shoreline, or a maj or part thereof, was searched by walking slowly along the edge and up into the surrounding vegetation, including rolling over rocks and logs. At regular intervals, the aquatic habitat was sampled for tadpoles or larvae using dipnets. If the initial sampling showed amphibian/reptile species present, further effort was expended in order to get some idea of abundance and distribution. An attempt was made to capture at least the first few individuals of a species seen at a survey site. The species name was recorded along with developmental stage and sex (if possible); the animals were then released. Representative samples of the more common species in an area were preserved for permanent museum records and are deposited at the Idaho State University Museum. Water temperature, air temperature, and a general description of the area were recorded. Standard data sheets used during this proj ect are given in Appendix 1 ; the amphibian survey data sheet was developed by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is used extensively by a variety of researchers in the western U. S. Much site-specific data was gathered during these surveys; not all data has been analyzed or is presented in this report, but is available from the Montana Natural Heritage Program. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 40 sites were surveyed of which 22 had one or more amphibian or reptile species present (Figure 1 , Appendices 2 and 3). Although no species were found at 1 8 sites, their absence may have been due to the time of day, weather conditions, or other factors at the time of sampling. With three exceptions, all of the sites were on L&CNF land. In addition to the 40 surveys, there were a number of sightings (i.e. road kills, chance observations) for which data are available and the sightings considered reliable. Species location data from surveys, chance encounters, and historic records (from the literature and museum specimens) are listed in Appendix 4. Distribution maps were created using survey and sighting data and historical records; inset statewide maps for each species are based on sight and specimen records, both recent and historic. No previous publications or reports on reptiles or amphibians concentrate on the L&CNF area. There is a publication on the Tiber Reservoir area to the north (Mosimann and Rabb 1952). Based museum specimens, publications, surveys and incidental observations, six amphibians and two reptiles have been reported on the L&CNF; an additional four amphibians and nine reptiles may eventually be found to occur there. Six amphibian and two reptile species were actually observed during the study. The following results are presented as a species summary for the Forest as a whole, followed by specific information on each division (and mountain range within the Jefferson Division). In the following species accounts, the section on i Similar SpeciesT covers species only which are known or suspected to occur in Montana; outside Montana other confusing species may occur which are not covered in this report. Photos of all Montana amphibians and reptiles may be found in Reichel and Flath (1995). Herp Survey Locations on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest Survev locstlooi itvrn the Moritana NaturEl Merttage Pmgrsm, 2f2SfBB atiMakmfinJhiUi.tantti OcDurrences of Am by stoma macrodactylum on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest ^' Pra'1993 data V Musflum specimeriB Species locatlorKa from the Montana NaturBl Heritage P^ogramx 2i29i9b MMimmHtty.env Species known to be present on the Lewis and Clark National Forest Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactyhim) Description : Adults are dark gray to black with an irregular (and sometimes broken) green to yellow stripe down the middle of the back. Adult snout-vent length varies from 2 to 3 .25 " . All salamanders have smooth moist skin without scales. Eggs and Larvae: Egg masses are typically laid in small clusters of 5-100 eggs but may be laid singly (Nussbaum etal. 1983). Within the clear gelatinous eggs, the embryos are somewhat light- colored, while frog and toad embryos are dark (except in Tailed Frogs). Larval Long-toed Salamanders are typically brown- or gray-colored, are found in ponds, have three external gills, and are relatively small (<1 .75" snout-vent) and slender They are distinguished from Tiger Salamander larvae by the 9-13 gill rakers on the inside of the 3rd gill arch (17-22 rakers on the Tiger Salamander); they are also smaller and lack the large head and mouth. Similar species: Adult Long-toed Salamanders can be distinguished from Coeur dIAlene Salamanders by the longest toe on the hind foot which is longer than the sole and a yellow throat patch. Long- toed Salamanders lack a groove running vertically from nostril to mouth. Habitat and Habits: Long-toed Salamanders are found in a wide variety of habitats from sagebrush to nearly alpine. They breed in ponds or lakes (very rarely in slow moving streams), usually those without fish present. Adults go to the breeding ponds immediately after snow-melt and are usually the earliest breeding amphibians in western Montana. In the Pacific Northwest, eggs hatch in 3 -6 weeks and metamorphosis occurs after 2-14 months (Nussbaum etal. 1983, Leonard etal. 1 993). Long-toed Salamanders were found in only two locations on the L&CNF. The earliest observation was of three egg masses nearly ready to hatch and about 500 recently-hatched larvae in a marshy, backwater pond off Wood Creek on 27 May 1 994. A mid-sized larva was also seen in a beaverpondinWagnerBasinon5 July 1994. Individuals were found only in the Rocky Mountain Ranger District (RMRD) from 4600 - 5720 ft. elevation. They occurred with the Spotted Frog in the Wood Creek pond. Surveying: Larvae can readily be seen in ponds during the day and sampled with a dipnet; egg masses may beharderto see. During the breeding season, adults may alsobe seen in the water, particularly during night surveys. During the rest of the spring, summer and fall, adults may occasionally be found in and under logs on the forest floor Metamorphosed individuals are active at night, particularly when it is warm and rainy; they may be captured at this time by either night searches or pitfall traps. Status: The Long-toed Salamander is the most common salamander in western Montana. Preliminary indications are that the Long-toed Salamander is uncommon and locally distributed in the RMRD of the L&CNF, the eastern edge of its range. MontanaNatural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. Occurrences of Ascaphys truet on or near tha Lewis St Clark NatJonal Forest *- * 1S93-9* data ^ Pre- 1393 date 1 r ^ $pE!i?h^ |q4;:aTiiDrk^ iKtm ih« MB Natural HBritaQie Progrsm, 2i2SiS^ atninmptMiB.einf Western Terrestrial Garter Snake {Thamnophis elegans) Description: Adult Western Terrestrial (or Wandering) Garter Snakes are smaller inbody size than the Common Garter Snake, their length varying from 1 8-43 " . Three yellow longitudinal stripes are present (one dorsal, two lateral), but the dorsal stripe is much narrower than that of the Common Garter Snake. A distinctive feature of the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is a series of alternating black spots which run the length of the body between, and somewhat on, the yellow stripes. The background color between the stripes tends to be more gray compared to the dark brown found in the Common Garter Snake. The ventral surface has a series of dark black/brown blotches which may cover most of the surface. The dorsal scales are keeled and there are normally 8 upper labial scales. Young: The coloration of young snakes is similar to that of the adults; young are live-bom. Similar species: See Common and Plains Garter Snakes. Habitat and Habits: The habitat and habits of the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake are similar to the Common Garter Snake, i.e., they are found in most habitats but are particularly common around wetlands. On the L&CNF the species was found between 5000 ft and 6000 ft but probably occurs much lower and higher Females give birth to 4- 1 9 young during the summer (Stebbins 1985). Surveying: Timed sight surveys may be conducted around wetlands and riparian feeding areas or at denning areas where higher concentrations of garter snakes occur; clear mornings are the best survey times. Much distributional information may come from recording incidental sightings. More intensive research may be done using funnel traps in combination with drift fences. More intensive research and survey projects may use mark-recapture or radiotelemetry techniques. Status: Westem Terrestrial Garter Snakes were found in the RMRD, Little Belt Mountains, and Big Snowy Mountains of the L&CNF. There is also a historic record of them from the Highwood Mountains in additional to historic records from all ranges where they were found in 1994. Given the small number of records from throughout the area, all records should be documented until the distribution is better understood; of particular interest would be documentation of denning sites. Sightings oi elegans from the Castle, Crazy, and Little Snowy Mountains should be documented to confirm their presence in those ranges. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. Occurrences of Thamnophis sirtalis on or near the Lewis & Clerk National Forest ^' Pro- 1993 datB Specie? iDSBtiors from \h9 Monlsne NetuFsl Herrtsge ProBrem, Zf2@fB^ «iHMlfl|MAC^S,C>Iip Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sir talis) Description: The Common Garter Snake consists of two color phases in western Montana, both ranging from 18-52" inlength. Both phases have three yellow longitudinal stripes: one located dorsally and one on each side. Between the yellow stripes is a black stripe broken with red spots in one color phase but lacking red in the other Ventral coloration varies from yellow to bluish, and some individuals of the red-sided color phase have small black spots on the edge of the ventral scales. The dorsal scales are keeled, and normally there are 7 upper labial scales. Young: The coloration of young snakes is similar to that of the adults; young are live-bom. Similar species: The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake has black spots overlapping the dorsal yellow stripe; the background color between stripes tends to be brownish. The Plains Garter Snake has the side yellow stripe on the 3rd and 4th scale rows above the belly scales and the dorsal stripe is often orange or red. Habitat and Habits: Garter snakes are found in all forest habitats but are more common at lower elevations around marsh-bog-pond situations, where they prey on young fish, frogs, toads, mice and invertebrates. They are sometimes confused with water snakes because of their frequent aquatic exploits, but there are no true water snakes in Montana. Typical of most garter snakes, they emit a noxious secretion when handled and can be aggressive when disturbed. The Common Garter was found between 4 1 00 ft to 5 540 ft on or near the L&CNF, but they are likely to occur at lower and much higher elevations. Garter snakes eat a variety of vertebrates and invertebrates, with the Common Garter Snake concentrating more on amphibians than the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake. The Common Garter Snake is a live-bearer giving birth to 12- 1 8 young during the summer in Colorado (Hammerson 1982a). Surveying: Timed-sight surveys may be conducted around wetlands and riparian feeding areas or at denning areas where higher concentrations of garter snakes occur; clear mornings are the best survey times. Much distributional information may come from recording incidental sightings. More intensive research may be done using funnel traps in combination with drift fences. More intensive research and survey projects may use mark-recapture or radiotelemetry techniques. Status: Common Garter Snakes were found in the RMRD and Little Belt Mountains of the L&CNF. There is also a historic record of them from the Highwood Mountains. Given the small number of records from throughout the area, all records should be documented until the distribution is better understood; of particular interest would be documentation of denning sites. Sightings ofsirtalis from the Castle, Crazy, and Snowy Mountains should be documented to confirm their presence in those ranges. Only the red-sided color phase was observed in the present survey, however the color phase lacking red spots should be watched for. The relative abundance of this species in this area compared to the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake i s not yet clear; in northwestern Montana the Common Garter Snake is currently much less abundant. MontanaNatural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 20 Occurrences of Ambvstoma tigrinum on or near the Lewis & Clerk Natforval Forest 'W 'n:^ ^ • 1933^94 data ■^ Prfl-1993 data V Museum ^p$cirrar9£ Species Eocations from ttia Mootena Natural Merrta^e ProgrsfTt, 2^28/95 titowhi Bpiyie 3 , em p Species Potentially Present on the Lewis and Clark National Forest Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) Description: Adults have a smooth moist skin without scales and the color pattern is highly variable; usually the background color is dark, with lighter blotches of yellow, tan or green. The adult is large and heavy-bodied with a snout-vent length of 3 -6" . Eggs and Larvae: Egg masses are typically laid in small clusters of 5-120, but may be laid singly (Nussbaume^a/. 1983, Leonard e^ a/. 1993). They are usually attached to vegetation and placed 2"- 1 0" below the surface of the water (Hammerson 1 982a). Larval Tiger Salamanders are typically pale green or brown-colored, though some are nearly white in bentonite clay ponds. They are found in lakes and ponds, have external gills, and are relatively large (0.75-4" snout-vent) and heavy-bodied. Similar species: Adult Tiger Salamanders have two prominent tubercles on the bottom of each hind foot which Idaho Giant Salamanders lack. Idaho Giant Salamanders also have a more marbled color pattern and a very large head. Habitat and Habits: Tiger Salamanders in Montana are primarily associated with prairie or agricultural habitats in eastern Montana. They breed in ponds or lakes, usually those without fish present. In arid areas they may also be found in springs, intermittent streams, and stock ponds. In Blue Lake, Madison County, Montana, eggs are laid from early June to mid- August, hatched in about 2 weeks, and metamorphosed after more than a year (Micken 1 968, 1971). In Colorado and Wyoming egg laying takes place from mid-March to mid- August (Hammerson 1 982a, Baxter and Stone 1985). Eggs hatch in 2-5 weeks in Colorado and metamorphosis occurs after 2-24 months (Hammerson 1 982a). Following breeding, adults may remain in the pond or may move to upland areas and live in burrows of their own or in those of other animals. In some locations, such as Blue Lake in Madison County, larval salamanders never transform, but rather become sexually mature and breed while still retaining external gills. This process is referred to as neoteny and these salamanders are called iaxolotlsi or iwater dogs.i Surveying: Larvae and eggs may be seen in ponds during the day and may be sampled with a dipnet. In areas where larvae transform, migrations of hundreds or thousands of newly transformed adults are occasionally seen in mid to late summer or in early fall. During the breeding season, adults are often seen in the water or moving to or away from it. Pitfall and minnow traps may be used at this time to capture adults. The rest of the summer adults are difficult to find; the best techniques may be pitfall traps or driving roads on warm rainy nights. Status: The most common salamander in eastern Montana. They have not yet been found on the L&CNF, but there are records of larvae from ponds just south of the Castle Mountains (north of Lennep) and from Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, just east of the RMRD. They should be surveyed for in low elevation ponds and lakes, particularly those without fish and within grassland habitats. Any located on the L&CNF should be documented. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5 . 22 Occurrences of Bufo cognatus on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest • 19S3 84 date ^ Pra-1993 data ^^ "V" Museum spicimens Spflcifts kttitions from this Montana Natural Haritaga PfAgrdm. lf2&fSS ■ri isJ mapd^ c 9 .m^ Great Plains Toad {Biifo cognatiis) Description: Adults have dry skin with small warts. The coloration is dominated by a number of large, dark, somewhat symmetrical spots surrounded by light edges on the back. The dorsal background color is gray, light brown or olive green. The Great Plains Toad has converging V-shaped cranial crests between the eyes and post-orbital crests connecting to them at a right angle behind the eyes; the post-orbital crests typically touch the parotoid glands. The pupils are horizontal. The adult has two black tubercles on the hind feet and a body length of 2-3 . 5 " . Eggs and Tadpoles: Similar to the Western Toad. Similar species: Other Montana toads lack the somewhat symmetrical spotted pattern on the back. NOTE: It is very difficult to distinguish among the four Montana toad species in recently transformed toadlets. Habitat and Habits: Adults may favor higher elevation grasslands than Woodhousels Toad which favors floodplains (Bragg 1940, Timkin and Dunlap 1965, Black 1970). They have also been found in agricultural areas and open Ponderosa pine savannahs in southeastern Montana (Black 1 970). They are most active at night, spend much of the year underground, and emerge in response to warm rains (Hammerson 1 982a). They normally breed in temporary ponds resulting from heavy rains or irrigation runoff or reservoirs with much fluctuation (Bragg 1 940, Hammerson 1 982a). In Montana they apparently breed from May to July (Black 1970). Females lay strings of eggs which hatch after 2-3 days (Hammerson 1982a). Youngtypically metamorphose after about 1.5 months, although metamorphosis has been reported in as little as 17 days (Hahn 1968, Hammerson 1982a). Surveying: Adults may be found by listening for their loud calls on warm (>60° F) nights following heavy rains (Hammerson 1982a). iRoad huntingi on warm nights may also be effective. Eggs and tadpoles are seen in ponds during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet; however, identification of toad eggs and tadpoles is difficult or impossible in the field. Status: Notyet found on the L&CNF, but known from the prairie region about 70 miles north of the Highwood Mountains. Occurs in localized areas in eastern Montana, with large gaps in its known range. Geographic and habitat relationships with other toads in Montana are not well known. The Great Plains Toad should be watched for at low elevations in prairie or shrub-steppe habitat on the L&CNF, especially on the Jefferson Division. Any located on the L&CNF should be well documented with a description indicating how the species was differentiated. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S4. 24 Occurrences of Byfo woodhousii on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest • 13^5-94 data ^ Prih1993 daid "V Mufi9jm specimens Sjjscies locstdDna fram tlia Montana Natufal MflritigB P^grern, 2/2S/9E «lBD^D0fc'le1 1 Woodhouseis Toad {Bufowoodhousii) Description: Adults have dry skin with small warts, and are gray, brown, or olive-green with paler mottling or spots. Aprominent white or yellowish line runs down the center of the back; very young transformed toads typically lack the dorsal line, and the warts are often red-brown in color Woodhouseis Toad has parallel cranial crests between the eyes and post-orbital crests connecting to them at a right angle behind the eyes; the post-orbital crests typically touch the parotoid glands. If a lump-like boss is present on the snout, it does not extend back between the eyes. The pupils are horizontal. The adult has two black tubercles on the hind feet and a body length of 2.5-4" . Eggs and Tadpoles: Similar to those of the Western Toad. Similar species: Western Toad lacks cranial crests. Great Plains Toad has large, white-bordered, dark, dorsal blotches. The Canadian Toad has a lump between the eyes; frequently the parotoid gland is separated from the post-orbital crest which may be broken or absent. NOTE: It is very difficult to distinguish among the four Montana toad species in recently transformed toadlets. Habitat and Habits: Adults are partially terrestrial but often found near water They are usually found in irrigated agricultural areas and flood plains, rather than the more upland areas used by Great Plains Toads (Bragg 1940, Timkin andDunlap 1965, Black 1970). They are most active at night, although they may at times ben found feeding during the day (Hammerson 1 982a). They typically breed in permanent lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow streams, with a preference for shallow areas with mud bottoms (Black 1970, Hammerson 1982a, Baxter and Stone 1985). Breeding and egg laying is spread out over the spring and early summer, with known dates from Montana ranging from 4 May to 1 July (Black 1970). Surveying: Adults may easily be found by using their loud calls for identification on warm (>54° F) nights; calling peaks during the first few hours after sunset (Hammerson 1 982a). iRoad huntingi on warm nights may also be effective. Eggs and tadpoles are seen in ponds during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet; however, identification of toad eggs and tadpoles is difficult or impossible in the field. Status: Not known from theL&CNF; the nearest known record, collected in 1918, is from about 30 miles southeast of the Little Snowy Mountains, 1 mile west of Kline. Woodhouseis Toad is relatively common in southeastern Montana, however, its status elsewhere in the state is unclear Geographic and habitat relationships with other toads in Montana are not well known. It should be watched for at low elevations in prairie or shrub-steppe habitat on the L&CNF, especially in the Jefferson Division; it could occur along the Smith River. Any located on the L&CNF should be well documented with a description indicating how the species was differentiated. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S4. 26 Occurrences of Scaphiopus bombifrons on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest • 1993 94 data ■ ' Fhre-1993 date Spaelas liicptlcwia frafn Ihe MpnTsne Natural Hefiteigie Ptosrafn, 2/23/96 nlak/maiM^lel Bxnp Plains Spadefoot {Scaphiopus [=Spea] bombifrons) Description: Adults are colored gray or brown with darker mottling on the back and a white belly. Some individuals have indistinct longitudinal streaking. The pupils of the Plains Spadefoot are vertically elliptical and there is a high, hard lump between the eyes. Its skin is less warty than true toads. The adult has a single tubercle on the hind feet and has a body length of less than 2.5". Eggs and Tadpoles: Oval egg masses of 1 0-250 eggs are attached to underwater plants or debris. Tadpoles are mottled sooty and olive-yellow above and paler below with gold metallic flecking over all; iris is gold. Similar species: Other Montana frogs and toads have round or horizontally elliptical pupils. Habitat and Habits: Adults are found in grassland and sagebrush areas, particularly in areas with sandy or loose soil (Wheeler and Wheeler 1966, Hammerson 1982a, Baxter and Stone 1985). Except during breeding, they are seldom found in the water They are primarily nocturnal and emerge from their burrows only following heavy rains. They breed in shallow temporary pools usually following heavy spring or summer rains (Hammerson 1 982a). Males call loudly, with groups being heard for up to a mile. Eggs hatch after 2-3 days and tadpoles transform in 6- 1 weeks (Wheeler and Wheeler 1966, Hammerson 1982a). Surveying: Adults may be easily found by using their calls for identification when breeding at night or by iroad huntingi on warm, rainy nights. Calling normally takes place only when the temperature is >50° F (Hammerson 1982). Tadpoles are seen in ponds during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet. Surveying is complicated by the long time periods which this species spends underground, especially during droughts. Status: The Plains Spadefoot is not known from L&CNF lands; the nearest records are from Cascade County about 20-30 miles west of the Highwood Mountains, WNW of the Little Belt Mountains, and in Great Falls. Locally common in eastern Montana; there are large gaps in the known range. It should be watched for at low elevations in prairie or shrub-steppe habitat on the L&CNF, especially the Jefferson Division. Any located on the L&CNF should be well- documented. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S4? 28 Occurrences of Chrysemys picta on or near tha Lewis 8l Clark National Forest * 1993^94 data C> Pra-1993 data V* Museum specimens T Species k»c«tl9ris from the Mcnitene Natural MsritPfe Prpsrpnip 2f2BfB^B ^i1 B ■ ^mBpa^'tc 2 3 . cmp Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Description: Adult Painted Turtles have a relatively flat dorsal shell, or carapace, the length of which may reach 9" in females and 7" in males. The background color of the shell may be dark brown, olive, or black. A series of short, irregular yellow lines are often scattered across the shell, and a red and black border forms the outer edge. The ventral shell, or plastron, is red with a centrally- located yellow and black blotch with edges flaring out along the border of the scutes. The edge of the plastron also has a series of black and yellow blotches. The head, neck, and legs are marked with yellow lines and a red spot appears behind the eye. Very dark colored individuals are occasionally found. Males are distinguished by longer front claws and longer tails with the anus posterior to the margin of the carapace (Ernst et al. 1 994). Eggs and Young: The elliptical, white, soft-shelled eggs are about 28-3 5 mm in length and 1 6-23 mm in width (Ernst et al. 1 994). They typically number 6-23 per clutch. Coloration of young Painted Turtles is more vibrant and the shell is not quite as flattened as adults. Similar Species: None. Habitat and Habits: Painted Turtles are active during the day and are rarely seen far from ponds, lakes, or the slow-moving water of streams. Adults are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, but will also scavenge on animal remains. Eggs are usually laid within 1 0-20 feet of the waterls edge, although some individuals will travel up to 600 m seeking a suitable site. During egg-laying, the female excavates a hole with her hind feet and deposits the eggs, which are then covered by several inches of dirt. Predation on turtle eggs by raccoons, skunks, etc. is common, and shell fragments are evidence of such activity. Female Painted Turtles may lay more than one clutch of eggs each summer. Young borne of late egg depositions overwinter in the nest and do not emerge until the following spring (Ernst etal 1 994). Once females lay their eggs, they return to the pond, where they can often be seen basking on logs or rocks along with juveniles and males. Painted Turtles are sexually mature at 3-5 years of age and may live to be 30 years or older (Ernst etal. 1994). Surveying: Although various turtle traps can be used for surveys, visual identification is suitable for presence/absence studies since the three turtle species in Montana are easily distinguished. Basking peaks at different times during the day, depending on season and location; in the northern states and Canada it generally peaks in the morning. Surveys should be done on sunny days with a pair of binoculars. During cold or cloudy weather, turtles tend to remain underwater for long periods and can be missed on a walk-through survey. Status: Painted Turtles are locally quite common in Montana at lower elevations. They were not found on the L&CNF, but were seen only a few miles east of the RMRD. There has been some concern about Painted Turtle populations nationally, and whether declines have occurred in Montana is unknown. It should be watched for particularly at lower elevations in ponds in open forest, prairie or shrub-steppe habitat on the L&CNF. Any animals located should be documented. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5 . Occurrenoea of Trjonyx spintf^rus on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest ■ 1933-54 data Pre- 1993 dBfU >i^ Mijuuin spaclmflns Spfi<:J^fi l4?Btl0nS twrr Itia M^intar? Natural Herrt^te Prflgrpjiip 2/2S/9S «rlBuAii«fiB^?9',i;niil Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferiis) {=Apalone spinifera) Description: Spiny Soft-shells have flexible, leathery shells. The carapace is olive-gray, marked with dark spots. The plastron is white or light cream-colored. Female carapace length is up to 1 8 inches or more, whereas males are typically 6-8 inches. The nostrils are terminal, allowing this turtle to remain entirely beneath the surface and take air through its isnorkel.T Eggs and Young: The nest is a flask-shaped excavation containing 4-39 (typically 12-18) hard- shelled, spherical, white eggs. The individual eggs range in size from 24-32 mm in diameter and average about 28 mm. Hatchlings resemble adults and are 30-40 mm in shell length (Ernst etal. 1994). Similar Species: None. Habits and Habitat: Spiny Softshells are active during the day. This highly aquatic turtle is found in rivers or their connecting backwaters with muddy or sandy bottoms. Unlike other Montana turtles, they do not move overland from one water body to another. Mud and sand banks and bars are used for both basking and nesting. Hibernation takes place beneath the water, usually beneath 5-10 cm of bottom substrate (Ernst et al. 1 994). The retracted head and neck combines with the profile of the shell to produce a wedge shape, which allows this turtle to escape by literally diving into the bottom mud. If necessary, additional strokes of the legs will completely bury it in the substrate, hidden from view. Food items include fish, crayfish, frogs, toads, aquatic insects, and carrion. Spiny Soft-shells have a surprisingly long, agile neck and can inflict a painful bite. They can be safely handled by grasping the shell on each side between the front and rear legs with the head pointing away from the captor. Surveying: Although various turtle traps can be used for surveys, visual identification is suitable since the three turtle species in Montana are easily distinguished . Apair of binoculars is helpful and surveys should be done on warm sunny days; basking seldom takes place before 10:00 a.m. (Ernst etal. 1 994). During cold or cloudy weather, turtles tend to remain underwater for long periods and can be missed on a walk-through survey. Care should be taken to watch for the snorkel -like nostrils projecting just above the surface of the water. Status and Distribution: Found mainly in the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers and their maj or tributaries. These populations may be separated from each other and are believed to be disjunct form the population in South Dakota (Ernst et al. 1 994); they have not been reported from North Dakota (Wheeler and Wheeler 1 966). The Missouri River population is known from the tail of Fort Peck Reservoir upstream to the first dam above, and from most of the Mussellshell River; their presence on other tributaries is presently unknown. They have been reported from the Mussellshell River to just southeast of the Little Belt Mountains and should be watched for in the Mussellshell, Judith, and Smith Rivers on the L&CNF. Any located on the L&CNF should be documented and reported. Considered a Species of Special Concern in Montana. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3. Species of Special Concern. 32 Occ:urfences of Phrynosoma douglasi on or near the Lewis Et Clark National Forest ^ «- \ • 1$a3'S>4 data '^ Pre- 1993 data 1 1 L <^ iffi^iij Specffis loc4tfon» fivm the Montana Natural Hsrltage Program, 2/26/9^5 ilt^r.lmapiflt27jc!m Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasi) Description: The Short-homed lizard has a broad, somewhat flatted body and relatively short limbs and tail. It is generally tan to gray with dark and light spots and blotches; the belly is white. There is a distinctive line of pointed scales along each side and the head has short, blunt ihornsT pointing backward. Adult lizards range from 1 . 7 - 5 . 5 " in length. Young: Young are live-bom and resemble small adults. Similar species: None. Habitat and Habits: The Short-horned lizard is found in a variety of habitats, including dry open forests, grasslands, and sagebrush; the soil is usually loose or sandy. In firmer soil situations it may use the burrows of other animals. It is active during the day, typically with the peak of activity in mid-late moming. A Short-horned Lizard may squirt blood from its eyes when disturbed. Little is known about reproduction in this part of the range; young are bom in late summer Ants are the primary food of the species. Surveying: They may be surveyed for by slowly walking through appropriate habitat and carefully watching for them; look carefully near ant mounds; this technique has low success with Short- homed Lizards however As with many lizards and snakes, they are easily missed. Carefully documented incidental observations may provide the best clues to their distribution. They may be also taken in pitfall or funnel traps in combination with drift fences. Status: Widely distributed (but apparently localized) in eastem Montana. This species may be vulnerable to collecting for the pet trade and agricultural conversion of native habitats. The Short- homed Lizard subspecies found in Montana {P. d. brevirostrd) is currently a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 2 Candidate species (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1 994). In the vicinity of the L&CNF it has been found at breaks west of Ulm, Egg Mountain on Nature Conservancy land, north of the Highwood Mountains, and near Harlowton southeast of the Little Belt Mountains. It should be watched for in open pine, prairie, or shrub-steppe habitat with loose or sandy soils at lower elevations on the L&CNF; any sightings should be documented. MontanaNatural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 34 Occurrences of Charina bottae on or near tha Law is & Clark National Forest * * 1993-94 data Pre- 1993 dPtfl 1 J^ r" Specie^ iDcatifjTis ffdm tha ManTana Nature] N^ritaga PrDgrsm, Zf^^fBB ii^^«fiiAt34ciV Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) Description: The Rubber Boa looks and feels like mbber, hence its name. It is a small snake (14-33" length), stout, and uniformly-colored either brown or green on the dorsal side. The ventral surface is cream to tan in color. The scales are small and smooth, except for those on the head which are enlarged. The tail is short and blunt and the eyes are very small. It is a very slow moving snake which can easily be caught if detected. Young: Rubber Boas are born alive and young are more tan (or even pinkish) than the adults on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces. Similar species: The Racer is much quicker and more active, has larger eyes, and a thin, tapered (not blunt) tail. Habitat and Habits: The Rubber Boa is a secretive, slow-moving, docile snake, usually found under logs and rocks in either moist or dry forest habitats, but rarely in marsh or bog situations. Denning locations are typically in areas with fractured rock; recent data indicates it only moves short distances from its den (Peterson pers. comm). Occasionally this snake is seen sunning itself on a road, trail, or open area, but it is primarily nocturnal. Feeding is primarily on small mice, but also on shrews, salamanders, snakes and lizards. Two to eight young are bom alive in late summer or early fall. Surveying: There are no practical methods for surveying other than systematic searches of a given area rolling over rocks, logs, etc. Driving roads at night, particularly after a rain when the temperature is > 1 0° C, may be more effective, especially on roads which follow a stream. Previous sightings are of value in locating general areas of activity and denning sites. Funnel traps may be effective. Status: Sightings of Rubber Boas are infrequent, but they are widely distributed and probably common throughout western Montana. They were not found during this survey, nor are there historic records of their presence in the L&CNF. However, they probably do occur throughout the RMRD of the L&CNF at low to mid-elevations. They should be watched for on the L&CNF; any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would be any reports of this species from the Jefferson Division or documentation of any denning sites located. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 36 Occurrences of Coluber constrictor on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest Species locaticms from the Mortana Natural Herrtage Prograni, 2/28/95 ■tinnAn^H^St .cmp Racer {Coluber constrictor) Description: A slender, but moderately long snake, the Racer ranges from 20-65 inches in length. Adult coloration is uniform across the dorsal side but it can vary from a greenish-gray to brown or blue. The ventral side is whitish to pale yellow, the latter color extending onto the upper lip scales and nasal region. The eyes are relatively large. The scales are smooth and the nostril is bordered by two scales. Young: Snakes (up to about 20") have a much different coloration than the adults consisting of a series of dorsal brown blotches edged with black which run the length of the animal; a row of blotches is also found on each side of the animal extending onto the ventral side. Similar species: Young Gopher Snakes may be distinguished by the keeled rather than smooth scales of the young Racer Young Western Hognose Snakes have an upturned nose. Smooth Green Snakes are smaller and colored bright grass-green and whitish below; their nostrils are centered in single scales. Also see Rubber Boa. Habitat and Habits: The Racer is associated with more open habitats either in shortgrass, shrub-steppe, or forested areas (Hammerson 1982a, Baxter and Stone 1985). It is often found near water and rocks. The Racer is an extremely fast and agile snake. A clutch of perhaps 3-7 eggs is laid in the summer (Stebbins 1 985). It preys on insects and small vertebrates such as mice and frogs. Surveying: They may be surveyed for by slowly walking through appropriate habitat on warm, sunny days and carefully watching for them; this technique is moderately effective for the Racer However, as with many lizards and snakes, they may easily be missed. Carefully documented incidental observations may provide the best clues to their distribution. They may be also taken in funnel traps with drift fences. Mark-recapture methods offer the best opportunity for determining population status. Status: The Racer was not seen in this survey nor are there historic records from the L&CNF. However they are known just to the south of the RMRD and from about 25 miles west of the Little Belt Mountains. They probably do occur on the L&CNF at low to mid-elevations; any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 38 1 • 1993-94 dMx V" MuMurrv specimieris 1 X^ Occurrences of Heterodon nasicuB on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest k Speelas locatk^nt trtym tha Montana Natural Hsrltags Program, 2i2B}QB EtJ uMivaJk 3 2 jDirv Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) Description: The Western Hognose Snake is a mid-sized, heavy-bodied snake reaching 32" . The dorsal ground color is yellowish- to grayish-brown, with 3 rows of darker brown to black blotches run down the back. The belly is dark gray to black, sometimes checkered. Its nose has a keel on the top and is upturned. Eggs andYoimg: Eggs are white and elliptical, with thin, papery shells; length averages 32.5 mm (26-38 mm) and width 18 mm (14-23 mm). Young are 139-197 mm at hatching and are similar in color and pattern to adults (Piatt 1969). Similar Species: No other Montana snake has a keeled nose. Coloration is similar to both the Gopher Snake, Western Rattlesnake and juvenile Racer Habits and Habitat: The Western Hognose Snake is found on the plains of eastern Montana. It seems to prefer arid areas, farmlands and floodplains, and particularly areas of gravelly or sandy, loose soil. The keeled, or shovel -like, nose is thought to help it to dig down to its food, which it finds by smell. Apparently toads are its preferred food, though frogs, insects, and other small animals are also eaten (Piatt 1 969). It is active primarily during the daylight hours. Little is known of reproduction in Montana. In Kansas, Western Hognose Snakes typically lay clutches of 7- 1 5 eggs (Piatt 1 969). It is likely that a female will only breed every other year in Montana. The Hognose is famous for its behavior in the face of a threat. At first it will puff up its neck, as does a cobra, and hiss and strike at its enemy. However, this is all a bluff and very rarely will it actually bite. If this threatening strategy does not work, it will pretend to die. It appears to go into convulsions, writhing on the ground, sticking its mouth in the dirt, and eventually rolling on its back and going into a trance that makes it appear to be dead. If turned right-side-up, it will roll back over and continue its deception. If left alone for a few minutes, it will right itself and continue on its way. The initial aggressive display and basic rattlesnake-like coloration cause many to be killed needlessly by people who mistakenly believe it to be venomous. Surveying: They may be surveyed for by slowly walking through appropriate habitat and carefully watching for them; timing surveys for warm sunny days enhances sampling success. However, as with many lizards and snakes, they may easily be missed. Carefully documented incidental observations may provide the best clues to their distribution. They may be also taken in pitfall or funnel traps with drift fences. Mark-recapture methods offer the best opportunity for determining population status. Status: They were not found during this survey, nor are there historic records of their presence in the L&CNF. However, they may occur on the L&CNF at low to mid-elevations, particularly in sandy or loose soil areas. The nearest location to the L&CNF is from central Teton County about 30 miles east of the RMRD. They should be watched for on the L&CNF; any sightings should be documented. We have relatively few reports of the Western Hognose Snake from Montana. It is collected for the pet trade, and populations may be vulnerable to commercial collectors. Additionally, since toads are its preferred food, any decline in toad populations would be expected to negatively impact Western Hognose Snakes. Of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. MontanaNatural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3? Species of Special Concern. 40 Occurrences of Pituophia catenifer on or near the Lewii^ & Clark National Forest ■■.'"vx; • 1993-94 data ^ Pr*-1S93 data V^ MuseLiin spa&iiria.na SpQCise Eflcationg, Trqm ttie Momtera Natural Herrtage ProBrarrir 2j'2S/95 B tlB«ATiviafc3&. cmp Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer [=melanoleiicus]) Description: Montanals largest snake, the adult Gopher Snake (also called Bullsnake or Pine Snake) can reach a total length of 7 feet, but most specimens seen in western Montana range between 3-5 feet. It is readily recognized by a series of large black to brown blotches which run down the back, and another series along the sides. The blotches, which are set on a yellow background, become more widely spaced and darker towards the tail . The dorsal scales are keeled. There is usually a black band on the head located in front of and extending below the eyes. The ventral coloration is yellow to white, often spotted with black, and the anal plate is undivided. Eggs and Young: Gopher Snakes lay between 2-24 eggs during the summer months (Hammerson 1 982a), and the young resemble the adults in coloration. Similar species: Young Racers have a black border on dark blotches and the scales are not keeled. Young Western Hognose Snakes have an upturned nose. Western Rattlesnakes have a rattle on their tail and triangular shaped heads. Habitat and Habits: Gopher Snakes are associated with dry, arid habitats including grassland, shrub- steppe, and open pine forest. They feed on rodents, rabbits and ground dwelling birds, and to a lesser extent on frogs, toads, etc., found around stock ponds and other wetlands. They have a habit of hissing and vibrating the tail when alarmed, often sounding like rattlesnakes. They occasionally climb trees, hence the common name iPine Snake.T Surveying: Walk-through surveys, done on a regular basis in warm, sunny weather probably give the best results without resorting to trapping techniques. They are most easily found near dens in the spring and fall. Funnel trapping is effective and they may occasionally be found by night driving during the mid-summer Data can be enhanced by mark-recapture techniques. Status: The Gopher Snake was not seen in this survey nor are there historic records from the L&CNF. However they are known from lower elevation areas on the plains adj acent to the forest. They probably do occur on the L&CNF at low to mid-elevations; any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5 . 42 OcGurrances of Thamnophis radix on or near the Lewis Si Clark National Forest • 1993-94 deu O Pr«-1S93 data 'V Museum spscimens Speclas locations Itinti the Montana Natural Heritage Program, 2/2Q/9& «[teiuniapiAe3T.cn)p Plains Garter Snake {Thamnophis radix) Description: The Plains Garter Snake ranges in size from 16-42" in length and has a dorsal background color of olive, brown, or black. It has a prominent orange or yellow dorsal stripe and a greenish- yellow stripe on each side located on the 3rd and 4th scale rows above the belly scales. It typically has black vertical bars on the upper lips. Young: Young resemble adults. Similar species: The other garter snakes found in Montana have the lateral yellow lines on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows above the belly scales. Habitat and Habits: The habitat and habits of the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake are similar to those of the Common Garter Snake. Surveying: Timed sight surveys may be conducted around wetlands and riparian feeding areas or at denning areas where higher concentrations of garter snakes occur; clear mornings may be the best survey times. Much distributional information may come from recording incidental sightings. More intensive research may be done using funnel traps in combination with drift fences. More intensive research and survey projects may use mark-recapture or radiotelemetry techniques. Status: Found over much of eastern Montana. Its status is unclear due to confusion in the identification of the 3 garter snakes which occur there. In the vicinity of the L&CNF it has been found near Great Falls and north of the Highwood Mountains. It should be watched for in prairie or shrub- steppe areas at lower elevation of the L&CNF and any sightings should be well documented with a description written at the time of observation including how radix was distinguished from the other garter snakes. Of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. MontanaNatural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 44 Occurrences of Crotalus viridis on or near the Lewis & Clark National Forest • 1993-94 data V~ Museum ^ecimens S|j6[^i«5 Igcatiana from Ihe Mttntana Katural Heritage Pirogrem, 2i23i§S ■tlH'nMpkAaSS.cnnp Western Rattlesnake {Crotalus viridis) Description: Rattlesnakes have a heat-sensing pit located between the nostril and the eye. The fangs are hollow and hinged, allowing them to be folded back against the roof of the mouth. The head is triangular in shape and blunt-nosed. The eyes are slightly elevated. There are several white lines which run along the side of the head. Adult Western Rattlesnakes have a narrow neck but a stout body with total length ranging from 1 5-60 inches. The dorsal background color varies from pale green to brown with a series of brown or black blotches edged with a dark and then light line extending the length of the body. The blotches often merge into rings on the tail. There are also blotches on the sides of the body. The ventral side is pale yellow to white and without blotches. The scales are keeled. The tail ends in a rattle which helps to warn potential predators of the snakels presence. The young have the same color pattern, but are brighter in color than adults. Similar species: No other snake in Montana has rattles, but see Racer, Gopher Snake and Western Hognose Snake which may have similar color patterns. Habitat and Habits: The Western Rattlesnake is an inhabitant of more open and arid country but it is also found in Ponderosa pine stands or mixed grass-coniferous forests. It is more likely to be encountered on south-facing slopes and areas of rock outcrops. It is feared and often needlessly killed due to its poisonous bite. Rattlesnakes may den in large numbers, moving up to 7 miles out from the dens during the summer (Peterson, pers. comm.); den sites are most common in south- facing talus slopes. In Wyoming, it is found at elevations of over 8500 feet (Baxter and Stone 1985). Rattlesnakes prey on a variety of animals including mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, amphibians, and other snakes. Females give birth to 4-21 young in Colorado during the summer (Hammerson 1982a). Surveying: Walk-through surveys on warm sunny days is probably the best method for determining presence/absence; easiest to find near den sites in spring and fall. Funnel traps and night driving are both effective techniques. Mark-recapture methods can be used to determine more precise numbers. Status: The Western Rattlesnake was not been found in the L&CNF but is known from lower elevation areas to the north, south, and east. It would most likely be encountered at lower elevations in open habitats on the Jefferson Division. The habit of denning at traditional sites in large numbers makes rattlesnakes vulnerable to commercial collecting or simply killing by fearful people. Observations of Western Rattlesnakes should be reported to document the presence of this species on the L&CNF; of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. MontanaNatural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 46 Rocky Mountain Division Information Rocky Mountain Division: Two amphibian species were only found on the Rocky Mountain Division of the L&CNF : the Long-toed Salamander and Tailed Frog. Both species appeared to be more localized than in areas to the west of the Divide. Additional surveys should be undertaken to determine how widespread these species are; all incidental observations should be recorded. The Rubber Boa is likely to be present due to its proximity to known localities to the south and west; whether it will also be found in the Jefferson Division is unknown. Other species found during surveys or for which historic locations are known from on the RMRD include the: Western Toad, Western Chorus Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Spotted Frog, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and Common Garter Snake. All of these species are also present on the Jefferson Division. The Western Toad was only found breeding at a single location on the forest; this may be a function of the small amount of sampling or the apparent decline in much of western Montana. The breeding location in the backwater^eaver pond on the Teton River at 7 Lazy P Ranch should be considered for monitoring to see if Western Toads continue to breed there and are successfully reaching metamorphosis. Western Chorus Frogs, though common at lower elevations outside the L&CNF, apparently are very uncommon and localized within the forest. No Northern Leopard Frogs were seen on surveys. However a museum specimen exists from the iSun River, 5500 feeti; this location information is poor because at 5500 feet the Sun River is split into the maj or forks. While doing Harlequin surveys. Northern Leopard Frogs should be watched for along the Sun River Substantial populations of the Spotted Frog were found throughout the RMRD; it was more commonly encountered than any other amphibian or reptile, though ironically it is one of the two C-2 Candidate species present on the L&CNF. An ideal marsh-pond area below Wood Lake on Wood Creek might be considered for long-term monitoring of Spotted Frogs and Long-toed Salamanders; the area to be monitored would have to be carefully delimited, however, since the area is large. Concerned citizens might be willing to participate in long-term surveys. Given the low numbers of locations for any amphibians or reptiles on the RMRD, all sightings of any species should be recorded. A possible exception would be for Spotted Frogs; however, breeding locations found should be recorded even for this species until more are known and mapped. Of particular interest would be records of the following species which have not yet been recorded on the District: Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, Plains Spadefoot, Painted Turtle, Short-homed Lizard, Racer, Western Hognose Snake, Gopher Snake, Plains Garter Snake, and Western Rattlesnake. All of these potentially present species are most likely to be seen at low elevations in open habitat. Jefferson Division Information Highwood Mountains : This range is the only Jefferson Division area in which Western Chorus Frogs are known; they were found by Mike Enk in 1 994 and had been collected in the 1 960s north of the 1 994 location. The Western Chorus Frog is the only herp recently recorded from the Highwoods. The 47 Western Toad, Northern Leopard Frog, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and Common Garter Snake were all collected along Highwood Creek or Arrow Creek in the 1 960s but were not relocated during our surveys. Perhaps the best chance of finding the Great Plains Toad on the L&CNF occurs in the Highwoods, given its known site to the north. Given the meager information available from this range and at least two species (known to be declining) recorded from historic records but not relocated, all sightings of amphibians and reptiles are of interest from this range and should be recorded. Baseline distribution information, particularly for species not yet recorded and breeding sites for known species, is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. Little Belt Mountains: Spotted Frogs appeared to be common and widespread in this range. Western Toads have been collected historically, but were not located during our surveys; any sightings of this declining amphibian should be recorded. The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake and Common Garter Snake were the only other herps found during our surveys. Perhaps the best chance of finding the Spiny Softshell on the L&CNF occurs in the Little Belts in the Smith, Judith, or Mussellshell Rivers. Given the meager information available from this range and at least one species known from historic records but not relocated, all sightings of amphibians (except perhaps Spotted Frogs) and reptiles are of interest and should be recorded. Even for Spotted Frogs any breeding locations found should be recorded. Such baseline distribution information is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. Castle Mountains: The Spotted Frog is the only herp known from this range; there is one historic specimen record and the species was also found during our 1 994 surveys in beaver ponds in the West Fork of Checkerboard Creek. Tiger Salamander larva were found at the base of the range just north of Lennep off USFS Lands. Given the meager information available from this range all sightings of amphibians and reptiles are of interest and should be recorded. Baseline distribution information, particularly for species not yet recorded and breeding sites for known species, is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. Crazy Mountains: The Spotted Frog was the only herp found during surveys in 1994 and was located in Forest Lake. Western Toads have been collected historically in the Crazy Mountains, but were not located during our surveys; any sightings of this declining amphibian should be recorded. Given the meager information available from this range all sightings of amphibians and reptiles are of interest and should be recorded. Baseline distribution information, particularly for species not yet recorded and breeding sites for known species, is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. Big Snowy Mountains: The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is the only herp known from this range; there are three historic specimen records and this species was found during our 1 994 surveys on the shore of Crystal Lake. Given the meager information available from this range, all sightings of amphibians and reptiles are of interest and should be recorded. Baseline distribution information, particularly for species not yet recorded and breeding sites for known species, is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. 48 Little Snowy Mountains: No herps are known from this range; there are no historic specimen records and we did not survey here in 1994. Given the total lack of information available from this range, all sightings of amphibians and reptiles are of interest and should be recorded. This baseline distribution information, particularly for species not yet recorded and breeding sites for known species, is necessary before monitoring sites are chosen. 49 RECOMMENDATIONS 1) All incidental sightings of amphibians and reptiles from the L&CNF should be recorded and forwarded to the Natural Heritage Program. The single exception being that for the Spotted Frog on the RMRD and Little Belt Mountains, only breeding locations are necessary to record. Ahalf-day training session for biologists (including seasonal employees) and other interested field people in May would raise awareness of this data need and provide the training needed for accurate identification of animals observed. Certainly all Tailed Frogs (larvae and adults) found during fisheries surveys should be recorded; this is the most efficient way to get data on this species. The Tailed Frog is now a USFWS C-2 Candidate. 2) Due to the time constraints and the large area covered in the 1 994 survey, it should not be regarded as a definitive index of all the herptiles or their distribution on the L&CNF. The secretive habits of many amphibians and reptiles, and our lack of knowledge regarding their reproductive behavior makes it difficult to assess their overall status. We recommend that additional surveys be conducted, concentrating on: A) potential Western Toad and Northern Leopard Frog breeding sites; B) low- elevation, xeric habitats (including wetlands within this matrix) for reptiles and plains-dwelling amphibians; C) re-surveying historic amphibian sites; and D) gathering additional distribution information from the isolated ranges on the Jefferson Division. 3) When more breeding locations for amphibians are known, long-term monitoring of typical marsh- pond habitats should be set up at several sites in each Division in order to evaluate relative numbers and breeding success of the more common species: Long-toed Salamander, Spotted Frog, Western Toad, Western Chorus Frog, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and Common Garter Snake. Particular attention needs to be given to any Western Toad and Northern Leopard Frog breeding sites found. 4) Life history and ecology of the amphibians in Montana is poorly known for most species. Long- term monitoring will give us information on timing of and habitat requirements needed for successful breeding. 5) Sightings on L&CNF lands of the Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, Woodhousels Toad, Plains Spadefoot, Painted Turtle, Spiny Softshell, Short-horned Lizard, Rubber Boa, Racer, Western Hognose Snake, Gopher Snake, Plains Garter Snake, and Western Rattlesnake would represent first-time occurrences and range extensions, thus it is important to document and record such data. Preferably either photos should be taken or, if appropriate, a specimen collected; at the very least, a description should be written at the time of the observation. 50 BIBLIOGRAPHY Anderson, M. E. 1977. Aspects of the ecology of the two sympatric species of Thamnophis and heavy metal accumulation within the species. M.S. Thesis, University of Montana, Missoula. 147 pp. Baxter, G.T. and M.D. Stone. 1985. Amphibians and reptiles of Wyoming. Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 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An extension into Montana of the known range of the salamander Plethodon vandykei idahoensis. Herpetologica 19:287. Teberg, E. K. 1965. Range extensions of the saXavsxandQX Plethodon vandykei idahoensis. Copeia 1965:244. Thompson, L. S. 1982. Distribution of Montana amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Montana Audubon Council. 24 pp. Timken, R. No date. Amphibians andreptiles of Beaverhead National Forest. Unpubl. mimeo. 16 pp. Timkin, R. L. andD. G Dunlap. 1965. Ecological distribution of the two species ofBufo'm southeastern South Dakota. Proc. S.D.Acad. Sci. 44:113-117. Turner, F. B. 1 958. Life history of the western spotted frog in Yellowstone National Park. Herpetologica 14:96 100. Turner, F. B. 1960. Population structure and dynamics of the western spotted frog, Ranap.pretiosa Baird and Girard, in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. Ecol. Monogr 30(3):251 278. Turner, F. F. and P C. Dumas. 1972. RANAPRETIOSA. Cat. Amer Amph. and Rept. 119.1 119.4. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1 993 . Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: Finding on petition to list the spotted frog. Fed. Register 58(87):27260 27263. 57 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal candidate review for listing as Endangered or Threatened species. Fed. Reg. 5 9(2 19): 5 8982- 59028. U. S. Forest Service and Montana Department of State Lands. 1985. Jardine j oint venture proj ect. U. S. Forest Service and Montana Department of State Lands. 1986. Jardine j oint venture proj ect, final EIS. U. S . Forest Service and Montana Department of State Lands. No date. Draft EIS, proposed plan of mining and reclamation, Troy Project, Asarco, Inc., Lincoln County, MT, vol. I. U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of State Lands. 1979. Draft, proposed mining and reclamation plan. Pearl Mine, Big Horn County, MT. U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of State Lands. No date. Draft environmental statement, proposed mining and reclamation plan. Spring Creek Mine, Big Horn County, MT. VTN. No date. Second yearis analysis of terrestrial wildlife on proposed mine access and railroad routes in southern Montana and northern Wyoming, March 1979 February 1980. Tech. Rep. prepared by VTN Wyoming, Inc., for Shell Oil Co. Webb, R. G 1962. North American soft shelled turtles (Family Trionychidae). Univ. Kan. Publ., Mus. Nat. Hist. 13:429 611. Webb,R. G 1973.TRIONYXSPINIFERUS. Cat. Amer. Amph. andRept. 140.1 4. Werner, J. K. 1974. Phrynosoma doiiglassi brevirostre. Herp Review 5(1): 20. Werner, K. and J. D. Reichel. 1994. Amphibian and reptile survey of the Kootenai National Forest: 1994. Montana Natural Heritage Program. 105 pp. Westech, Inc. [Western Technology and Engineering] .1981. The effects of the Tongue River Railroad on terrestrial wildlife. Technical Report for Tongue River Railroad Co. Westech, Inc. [Western Technology and Engineering]. 1982. Results of Phase one, step one. Little Rockies Proj ect. Tech. Rpt. for Meridan Land and Mineral Co. Westech, Inc. [Western Technology and Engineering]. 1982. Wildlife reconnaissance. Cypress International Yellowstone Mine. Prepared for Hydrometrics, Inc. Westech, Inc. [Western Technology and Engineering]. 1987. Valley View Hills: baseline easement report. The Nature Conservancy, Big Sky Field Office, Helena, MT. 44 pp. plus appendices. Westech, Inc. [Western Technology and Engineering] . No date. Preliminary wildlife reconnaissance. Ruby and Little Ben mine areas. Little Rocky Mountains, Montana. Technical Report for Zortman and Landusky Mining Companies. Western Ecological Services Co. 1983. Wildlife inventory of the Knowlton known recoverable coal resource area, MT. Prep. forUSDI, BLM Cont. No. VA553 RFP2 1027. Western Ecological Services Co. 1983. Wildlife inventory of the Southwest Circle known recoverable coal resource area, MT. Prepared for U.S. Department of the Interior, BLM. Contract YA 553 RFP2 1027. Wheeler, G C . and J. Wheeler 1 966 . The amphibians and reptiles of North Dakota. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. 103 pp. Wilson, A. G and J. H. Larsen Jr 1 988. Activity and diet in seepage-dwelling Coeur dIAlene salamanders {Plethodon vandykei idahoensis). Northwest Science 62(5):21 1-217. 58 Wilson, A. G, E. Simon, and J. H. Larsen, Jr. 1989. Range extension for the Coeur dIAlene salamander, PLETHODON VANDYKEI IDAHOENSIS, to the Canada United States border. Canadian Field Nat. 103:93 94. Wilson, L. D. 1978. COLUBER CONSTRICTOR. Cat. Am. Amph. Rep. 218. 1 218.4. Yoffe, E. 1992. Silence of the frogs. NewYork Times Magazine 13 Dec 1992:36 39, 64 66, 76. 59 APPENDIX 1. DATA SHEETS USED FOR AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SURVEYS AND OBSERVATIONS 60 AMPHIBIAN SURVEY DATA SHEET: INSTRUCTIONS This data sheet is designed to fecilitate quick recording of data from field surveys of amphibians and their habitats. It appears complex and intimidatipg, but actually can be completed in a short amount of time after a minimum amount of training. Many variables require only the correct choice to be circled, and the remaining variables are numerical and easy to determine. The data sheet is divided into four sections, divided by double lines. Each section describes a cohesive set of variables. In addition the back of the sheet includes a grid for a rough sketch of the site and space for additional comments. The map is optional, but the futuie value of the data is enhanced if it is supplied. SECTION 1 - LOCALITY These data are essential. Many amphibian surveys have been hankered by the inability to relocate exact locations in the historical record. Some of this information can be completed in the office ajler the survey. DATE: Use the format DD-MMM-VY (e.g., 05-APR-92). BEGIN TIME: List the time surv^ of habitat for amphibians began in 24 hour format. END TIME: List the time the surv^ ended in 24 hour format. (The total time (END TIME - BEGIN TIME) should reflect only the amount of time spent searching for amphibians. Total time plus number of observers mey be used to assess relative abundance) OBSERVERS: List names or initials of all persons involved in searching. LOCALITY: Describe the specific geographic location of the site. Use air distance in two directions (e.g., 5km N and 7.5 km W) of a map landmark that likely will not change (distance from a large town or city is not all that helpful). STATE: Use the 2-leltcr abbreviation. COUNTY: MAP NAME: List the name of the U.S.O.S. quadrangle or other map used to locate the site. OWNER: List the public land manager (e.g., Roosevelt Nat. Forest or Rocky Mu» NP), or name of the owner if the site is on private land (listing the owner's name will make it clear that you did not tre^ass to survey the site). ELEVATION: Circle the scale used; meters are preferred. T: township R: range S: section SECTION DESCRIPTION: Describe the location of the site within the section (e.g., SE !4 orNE M ofSE U) UTM ZONE, NORTHING, EASTING: Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates are preferred over longitude and latitude. The UTM 2»ne is listed on newer topographic maps. If you are using a map without the UTM grid, substitute latitude for Northing and longitude for Easting. SECTION 2 - SPECIES DATA Ust all amphibian species observed. If garter snakes are seen, list them here also. SPECIES: Use the scientific name. Convenient shorthand is to use a 4-lettcr code made up of the first 2 letters of the genus and species (e.g., Rana sylvatica would be RASY). ADULTS/JUVENILES: Indicate presence with a check, but numbers seen are more valuable data CALLING?: Circle Y if frogs are vocalizing in a breeding chorus, of if a breedii^ aggregation of species that don't call (e.g., Bufo boreas) \s observed. TADPOLES/LARVAE: Same as for adults/juveniles EGG MASSES: Same as above. Numbers of egg masses are especially valuable data. If possible, describe the developmental stage of eggs in the space for additional notes on the back of the form. METHOD: Circle how observations were made: VISUAL/AURAL ID - species identified without pickii^ it up, either by sight or by recognition of the breeding call; HAND COLLECTED - animal was picked up and identified in the field (higher confidencethan visual id); DIP NET/SEINE - the usual method of collection for larvae; TRAPPED - minncw-type traps are also used for larvae; VOUCHER COLLECTED? - circle yes or no (voucher specimens are recommended for every site, especially if identification is uncertain and for larvae). Indicate voucher status in addition to method used. FISH PRESENT?: If yes, list species if you can. Circle the question marks if you are not certain, but suspect that fish are present. ENTIRE STTE SEARCHED?: If no, list either the meters of shoreline or the area (m^ of habitat (e.g., amount of wet meadow) searched. SECTION 3 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DATA Wuer chemistry data are difficult to collect accurately without thorough planning and quality equipment; these data are optional. Vkather data are important for determining the quality of the observations (e.g., was an absence of amphibians due to observations made durir^ a blizzard?) WEATHER, WIND: Indicate atmospheric conditions AIR TEMPERATURE: Take at chest height in shade. The Celsius scale is preferred. WATER TEMPERATURE: Take 1 meter from margin and at 2 cm depth, or where egg masses are observed. COLOR: This is a qualitative assessment of whether the water clear or tea-coloied from organic (humic) acids. TURBIDTTK This is a qualitative assessment of whether the water clear or clouded from suspended particulate matter. SECTION 4 - HABFTAT DESCRIPTION These data are important for developing hypotheses to explain chaises in abundance of amphibians. This section needs to be filled out only once for each site (a reasonable amphibian survey should iitclude at least 2-3 visits to each site in one season). ORIGIN: Decide whether the lake is a natural geologic formation or man-made. Bodies of water enlarged by a dam are problematic. List them as man-made, but add an explanation in the space for additional notes on the back of the form. DRAINAGE: Circle whether the site has permanent drainage, no drainage, or occasional drainage. Determining the potential for occasional drainage requires judgement. Look for clues in the topography and vegetation. DESCRIPTION: Decide how best to describe the site. If there is evidence of past or present beaver activity, circle one of these choices in addition to your choice. LENGTH, WIDTH: Record the maximum length and width of lakes and ponds. For streams, record the length and average width of the reach searched. MAXIMUM DEPTH: Most times, you will not have access to a boat, so estimate depth (deep lakes are usually not important to amphibians). STRE^AM ORDER: This is an index of stream size, and you will need a topographic map to determine it. First- order streams have no tributaries, second-oider streams are formed by the confluence of two I'-order streams, third-order streams are formed by the confluence of two 2"'-order streams, and so on. PRIMARY SUBSTRATE: Circle the type that covers the majority of the bottom of the site. EMERGEKT VEGETATION: Circle the percentage of the margin of the site with emergent vegetation present, and list the dominant species. If you are botanically- disad>«uitaged, list the categories of the dominant species (e.g., cattail, sedges, etc.). NORTH SHORELINE CHARACTERS: Describe the north shore of a lake or pond in terms of shallow water and emergent vegetation. This is important in evaluating quality of breeding habitat in some mountain locations. FOREST CHARACTERS: List the closest distance between the water and the surrounding forest, and list the most common tree species. Leave these fields blank if there is no forest. Describe other surrounding habitat types in the notes section on the back of the form. AMPHIBIAN SURVEY DATA SHEET - us HSH^WILDUFE service, 4612MeMU(WYAVE, ft. COUJNS,CO»OBJ6-9400 leirel* eholc* lor (hadwl varitbiM; •upply v»Iu« (or othort) (ver. 2/7/92) DATE BEGIN TIME END TIME OBSERVERS LOCALITY STATE COUNTY MAP NAME OWNER ELEVATION (eirdo lealo) M FT SECTION DESCRIPTION UTM ZONE NORTHING (orLAT) EASTING lorLON) AMPHIBIAN AND/OR GARTER SNAKE SPEOES PRESENT nNOICATE NUMBERS IN CATEGORIES IF POSSIBUE) Cna£ METHOD AND HdCATE V VOUCHER SPEOMOI WAS COLLECTED SPEDES ADULTS/JUVENILES CALLWG7 TADPOLES/LARVAE EGG MASSES METHOD- Y N VISUAUAURAL ID DIP NET/SEINE HAND COLLECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COLLECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAUAURAL ID DIP NET/SQNE HAND COLLECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COLLECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAUAURAL ID DIP NET/SQNE HAND COLUCTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COLLECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAUAURAL ID DIP NET/SEINE HAND COLLECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COLLECTED? YES NO VISUAUAURAL ID DIP NET/SEINE HAND COLLECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COLLECTED? YES NO RSHPRESENn YES ??? NO nsH SPEOES: ENTIRE SITE SEARCHED? YES NO IF NO. INDICATE AREA METERS OF SHOREUNE M* OF HABITAT PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT (CHEMISTRY VAAIABUS OPTIONAL - USE EXTRA SPACES FOR ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS! WEATHER: CLEAR OVERCAST RAIN SNOW WIND CALM UGHT STRONG AIR TEkff> (circlo *eala) WATER TEMP Idrdt tcalo) •C •F coLoa CLEAR STAINED TURBIDITY: CLEAR aOUDY pH ANC SITE DESCRIPTIONS ■ {SKETCH SITE AND PUT ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON BACK OF SHEET) OMIT THIS SECTION IF DATA HAVE BEEN COLLECTED ON A PREVIOUS VISIT ORIGIN: NATURAL MAN-MADE DRAINAGE. PERMANENT OCCASIONAL NONE DESCRIPTION: PERMANENT LAKOPOND TEMPORARY UKEff>OND MARSH/BOG STREAM SPRING/SEEP ACTIVE BEAVER POND INACTIVE BEAVER POND SITE LENGTH (Ml SITE WIDTH (M) MAXIMUM DEPTH: < 1 M 1 -2M > 2M STREAM ORDER S + PRIMARY SUBSTRATE: SILT/MUD SAND/GRAVEL COBBLE BOULOERmEOROCK OTHER % OF POND LAKE MARGIN WITH EMERGENT VEGETATION: 1 -25 25-50 >50 EMERGENT VEGETATION SPEDES lUST IN ORDER OF ABUNDANCE) NORTH SHOREUNE CHARACTERS: SHAaOWS PRESENT SHALLOWS ABSENT EMERGENT VEG PRESENT EMERGENT VEG ABSENT DISTANCE (M) TO FOREST EDGE FOREST TREE SPECIES: Gap/USFS Habitat USFWS Habii-ai- ROUGH SKETCH OF SITE GRID SPACING IS METERS BETWEEN LINES ^ >..>■••■■>■■■« .•(•••■I ADDITIONAL NOTES: Miscellaneous Observation Form Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 E 6th Ave PO Box 201800 Helena, MT 59620-1800 Observer_ Address Phone No. INSTRUCTIONS" Please use this sheet to submit sight, call, or specimen records of any Montana amphibian or reptile species. Use a separate line for each species and site. On the back of the sheet include any additional comments or supporting information. Please provide as specific location information as possible, particularly for the following species of special concern: Coeur d'Alene Salamander, Idaho Giant Salamander, Tailed Frog, Canadian Toad, Wood Frog, Snapping Turtle, Spiny Softshell, Short-homed Lizard, Sagebrush Lizard, Western Hognose Snake, and Smooth Green Snake. Documentation is required for Idaho Giant Salamander and Wood Frog (photo, through description, verification by experienced observer, etc.). An identification guide is available in the May/June 1995 issue of Montana Outdoors (reprints available at the MT Nat. Heritage Prog). Species Location County Township Range Section orUTM Date Mo/DayA^r Time # Adults -- D -~o # Larvae Example: Leopard Frog McNab Pond Carter T01NR59ESect 19NE 5/20/94 8:30a 5 200 Example: Milk Snake 3.4 mi W, 1.2 mi N of Harlowton Wheatland 5145200 N, 584700 E 8/15/94 ll:15p 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Coniinciils: Include method of observation, measurements, documentation for species of special concern, disposition of specimens, weather, etc. Numbers correspond to those on the otiicr side of this sheet. Use additional space or sheets if necessary. Example: Sunny wann day, about 75°. Adults (3 seen; 2 heard calling only) at margin of ponds in cattails. Very small tadpoles seen; 1 egg mass still present. Example: Found dead in the road in sagebrush flat near rinirocks; 24" long; Colored with bands of yellow / black / red / black / yellow...; deposited m MSU Museum 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. II. APPENDIX 2. SITES SURVEYED DURING 1993-94 AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SURVEYS 66 Appendix 2. Sites surveyed during 1994 amphibian and reptile surveys Site Location Elevation Date Start Time LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL FOREST Rocky Mountain District Bean Lake* Beaver Basin Beaver Crk pond Blacktail Gulch* Falls Creek Kiyo Crag Lake & Jones Crk, . 7 mi Little Willow Creek, Lubec Lake, NE i^ T18N T20N T21N T21N T17N ponds T29N W of on FS144* T25N head of T20N T30N Palookaville beaver ponds T30N R07W R0 9W R0 9W R0 9W R07W R12W R0 9W R0 9W R13W R12W S13&24 SO 4 NE4 S15 S33 SE4 S03 S2 S02&01 S15 S14 SIO NE4 S2 5 NE4 Pond .4 mi past Cave Mtn trnoff* T25N R09W S26 NE4 Teton Pass, 1.5 road mi N of* T25N R09W S06 Teton River, 7 Lazy P. Ranch T25N R09W S26 Wagner Basin T22N R09W S36 Willow Creek ponds T20N R09W S23 Wood Creek* T20N RlOW S22 Wood Creek pond T20N RlOW S26 Wood Creek, pond below Wood Lk T20N RlOW S36 SE4 SE4SE4 4555 6000 4860 4800 4900 6208 5200 5740 5040 5360 5150 6000 5100 4600 5540 5480 5490 5720 04 Jul 94 1615 27 May 94 1420 27 May 94 1510 05 Jul 94 1550 05 Jul 94 1030 06 Jul 94 1035 26 May 94 1630 27 may 94 1350 25 May 94 1800 06 Jul 94 1455 26 May 94 1825 26 May 94 1730 26 May 94 1515 05 Jul 94 1330 27 May 94 1245 27 May 94 0945 27 May 94 1025 27 May 94 1130 Sites with no herps found during survey Appendix 2. (cont.) Sites surveyed during 1994 amphibian and reptile surveys Site Location Elevation Date Start Time JEFFERSON DIVISION Big Snowy Mountains Crystal Lake Crazy Mountains Cottonwood Creek, W Fork* Forest Lake T12N R17E S13 T06N RIOE SIO T06N RIOE S26&35 Castle Mountains Blackhawk Cabins meadows* T09N ROSE S36 Checkerboard Crk, E Fork hdwtr* T09N ROSE S25&36 Checkerboard Creek, W Fork T09N ROSE S24 Lennep, pond . S mi N TOSN R09E S25 Thorsen's Pond* T09N R09E S20 NW4 Highwood Mountains Briggs Creek seep* T20N R09E S2S NE4NW4 Highwood Crk, nr Cow Camp* T20N R09E S29 NW4 Highwood Creek, middle* T20N R09E S33 center Highwood Creek, beaver complex* T19N R09E S09 NE4 Highwood Creek, hdwtrs seeps* T19N R09E S15 NW4 6000 6100 6490 6S50 6700 6200 5350 6560 4520 4440 46S0 5020 5320 07 Jul 94 1400 OS Jul 94 0950 07 Jul 94 1S35 OS Jul 94 1345 OS Jul 94 1410 OS Jul 94 1530 OS Jul 94 1205 OS Jul 94 1310 2S May 94 1300 2S May 94 1330 2S May 94 1405 2S May 94 1430 2S May 94 1525 Sites with no herps found during survey Appendix 2. (cont.) Sites surveyed during 1994 amphibian and reptile surveys Site Location Elevation Date Start Time JEFFERSON DIVISION (continued) Little Belt Mountains Bear Park, Basin Crk hdwtrs* Belt Crk Info Cntr, pond .5 mi Clyde Park Crater Lake & ponds Harley Park* Onion Park Russian Flat pond Sheep Creek complex* Yogo Creek, upper TUN RIOE S34 6300 SIT14N ROSE S06 NW4NW4 5030 TUN RIOE S28 N2 6V00 TUN ROVE S25 SE4SW4 5880 T14N ROVE S33 V350 T13N ROVE S4&5 V400 TUN RIOE S12 SW4SW4 6330 T12N ROVE S36 N4 5900 T13N RIOE S5 6200 09 Jul 94 1220 28 May 94 1830 09 Jul 94 1105 29 May 94 1325 08 Jul 94 1930 09 Jul 94 0815 09 Jul 94 1330 29 May 94 1035 09 Jul 94 1520 Sites with no herps found during survey APPENDIX 3. AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OBSERVED DURING SURVEYS OF THE LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL FOREST IN 1994 70 Appendix 3. Amphibians and reptiles observed during surveys of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in 1993-94 1 Site Person Total number of adults/juv of each species observed Hrs:min AMMA AMTI ASTR BUBO PSTR RAPR THSI THEL Rocky Mountain District Beaver Basin 0:20 5* Beaver Crk pond 0:50 8 Falls Creek 1:30 * Kiyo Crag Lake/pond 3:20 25* Little Willow Creek 0:30 6 1 Lubec Lake, NE i^ 1 : 1 5 3 Palookaville ponds 1:20 13* Teton River, 7 Lazy PI: 10 * Wagner Basin 3:10 * Willow Creek ponds 1:20 21 1 Wood Creek pond 1:10 8* Wood Ck, belw Wood Lk0:40 * 18 * ^AMMA=Amby stoma macrodactylum; AMTI=Ambystoma tigrinum; ASTR=Ascaphus truei; BUBO=Bufo boreas; PSRE= Pseudacris regilla; RAPR=Rana pretiosa; THSI=Thamnophis sirtalis; THEL=Thamnophis elegans. *denotes site with breeding, i.e. tadpoles, larvae, or eggs present Appendix 3. (cont.) Amphibians and reptiles observed during surveys of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in 1993-94 Site Person Total number of adults/juv of each species observed Hrs:min AMMA AMTI ASTR BUBO PSTR RAPR THSI THEL JEFFERSON DIVISION Big Snowy Mountains Crystal Lake 1:35 Crazy Mountains Forest Lake 1:35 Castle Mountains Checkerboard Ck, W Fk0:20 Lennep, pond .8 mi N 0:11 Little Belt Mountains Belt Crk Info Cntr Clyde Park Crater Lake & ponds Onion Park Russian Flat pond Yogo Creek, upper 20 52 1 00 57 15 1 00 3 1* 1* 2 1* 1 ^AMMA=Amby stoma macrodactylum; AMTI=Ambystoma tigrinum; ASTR=Ascaphus truei; BUBO=Bufo boreas; PSRE= Pseudacris regilla; RAPR=Rana pretiosa; THSI=Thamnophis sirtalis; THEL=Thamnophis elegans. *denotes site with breeding, i.e. tadpoles, larvae, or eggs present APPENDIX 4. AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES REPORTED FROM IN AND AROUND THE LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL FOREST 73 Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type LONG TOED SALAMANDER Granite .5 to 5 mil / / No Observation Kitchen Creek, near Missoula Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 4/28/1962 No Museum Specimen 2 mi. S. of East Helena on branch McClellen Creek Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 4/28/1962 No Museum Specimen S. of East Helena on Al Palmer Ranch Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 4/28/1962 Yes Museum Specimen 2 mi. s. of East Helena on branch McClellen Creek Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 8/25/1959 No Museum Specimen Horse trough off McClellen Creek Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 7/ /1 972 No Museum Specimen Near Clancy Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 Yes Observation Wood Creek, just below Wood Lake, 5700 ft. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/5/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Wagner Basin, 4600 ft. Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/13/1983 No Museum Specimen Upper Grizzly Gulch Missoula .5 to 5 mil 4/24/1950 No Observation Overflow of Union Creek, near McNamara, ca. 3500 ft. Missoula <.5mile. 7/1/1993 No Observation S of NWl/4 of section 29, pond E of Boles PL Missoula <.5mile. 7/1/1993 No Observation NW of NE of section 32, lily pad pond. TIGER SALAMANDER Cascade 5 to 10 mil 1 1/ /1992 No Observation Malmstrom AFB near Great F alls Cascade .5 to 5 mil /1 8/1 942 No Museum Specimen 5 miles S. of Great Falls Chouteau > 10 miles. // No Museum Specimen Fort Benton Chouteau 5 to 10 mil 9/ /1 967 No Observation Teton River near Fort Benton Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type TIGER SALAMANDER (contmued) Glacier > 10 miles. // No Museum Specimen Blackfoot Indian Reservation, 1 6 miles S W of Cut Bank Glacier .5 to 5 mil // No Observation 4 mi NE of Marias Pass summit Meagher <.5mile. 7/8/1994 Yes Observation Pond 0.8 mi. N. of Lennep Teton <.5mile. 6/22/1993 No Observation S.E.Pme Butte Unknown .5 to 5 mil /1 8/1 917 No Museum Specimen VoltaDam, 13.5 miles below GreatFalls Unknown > 10 miles. 9/10/1952 No Museum Specimen Lothair Wheatland .5 to 5 mil 7/ /1 904 No Museum Specimen Winnecook Ranch: Stock reservoir Wheatland <.5mile. / /1 994 No Observation Chief Joseph Park Pond, Harlowton TAILED FROG Flathead .5 to 5 mil 7/11/1934 No Museum Specimen Glacier National Park 3 . 5 miles above mouth of Muir creek Flathead > 10 miles. 7/24/1934 No Museum Specimen Glacier National Park, Coal Creek tributaries Flathead .5 to 5 mil 6/28/1934 No Museum Specimen Glacier National Park, 8 mi above mouth of Ole Creek Flathead .5 to 5 mil 7/6/1934 No Museum Specimen Glacier National Park, 6 mi above mouth of Park Creek Flathead 5 to 10 mil // No Observation Coal Creek Flathead 5 to 10 mil // No Observation Ole Creek Flathead 5 to 10 mil // No Observation Park Creek Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type TAILED FROG (contmued) Flathead .5 to 5 mil / /1 969 No Observation Soldier and Clark Creeks Flathead .5 to 5 mil / /1 969 No Observation Bear and Skyland Creeks Flathead .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Midvale Creek, near Glacier National Park Granite 5 to 10 mil 7/24/1958 No Museum Specimen Ranch Creek, ca. 1 1 mi. S. of I 90 on Rock Creek Rd. Granite .5 to 5 mil 7/24/1958 No Museum Specimen Ranch Creek (tributary of Rock Creek) Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Observation Tributary of Copper Creek, tributary of the Blackfoot River Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/5/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Falls Creek, crossing down to falls. Missoula .5 to 5 mil 5/4/1947 No Observation Spring on Gold Creek, near Gold Creek Ranger Station Missoula 5 to 10 mil 7/22/1950 No Museum Specimen Placid Creek, ca. 4 mi. SW of Seeley Lake Missoula .5 to 5 mil / /1 969 No Observation Owl Creek Pondera < .5 mile. 10/7/1994 Yes Observation E Fork Woods Creek; also sec. 16, Whiterock Creek Powell 5 to 10 mil // No Observation Morrell Creek, tributary of Clearwater River Teton <.5mile. 7/8/1994 Yes Observation On Mt. Wright hiking trail at small stream that trail crosses. WESTERN TOAD Broadwater > 10 miles. / /1 966 Yes Observation Near Canyon Ferry Reservoir, small spring in open ponderosa pine. Carbon .5 to 5 mil / /1 966 No Observation Kmgs Hill, 7000 ft. Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TOAD (contmued) Cascade .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Little Belt Mountams, 1 .2 miles N. (Hwy 89) of Kings Hill Pass, 7200 ft. Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 Yes Museum Specimen Highwood Creek near Arrow Creek Divide Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 No Museum Specimen Highwood Creek near Arrow Creek Divide Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 Yes Museum Specimen Upper Highwood Creek near pass to Arrow Creek Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 Yes Museum Specimen Upper Highwood Creek near pass to Arrow Creek Flathead >10miles. 7/6/1934 No Museum Specimen Park Creek, Glacier National Park. Flathead .5 to 5 mil 7/23/1949 No Observation South Fork River and Addition Creek Granite .5 to 5 mil 7/11/1977 Yes Museum Specimen 1/4 mi W of Bearmouth, rest area off I 90. Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/12/1958 No Museum Specimen BearLake, 7000 feet Meagher > 10 miles. 8/4/1899 No Museum Specimen Deep Creek Canyon, Big Belt Mountains Meagher 5 to 1 mil 9/5/1918 No Museum Specimen 6 mi SW of Lennep. Meagher > 10 miles. 8/23/1919 No Museum Specimen Fort Logan, Camas Creek (4 mi S). Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/20/1951 No Museum Specimen Sheep Creek near Jumping Creek Campgrounds Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/24/1951 Yes Museum Specimen Adams Ranch, Sheep Creek Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/ 6/1958 No Museum Specimen Lake Creek Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TOAD (contmued) Missoula .5 to 5 mil 5/2/1948 No Observation Morrel Creek near Seeley Lake; Archibald Creek near Seeley Lake, 4000 ft. Missoula .5 to 5 mil / /1 966 No Observation Rainy Lake Missoula <.5mile. 7/1/1993 No Observation S of NWl/4 of section 29, Pond E of Boles Point. Phillips .5 to 5 mil 8/10/1972 No Museum Specimen Slippery Ann Station Pondera <.5mile. 7/13/1994 No Observation Damp area along E Fork Woods Creek. Teton <.5mile. 5/26/1994 Yes Observation 7 Lazy P Ranch, Lewis and Clark NF, 5 100 ft. Teton <.5mile. 6/21/1993 Yes Observation NW of NW section 13, Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Wheatland > 10 miles. / /1 966 No Observation Grassy spring in the short grass prarie W. of Harlowton GREAT PLAINS TOAD Toole .5 to 5 mil 7/20/1950 Yes Observation cattle pond on the prairie apprx. 1 mi S of camp ( 1 mi S of Galata) WOODHOUSEiS TOAD Fergus .5 to 5 mil 7/24/1919 No Museum Specimen On Missouri River 5 miles north of Wilder Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/9/1991 No Museum Specimen Missouri River at Fred Robinson Bridge. Mussellshell . 5 to 5 mil 8/7/1918 No Museum Specimen 1 mile west of Kline WESTERN CHORUS FROG Cascade <. 5 mile. 5/28/1994 No CallHeardOnly On Hwy 89 go 5 mi. W. of Hwy 200 junction to pond on N. side of road Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN CHORUS FROG (contmued) Cascade 5 to 10 mil 6/7/1993 No Observation Chestnut Valley Sand hills Chouteau 5 to 10 mil 5/ /1 967 No Observation Near Fort Benton Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 7/22/1962 Yes Museum Specimen Swan Ranch E. of Highwood Fergus .5 to 5 mil 7/26/1991 No Museum Specimen 5 mi. E. of Roy Glacier < .5 mile. 5/25/1 994 No Call Heard Only Both ponds at intersection, T30NR11W S16 Judith Basm <.5mile. 5/27/1994 No Call Heard Only T18NR10ES20 JudithBasin <.5mile. / /1 994 No Observation AlsoT19NR09ESec.22,offFSRD122. JudithBasin <.5mile. 5/28/1994 No Museum Specimen 5 mi. N., 3 mi. W. of Geyser, 4370 ft. Lewis& Clark <. 5 mile. 5/27/1994 No CaU Heard Only Anderson Lake Liberty <.5mile. 7/7/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Moffat Bridge on Marias River, ca. 6 mi. ESE of Tiber Dam Petroleum 5 to 10 mil 8/ /1 968 No Museum Specimen Near War Horse Lake Pondera <.5mile. 5/26/1994 No Museum Specimen T28NR8WS5 Pondera <.5mile. 7/13/1994 No Observation Spring seep area T29NR12W S9. Teton <.5mile. 6/21/1993 No Observation NEl/4 of NEl/4 S34, near the Teton River, Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Teton <.5mile. 6/21/1993 No Observation NW of NW sec 13 Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN CHORUS FROG (contmued) Teton <.5mile. 6/22/1993 No Observation SE of SE of S2, Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Teton <.5mile. 6/22/1993 No Observation Bellview Rd Pond Teton <.5mile. 6/22/1993 No Observation NEl/4 of Sect 17, Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Teton <.5mile. 6/22/1993 No Observation SEPme Butte Toole > 10 miles. 7/ /1 950 No Observation in the area near camp ( 1 mi S of Galata) Wheatland > 10 miles. 8/29/1918 No Museum Specimen 5 miles SW of Oka PLAINS SPADEFOOT Cascade .5 to 5 mil / /1 934 No Museum Specimen 4.5 miles W. of Great Falls Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/31/1948 No Museum Specimen 3 mi. S. of Cascade, Missouri River Cascade .5 to 5 mil 9/ /1 962 No Museum Specimen NE of Great FaUs Cascade <. 5 miles / /1 992 Yes Observation Great Falls Toole .5 to 5 mil 7/21/1950 No Observation dry flood plain at camp (10 mi S of Galata) NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG Broadwater <.5mile. 5/10/1993 No Observation Deepdale FAS. Directly E. across channel from Deepdale BE nest Cascade <. 5 miles 6/ /1 994 No Observation cutoff slough along Belt Creek, T 1 8N R6E Sec 1 2 Lweis and Clark <. 5 miles / /1993 No Observation small riparian ponds along Dearborn River, T 1 8N R7 W Sec. 25 Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (contmued) Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 No Museum Specimen Upper Highland Creek near Arrow Creek Divide. Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 No Museum Specimen Upper extreme of Highwood Creek, near mouth of Beaver Creek Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 8/31/1948 No Museum Specimen 3 mi. S. of Cascade, Missouri River Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/20/1918 No Museum Specimen 8 miles W. of Lewistown, on Beaver Creek Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/19/1918 No Museum Specimen 7 miles NE of Lewistown, Judith Mountains Fergus .5 to 5 mil 7/28/1919 No Museum Specimen 7 miles NE of Hilger Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/4/1919 No Museum Specimen 5 miles NW of Hilger, Moccassin Mountains Fergus <.5mile. 8/28/1994 No Observation T13NR22ES23 Fergus 5 to 10 mil 8/13/1948 No Museum Specimen Beaver Creek, S. of Lewistown Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil 7/1 8/1 958 No Museum Specimen Sun River, 5500 feet Liberty 5 to 10 mil 6/13/1950 No Observation 6 miles east of reservoir area at Turner Memorial Park Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/30/1918 No Museum Specimen Martinsdale, S. fork of Missellshell River Meagher .5 to 5 mil 10/21/1950 No Museum Specimen S. Fork Mussellshell near Lennep Powell 5to 10 mil 7/3/1973 No Museum Specimen North Fork of Blackfoot River Teton <.5mile. 7/21/1993 No Observation NE of NE of sect 7, Pine Butte Swamp Preserve. Teton .5 to 5 mil 8/27/1949 No Museum Specimen 5 mi. E. of Choteau. Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (contmued) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /1 8/1 942 No Museum Specimen Musselshell River at Shawmut Wheatland . 5 to 5 mil 8/28/1 9 1 8 No Museum Specimen 5 miles SW of Oka Wheatland . 5 to 5 mil 8/28/1 9 1 8 No Museum Specimen 3 miles N. of Judith Gap SPOTTED FROG Cascade .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Little Belt Mountains, 1.2 miles N. of Kings Hill Pass Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/8/1944 No Museum Specimen 12 miles S. of Neihart Cascade .5 to 5 mil 6/27/1973 No Museum Specimen North of Kings Hill Campground, Hwy. 89, Little Belt Mountains Cascade <.5mile. 5/28/1994 No Museum Specimen Pond 0.5 mi N. of Belt Creek Info Center on E. side of Hwy. 89 Flathead .5 to 5 mil 7/25/1934 No Museum Specimen Galcier National Park, Marthais Basin Lake Glacier <.5mile. 5/25/1994 No Observation NE 1/4 of Lubec Lake, 5040 ft. Glacier <.5mile. 7/6/1994 Yes Observation Palookaville Beaver Ponds Granite .5 to 5 mil 7/11/1977 No Museum Specimen 0.25 mile W. of Bear Mouth, at rest area off Hwy. 90. Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 7/8/1944 No Museum Specimen 5 miles W. of Bemice JudithBasin <.5mile. 5/20/1994 No Observation Along tributary to Dry Pole Gulch. JudithBasin <.5mile. 7/9/1994 Yes Observation Clyde Park, Little Belt Mountains, 6700 ft. JudithBasin <.5mile. 7/9/1994 No Observation Upper Yogo Creek, Little Belt Mountains, 6200 ft. Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (contmued) Judith Basin <.5mile. 7/9/1994 Yes Observation Pond in Russian Flat, Little Belt Mountains JudithBasin .5 to 5 mil 7/12/1991 Yes Museum Specimen Clyde Park Pond, Litle Belt Mountains Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil // No Observation 2.3 miles W. of Flasher Pass tributary of Blackfoot River Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Wood Creek, just below Wood Lake Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 Yes Observation Willow Creek Ponds, 5540 ft., also Sec. 14 Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 No Observation Pond above Beaver Creek, S. of Green Timber Basin. Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 9/ 3/1 994 No Observation Prickley Pear Creek just W. of Stansfield Lake. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 No Observation Head of Little Willow Creek. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 Yes Observation Beaver Basin (road sign) Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Wood Creek Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation Pond, ca. 400 m from the main stack of East Helena Smelter Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation Ca. 1.6 km SSE from the East Helena Smelter in springs Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation McClellan Creek Quarry Lake Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/22/1994 No Museum Specimen 7 Up Pete Proposed Gold Mine area on HWY 200, ca. 10 mi. E. of Lincoln. Meagher . 5 to 5 mil 9/3/1918 No Museum Specimen Martinsdale, S. Fork of Mussellshell River Meagher .5 to 5 mil 6/ 1/1978 No Museum Specimen Dry Fork of Musselshell River Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (contmued) Meagher <.5mile. 5/29/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Crater Lake and ponds above, 5880 ft. Meagher <.5mile. 7/7/1994 No Museum Specimen Forest Lake, Crazy Mountains, also Sec. 35, 6490 ft. Meagher <.5mile. 7/8/1994 No Observation W. fork Checkerboard Creek, Castle Mountains, 6200 ft. Meagher <.5mile. 7/9/1994 No Observation Onion Park, Little Belt Mountains, also sec. 5. Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/ 6/1958 No Museum Specimen Lake Creek Meagher .5 to 5 mil 5/13/1950 No Museum Specimen Near Ringling Hot Well Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/ 6/1958 No Museum Specimen Lake Creek Missoula .5 to 5 mil 5/18/1948 No Observation Overflow of Union Creek, near McNamara Missoula <.5mile. 7/2/1993 No Observation T16NR15WS25 Pondera <.5mile. 7/6/1994 Yes Observation Kiyo CragLake andPond, and sm. pond on RD 9218 Powell .5 to 5 mil 7/21/1891 No Museum Specimen Elliston, near Little Blackfoot River PAINTED TURTLE Broadwater <.5mile. 5/ /1 993 No Observation Canyon Ferry WMA east side. Broadwater 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Black 1 970 Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 6/9/1994 No Observation W. of Augusta along Benchmark Rd. W. of Nilan Reservoir, next to 2 ponds Powell .5 to 5 mil 9/7/1994 No Observation Lahrity Lake in Ovando Valley Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type PAINTED TURTLE (cont.) Powell .5 to 5 mil 9/ 8/1 994 No Observation Evans Lake Powell 5 to 1 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Black 1 970 Teton 5 to 1 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Black, 1 970 SPINY SOFTSHELL Broadwater 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported Canyon Ferry Reservoir (may be erroreous) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /1 7/1 942 No Museum Specimen Musselshell River, near Shawmut Wheatland .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Musselshell River near Shawmut. SHORT HORNED LIZARD Chouteau > 10 miles. // No Museum Specimen Near Fort Benton Chouteau 5-10 miles spring 1985 No Observation Cascade Hutterite Colony west of Ulm in breaks, 3500 ft. Golden Valley > 10 miles. 8/ /1 894 No Museum Specimen Painted Robe Creek Toole > 10 miles. / /1 950 No Observation tops of ridges between coulees near camp (10 mi S of Galata) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /29/1933 No Museum Specimen Harlowton SAGEBRUSH LIZARD Mussellshell 5 to 10 mil 8/3/1908 No Museum Specimen Roundup, 8 mi S of RUBBER BOA Broadwater 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 3/ /1 949 No Museum Specimen Worth Ranch, Canyon Creek Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type RACER Flathead 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Toole .5 to 5 mil 7/26/1950 No Observation in a couleejustN of camp (10 mi S of Galata) WESTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE Mussellshell 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Teton 5 to 1 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 GOPHER SNAKE Broadwater <.5mile. 5/21/1994 No Observation Hwy. 12 between Helena and Townsend Cascade 5 to 10 mil 7/6/1993 No Observation Chestnut Valley Sandhills Cascade 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Cascade <. 5 miles 6/ /1 994 No Observation near Belt Creek, T 1 8N R6E Sec 1 2 Chouteau .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Fort Benton Lewis&Clark .5 to 5 mil 10/15/1982 No Museum Specimen Junction Sheep and Little Prickly Pear Creeks Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type GOPHER SNAKE (contmued) Toole > 10 miles. / /1 950 No Observation 9 from river valley, 1 from coulees, 2 from Prairie (approx. 1 mi S of Ga) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil / /1 932 No Museum Specimen Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen 20 miles E. of Harlowton WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER SNAKE Broadwater .5 to 5 mil 9/ /1 962 No Museum Specimen W. of Winston Cascade <.5mile. 5/28/1994 No Observation Pond 0.5 mi N. of Belt Creek Info Center on E. side of Hwy. 89 Cascade .5 to 5 mil 10/15/1992 No Museum Specimen 5 mi. SE of Fairfield Chouteau .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Fort Benton Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 7/21/1962 No Museum Specimen Shankin Creek, Highwood Mountains Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 5/ /1 963 No Museum Specimen N. Fork Highwood Creek Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/23/1954 No Museum Specimen 22 miles S., 12 miles E. of Lewiston Fergus .5 to 5 mil 7/2/1961 No Museum Specimen 3milesW., 18milesS. of Lewiston, Big Snowy Mts. Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/15/1918 No Museum Specimen Heath, 1 5 mi S of. Big Snowy Mountains Fergus 5 to 10 mil 8/4/1919 No Museum Specimen Hilger, 5 mi NW of. Mocassin Mountains Fergus 5 to 10 mil 7/27/1919 No Museum Specimen Hilger, 7 mi NE of Fergus <.5mile. 7/7/1994 No Observation Crystal Lake, Big Snowy Mountains, 6000 ft. Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER SNAKE (contmued) Gallatin 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Judith B asin . 5 to 5 mil 8/7/1919 No Museum Specimen Stanford, 20 SW of. Little Belt Mtns, on Dry Wolf Creek JudithBasin .5 to 5 mil 8/13/1919 No Museum Specimen Geyser, Otter Creek, (10 mi SW) Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Sun River at U. S. Hy 287, N of Augusta Lewis& Clark >10miles. 7/20/1891 No Museum Specimen Helena, near, Mc Clellan Creek Lewis & Clark > 10 miles. 7/18/1958 No Museum Specimen Sun River, elevation 5500 ft. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 No Observation Head of Little Willow Creek Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation Pond, ca. 400 m from the main stack of East Helena Smelter Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation Where Prickly Pear Creek flows along slag pile at East Helena Smelter Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation McClellan Creek Quarry Lake Liberty > 10 miles. II /1950 No Observation Liberty County about 6 mi. W of camp (approx. 10 mi. S of Galata) Meagher . 5 to 5 mil 9/4/1918 No Museum Specimen Grovedale (Groveland), 3 mi W of Meagher .5 to 5 mil 8/30/1918 No Museum Specimen Martinsdale, S Fork of Musselshell River Meagher 5 to 10 mil 8/22/1919 No Museum Specimen Fort Logan, Camas Creek, (4 mi S) Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER SNAKE (contmued) Meagher . 5 to 5 mil 8/31/1918 No Museum Specimen Martinsdale, S fork of Musselshell River Missoula <.5mile. 7/1/1993 No Observation Grassy hillside, 100m from riparian area Clearwater River Missoula <.5mile. 9/ /1 950 No Specimen Reported Upper Holland L ake Missoula <.5mile. 9/ /1 950 No Specimen Reported Gyp Mountain Powell > 10 miles. 7/31/1967 No Museum Specimen North Fork of the Blackfoot River Powell > 10 miles. 7/3/1973 No Museum Specimen North Fork of the Blackfoot River Powell <.5mile. 6/ /1 950 No Specimen Reported Cottonwood Creek Teton .5 to 5 mil 10/16/1982 No Museum Specimen 10 mi. W. of Chouteau PLAINS GARTER SNAKE Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/31/1894 No Museum Specimen Great Falls Chouteau .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Fort Benton Toole .5 to 5 mil 7/16/1950 No Observation margin of cattle pond 1 .5 mi S of camp(10 mi S Of Galata COMMON GARTER SNAKE Carbon .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Fort Benton Cascade .5 to 5 mil 9/6/1994 No Observation Schrammeck L ake Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 6/24/1962 No Museum Specimen Upper Highwood Creek near pass to Arrow Creek Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type COMMON GARTER SNAKE (contmued) Fergus .5 to 5 mil 8/16/1918 No Museum Specimen 1 mile SE of Lewistown Golden Valley . 5 to 5 mil 1 0/10/1 994 No Observation Near Big Coulee Creek JudithBasin <.5mile. 5/20/1994 No Observation Along tributary to Dry Pole Gulch. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/27/1994 No Observation Willow Creek Ponds, 5540 ft. Lewis& Clark <. 5 mile. 5/5/1994 No Observation Smith Creek Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Missoula <.5mile. 7/2/1993 No Observation NWl/4of SEl/4 Sec25, lOmfrom water Teton <.5mile. 7/5/1993 No Observation Durr Place, outside tack room. Pine Butte Swamp Preserve WESTERN RATTLESNAKE Cascade 5 to 10 mil 9/ 1/1894 No Museum Specimen Great Falls Cascade .5 to 5 mil /10/1937 No Museum Specimen 7 miles NW of Cascade Cascade .5 to 5 mil 7/29/1972 No Museum Specimen 3 mi. N. Manchester Cascade .5 to 5 mil / /1 927 No Museum Specimen Cascade Chouteau .5 to 5 mil 10/ /1 937 No Museum Specimen 30 miles east of Brady, 2 miles south of Russell Chouteau .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Ft. Benton Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN RATTLESNAKE (contmued) Fergus .5 to 5 mil 7/24/1919 No Museum Specimen 5 miles north of Wilder on Missouri River Gallatin 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/28/1 949 No Museum Specimen Wirth Ranch Liberty <.5mile. 7/6/1994 No Observation 5.3 mi. E. of Tiber Dam on Prospect Road, 3030ft., also sec. 10. Mussellshell 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963 Toole > 10 miles. 7/24/1950 No Observation Marias river near camp (10 mi south of Galata) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil // No Museum Specimen 2 miles S. of Hedgesville, 20 miles E. of Harlowton Wheatland > 10 miles. 8/12/1903 No Museum Specimen vie of Harlowton Wheatland > 10 miles. 4/16/1967 No Museum Specimen vie Harlowton Wheatland > 10 miles. 5/11/1984 No Museum Specimen vie of Harlowton Wheatland <.5mile. / /1 989 No Observation Behind USPS office, Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /24/1 932 No Museum Specimen 8 miles S. of Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /29/1932 No Museum Specimen 8 miles S. of Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /22/1933 No Museum Specimen 2 miles S Hedgesville Natural Heritage Program 03/04/1 995 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN RATTLESNAKE (contmued) Wheatland .5 to 5 mil / /1 935 No Museum Specimen 8 miles S. of Harlowton Wheatland .5 to 5 mil / /1 932 No Museum Specimen 2 miles S Hedgeville Wheatland .5 to 5 mil /24/1926 No Museum Specimen 8 miles S. of Harlowton Yellowstone 5 to 1 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1 963