Amphibian and Reptile

Surveys on

Montana Refuges:

1998 - 1999

A Report to the
U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service:

Montana Field Office

CM. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Submitted by
Paul Hendricks

December, 1999

M o s T A ^■ .^

NatuoJ Heritage
Program

© 1999 Montana Natural Heritage Program

1515 East Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 201800, Helena, MT 59620-1800

This document should be cited as follows:

Hendricks, P. 1999. Amphibian and reptile surveys on Montana refuges: 1998-1999. Montana Natural Heritage
Program. Helena, MT. 22 pp.

ABSTRACT

A total of 1 9 site surveys for amphibians and reptiles was conducted at 1 5 National Wildlife
Refuge (NWR) and Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) "units" in 1 998- 1 999 in central and eastern
Montana. Sites were chosen to augment data already available on these Fish and Wildlife Service units
in the Montana Natural Heritage Program databases, to fill distribution gaps, and to visit sites where
species rare in Montana were reported previously. No sites were visited more than twice, however,
thus species tallies for each site are incomplete. Surveys, made by one individual, focused on wetlands,
such as ponds, lakes, streams or seeps. Because of this habitat focus, reptiles especially were
underrepresented in the results, unless associated with wetland sites. Surveys lasted 1 5-240 minutes,
depending on site conditions and/or size. Opportunistic observations made in the region during field
work, along with sightings reported by USF WS personnel, are included in this report.

Four amphibian and three reptile species total were detected on 12 site surveys at 9 units. The
species detected included Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) on 1 survey (1 unit). Western
Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) on 4 surveys (3 units), Woodhouse's Toad {Bufo woodhousii) on
2 surveys (2 units). Northern Leopard Frog {Ranapipiens) on 4 surveys (3 units). Painted Turtle
{Chrysemys pictd) on 1 survey (1 unit). Racer {Coluber constrictor) on 1 survey (1 unit), and Plains
Garter Snake {Thamnophis radix) on 3 surveys (2 units). Refuge personnel contributed several
records of opportunistic encounters for species not detected during surveys at one unit (Medicine Lake
NWR), and at one other unit (Bowdoin NWR) where site surveys were not conducted. Seven
additional site surveys and 4 opportunistic observations in the vicinity of several units (but not on
USFWS lands) indicated the likely occurrence of some species on refuge units where they were not
detected.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT i

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv

INTRODUCTION 1

METHODS AND MATERIALS 3

Figure 1. USFWS Units visited 1998-1999 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5

General Summary 5

USFWS Unit Accounts 6

RECOMMENDATIONS 10

BIBLIOGRAPHY 12

APPENDIX 1. SITES SURVEYED 21

APPENDIX 2. SPECIES DETECTED ON SURVEYS 22

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Martin Miller for data entry and Cedron Jones for producing the map. Financial
support for the proj ect came from Challenge Cost-Share Agreement No. 1 448-60 1 8 1 -98- J3 80
between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Natural Heritage Program.
Museum records of Montana amphibians and reptiles were received from over 20 institutions (a list is
available in previous reports on amphibian and reptile surveys). These important records form the
historical base from which changes in abundance and distribution can be identified. Most museum data
were received with the help of Dr. Charles Peterson, Idaho State University, Pocatello. Other records
pertinent to this report and period of study were made available by Dr. Kirwin Werner (Ronan), Ted
Nordhagen (Westby), Frank Durbian (Bowdoin NWR), and Beth Madden (Medicine Lake NWR).

IV

INTRODUCTION

Populations of several amphibian species are currently declining in the western U.S. and
elsewhere around the world. Acid rain, ozone depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and heavy metals,
predation and/or competition by exotic species, habitat alteration, climatic changes, disease, immune
system problems, and combinations of several of these factors have all been suggested as possible
causes (Com and Fogelman 1 984, Phillips 1 990, Yoflfe 1 992). Recognition of these alarming
population trends has renewed interest in the status amphibian populations in particular, and raised
awareness regarding current ignorance of the status of many reptile species as well.

The amphibians and reptiles occupying the plains of eastem Montana have received scant
attention by naturalists and biologists. As a consequence, we know very little about the status,
population trends, habitat requirements, and reproductive biology of many species within this region of
the state. With new information acquired in the last 5 years from a series of regional inventories of the
herpetofauna in eastem Montana (e.g., Reichel 1 995b, Hendricks and Reichel 1 996, Hendricks and
Reichel 1 998, Roedel and Hendricks 1 998, Hendricks 1 999), we are gaining an understanding of
abundance and population trends for several species. In addition, we are "fleshing ouf known
distributions that were largely based on opportunistic encounters and other data at least half a century
old.

In 1 805-1 806 Lewis and Clark were the first to document the presence of Spiny Softshell
(Trionyx spiniferus), Eastem Short-homed Lizard {Phrynosoma hernandezi), Westem Terrestrial
Garter Snake {Thamnophis elegans), and Western Rattlesnake {Crotalis viridis) along the Missouri
River in present-day eastem Montana (Burroughs 1 995). Most additional published accounts of
amphibians and reptiles in eastem Montana are concentrated along the Missouri River corridor and its
tributaries. Notable among these reports is that of Cope (1 879), who commented on the occurrence of
5 amphibian and 3 reptile species between the Judith River and Armells Creek. More recently,
Mosimann and Rabb (1 952) documented the presence of 4 amphibian and 7 reptile species in the Tiber
Reservoir area along the Marias River of northcentral Montana. The written record of exploration of
Montana in the 1 9^^ century and first half of the 20^^ century, and unpublished museum collection
records, provide the base for analyses of historical distributions and population trends. Additional
distribution and status information for border regions can be gleaned from Wheeler and Wheeler (1 966)
for North Dakota, Visher (1914) for South Dakota, Baxter and Stone (1985) for Wyoming, and Secoy
and Vincent (1 976) for Saskatchewan.

Preliminary data gathered from site surveys and revisits to historical sites indicate that the
Northern Leopard Frog {Ranapipiens) has disappeared over much of its former range in westem
Montana (Werner et al. 1 998) and is declining in at least some areas of eastem Montana. Status and
population trend of several toad species {Bufo spp.) are unknown, although declines of the Westem
Toad {Bufo boreas) have been reported recently in northern Idaho (C. Peterson pers. comm.),
northwestern Montana (Werner and Reichel 1 994, Werner et al. 1 998), Yellowstone National Park
(Koch and Peterson 1995) and Colorado (Carey 1993).

Land-use practices, such as large-scale logging, continue to be detrimental to resident
amphibians in some regions ofthe western U.S. (Buryetal. 1991). The impacts of grazing on
amphibians and reptiles and their habitats remain poorly studied and understood. Heavy grazing in and
around breeding sites associated with water may negatively impact amphibians and reptiles by 1 )
eliminating emergent vegetation necessary for egg and larval survival, 2) lowering water quality,
especially causing high siltation levels, 3) trampling of eggs, larvae and adults, and 4) degrading the
amphibian and reptile food base. Additionally, modification of seeps and springs for livestock watering,
by capturing water flow in tanks, may make former breeding sites unusable by amphibians.

The Montana Natural Heritage Program currently lists five amphibian and five reptile species as
Animal Species of Special Concern (Roedel 1999). Of these, two amphibian and five reptile species
have been documented in eastern Montana. They are Canadian Toad {Bufo hemiophrys). Northern
Leopard Frog {Ranapipiens\ Common Snapping Turtle {Chelydra serpentina\ Spiny Softshell
(Trionyx spiniferus). Western Hognose Snake {Heterodon nasicus). Milk Snake {Lampropeltis
triangulum), and Smooth Green Snake {Liochlorophis [=Opheodrys] vernalis). Most ofthe above
species are of special concern because of limited distributions or relatively few records in recent years,
but there is evidence of a significant decline in Northern Leopard Frog populations in the last 3 years in
western and central portions ofthe state. The species is now listed as Sensitive by the U.S. Forest
Service, Region 1 .

In 1998-1999, several refuge "units" under stewardship ofthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Refuges and Waterfowl Production Areas) were visited and surveyed briefly for amphibians and
reptiles. Obj ectives ofthe work presented in this report were to 1 ) augment data already available on
these Fish and Wildlife Service units in the Montana Natural Heritage Program databases, 2) fill
distribution gaps, and 3) visit sites where species rare or of special concern in Montana were reported
previously.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seven National Wildlife Refuges (Medicine Lake, Charles. M. Russell, Lake Mason, War
Horse, Hailstone, Halfbreed, Lame Steer) in central and eastern Montana were visited, and site surveys
were conducted of all or portions of each in 1 998- 1 999. Records from 1 999 were also received from
USFWS personnel at Medicine Lake and Bowdoin NWR's; the latter was not visited during this
inventory. In addition, six Waterfowl Production Areas (Tew, Spidell, Clarks Fork, Flaxville, Jagiello,
International [Outlet] Marsh) were visited and surveyed, at least in part.

Historical records from museum collections can be very usefiil in determining long-term changes
in populations or shifts in biodiversity (Shaffer et al. 1 998). Historical locations of amphibians and
reptiles were recorded from the literature (see Bibliography) and museum specimen records. Records
were received from over 20 maj or North American museums that have computerized their collection
records (see Acknowledgments). Locations derived from these sources have been entered into a
database and digitized.

Survey sites (n = 1 9) were chosen based on 3 criteria: 1 ) few or no previous surveys by
MTNHP zoologists, 2) location of reservoirs and ponds, streams, seeps and wetlands on topographic
maps, and 3) accessibility of the wetlands by roads. From 1 5-240 minutes were spent during each site
survey (mean = 57.1 minutes), depending upon the size of the area, site conditions, and what was
found. Initially, the shoreline or wetland margin 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 a dipnet. If the initial sampling showed amphibian/
reptile species present, further effort was expended in order to get a more comprehensive view 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. On occasion, representative samples of the more common species in an area were
preserved for permanent museum records and will be deposited at the Idaho State University Museum.
Water temperature, air temperature, and a general description of the area were recorded. Standardized
data sheets were used during this project; 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 upon request from the Montana Natural Heritage Program.

Figure 1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges and waterfowl production areas visited during
1998-1999 site surveys.

USFWS refuge and waterfowl production areas visited: 1 998-1 999

International (Outlet^ MarRh WPA
• JagifelloWPA |

► Flaxville WPA

Medicine Lake NV^m^'

.^

y'-i.^-v^'^'

^-^.JIa

[ ^War Horse NVJ/R <War Horse Lake)
I ^ War Horse MWR (Yellow Water Res.)

Lake Mason NWR c

W-

^ *Te\A^WPA
""[^SprdelWPA
• Hailstone NWR
•HalfbreedNWR /"

1 ,...y'

)

iCIarks Fork WPA

I ./■■■■

-:ii-

Lamesjteer NWR*

? I

10 20 30 40 50

r-^ V////A Km

Scale in Miles

MTNHP. November 03. 1999

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

General Summary

A total of 1 9 site surveys was conducted in May- July 1 998 and June 1 999 (Appendix 1 ), on 1 2
of which one or more species of amphibian or reptile were present. Localized sites encompassing a
wide range in land area across much of central and eastern Montana were covered in the inventory
(Figure 1). Included were visits to 1 5 "units at seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWR's) and six
Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's); two of the NWR's visited included two discrete management
units each (see USFWS Unit Accounts). No species were found on seven site surveys. On four of
these, basins containing water were completely or mostly dry at the time of the survey, so chances of
detecting any species were greatly diminished and largely dependent upon locating snakes which,
barring fortuitous encounters, often require labor-intensive searches. During the other three site surveys,
failure to detect any species may have been due to the time of day, weather conditions, or other factors
(including length of search and size of search area) at the time of sampling. It is recommended that lentic
sites (ponds, reservoirs, marshes, etc) be sampled more than once during a breeding season to increase
the likelihood of detecting rare, cryptic, and later or earlier-breeding species (Thoms et al. 1 997). This
was not done at several locations for logistical reasons, but is the recommended procedure for future
survey efforts.

Four amphibian and three reptile species were detected on 12 site surveys at 9 USFWS
administered units during the 1 998-1 999 inventory (Appendix 2). Amphibian and reptile species, and
number of surveys and WPA/NWR units where detected, included Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma
tigrinum) on 1 survey (1 unit). Western Chorus Frog {Pseudacris triseriata [= maculata]) on 4
surveys (3 units), Woodhouse's Toad (Bufo woodhousii) on 2 surveys (2 units). Northern Leopard
Frog {Ranapipiens) on 4 surveys (3 units). Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta) on 1 survey (1 unit).
Racer (Coluber constrictor) on 1 survey (1 unit), and Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) on 3
surveys (2 units). No species were detected on 7 site surveys, one species on 8 site surveys, and two
species on 4 site surveys.

No species were detected during site surveys at 6 units (HalfbreedNWR, Lake Mason NWR
[Lake Mason and Willow Creek units]. Medicine Lake NWR, Tew WPA, Spidell WPA). One species
was detected at 5 units (Charles M. Russell NWR, Hailstone NWR, Flaxville WPA, International [=
Outlet] Marsh WPA, Jagiello WPA), two species at 3 units (Lame Steer NWR, War Horse Lake
NWR [War Horse Lake and Yellow Water Reservoir units]), and three species at 1 unit (Clarks Fork
WPA).

Opportunistic sightings from MTNHP and refuge personnel in 1 998- 1 999 on or near USFWS
units added five species (all snakes) not reported during site surveys: Smooth Green Snake
{Liochlorophis vernalis). Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer). Common Garter Snake {Thamnophis
sirtalis). Western Terrestrial Garter Snake {Thamnophis elegans), and Western Rattlesnake {Crotalus
viridis). In addition to the 1 9 site surveys on USFWS units, there were eight MTNHP site surveys in
late June-early July 1 998 on other public lands (all BLM); seven surveys were in Musselshell County
from near Roundup to the Lake Mason NWR vicinity, and one survey was north of Winnett in
Petroleum County. Results of these eight surveys included Tiger Salamander at 2 sites. Western Chorus
Frog at 7 sites. Northern Leopard Frog at 2 sites, and Plains Garter Snake at 4 sites.

The following accounts are organized by USFWS unit, beginning withNWR's (including one
not surveyed by MTNHP during 1 998- 1 999) and followed by WPA's (again, including one not
surveyed in 1 998- 1 999). Included in each account are a description of the 1 998- 1 999 survey results
and a summary of species previously documented from each unit and in the MTNHP databases in
Helena.

USFWS Unit Accounts

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge . No surveys were conducted at this unit in 1 998- 1 999. However,
five species were reported in 1 999 by refuge personnel from various sections on the refuge. These
included Tiger Salamander (1 adult in the Dry lake unit on 23 June, 1 adult on the west side of Lake
Bowdoin in 1 October), Gopher Snake (1 at Black Coulee Inlet on 5 May), Racer (1 near the shop
building on 27 June, 1 ca. 3 miles NE of Headquarters on 28 June), Common Garter Snake (1 on 1 5
August on the east side of Drumbo), and Plains Garter Snake (1 on 27 June near the shop, 1 on 1 5
August on the east side of Drumbo). There are records of three additional species from this unit in the
MTNHP databases: Western Chorus Frog, Painted Turtle, Western Rattlesnake (see Hendricks and
Reichell998).

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge . One survey was conducted on this refuge during 1 998-
1 999; one species was detected. Woodhouse's Toad (ca. 200+ tadpoles with no or early hind limb
buds) was observed near the confluence of Crooked Creek and Fort Peck Reservoir on 1 9 June 1 999.
There are records of 1 1 additional species from throughout this refuge in the MTNHP databases: Tiger
Salamander, Western Chorus Frog,, Great Plains Toad {Bufo cognatus). Northern Leopard Frog,
Painted Turtle, Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus\ Racer, Gopher Snake, Western Hognose Snake
(Heterodon nasicus). Common Garter Snake, Western Rattlesnake (see Hendricks and Reichel 1 998).

Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge . One survey was conducted on this refuge in 1 999, on 5-6 June.
Only one species was detected during four hours of survey effort and an overnight stay. A single adult
(total length = 60 cm) Racer was found dead along the outlet creek. No frogs or toads were seen or
heard. There are no records of other species at this unit in the MTNHP databases.

Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuge . One survey was conducted on this refuge in 1 999, on 5 June. No
amphibian or reptile species were found, but only a small section was surveyed. There are records of
two species (Tiger Salamander, Western Rattlesnake) at this unit in the MTNHP databases.

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge (Lake Mason unit) . One survey was conducted on this refuge
unit in 1 999, on 6 June. The lake bed was mostly dry. No amphibian or reptile species were detected.
There are no records of amphibians or reptiles from this refuge unit in the MTNHP databases.
However, a survey of a reservoir in Tl 0NR24ES3 INE, 5 mi. NW of Lake Mason (on BLM land),
detected 50-1 00 adult Western Chorus Frogs on 21 June 1 998. Also, Northern Leopard Frogs (3
adults, 2 juveniles) were encountered on 21 June 1 998 during a survey on Willow Creek (which drains
into Lake Mason) on BLM land in T 1 0NR24ES 1 7NW, about 7 mi. NNW of Lake Mason.

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge (Willow Creek unit) . One survey was conducted in this unit in
1 999, on 6 June. Minerva Creek was dry, no amphibian or reptile species were detected. There are
no records of amphibian or reptile species from this unit. However, a road-killed adult (total length =
80 cm) Plains Garter Snake was seen on 6 June on the Snowy Mountain Road about 4 mi. SE of this
unit (Tl 0NR23ES 1 INWSE), and a road-killed Gopher Snake was observed about 7 mi. NE of this
unit (Tl 1NR24ES5NESE) on the same date.

Lame Steer National Wildlife Refuge . One survey was conducted on this refuge in 1 998, on 23 July.
One amphibian and one reptile species were detected at this unit. Northern Leopard Frogs were
collected within 4 miles of this site in 1 91 5, and the species is still present. Leopard frogs (2 adults, 12
juveniles mostly 4-5 cm snout- vent length) were found below the dam, and in the emergent vegetation in
the upper (east) end of the reservoir. One Plains Garter Snake (juvenile) was seen in emergent
vegetation along the reservoir above the dam. A local farmer reported Painted Turtles (not seen during
the survey) in the reservoir and Common Snapping Turtle in nearby Beaver Creek (also not seen during
the survey). There are no records of additional amphibian or reptile species from this unit in the
MTNHP databases.

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge . One survey was conducted on this refuge (a marsh near the
entrance, in section 3 INWNW) in 1 998, on 3 1 May. No amphibian or reptile species were detected.
However, Painted Turtle (2 adults) was noted in T32NR57ES32SES W on 30 May 1 998, and a road-
killed Gopher Snake was seen W of Froid near Big Muddy Creek N of Johnson Lake
(T30NR55ES2 1 S WNE) on 28 May 1 998. Refuge personnel reported five species in 1 999 (two
amphibian, 2 reptile): Tiger Salamander (Big Island Pelican Colony; thousands regurgitated to chicks in
July and August), Northern Leopard Frog (refuge headquarters on 27 September, many other localities
and dates). Smooth Green Snake (Bridgerman Point in May- June, Headquarters on 25 June and
August-September, T3 1 WR55ES21 on 13 May, Medicine Lake School football field [off-refuge] in
September), and Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (several observations in 1998 and 1999). An
unidentified toad (possibly Woodhouse's Toad) was also noted at headquarters. There are records of
two additional species from this refuge (Racer, Western Hognose Snake) in the MTNHP databases.
There are also records of Northern Leopard Frog for this unit from 1 942, and the species is still
present.

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge (War Horse Lake unit) . Three surveys were conducted at this unit
in 1 998- 1 999. No amphibians or reptiles were detected on 27 May 1 998 along the southern shoreline
(no emergent vegetation). Western Chorus Frogs (10+ calling adults) were present on 3 1 May 1 998
along the inlet canal. Northern Leopard Frogs (3 juveniles 4.0 cm snout- vent length) were in a small
stock pond near the inlet canal, and 2 tadpoles (4.0 and 4.5 cm total length) were captured in the inlet
canal proper on 20 June 1 999. There are records of one additional amphibian species (Plains
Spadefoot, Spea bombifrons) from this unit in the MTNHP databases. A Western Rattlesnake was
seen about 8 mi. E of this unit on the Valentine-Dovetail Road (T 1 6NR26ES INENE) on 2 1 June 1 999,
and a Racer was seen a few miles farther (on Dovetail Road) on the same date.

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge (Yellow Water Reservoir unit) . Two site surveys were conducted
at this unit during 1 998- 1 999. One amphibian and one reptile species were detected. Northern
Leopard Frog was reported at this unit in 1 950 and was still present. One adult was noted in the
outflow marsh below the dam on 27 May 1 998. Plains Garter Snake was noted on 27 May 1 998 (1
adult in the marsh below the dam) and 1 8 June 1 999 (1 adult along the outflow ditch below the dam).

There are records of one additional amphibian species (Western Chorus Frog) from this unit in the
MTNHP databases.

Clarks Fork Waterfowl Production Area . Two site surveys were conducted at this unit in 1 999, on 1 5
and 23 June. Two amphibian and one reptile species were detected: Western Chorus Frog ( 2 calling
adults in the pond near the parking area on 1 5 June, 1 in the same ponds and the main marsh on 23
June), Woodhouse's Toad (3 adults, 6-8 cm snout- vent length; 50+ tadpoles 3 cm total length, all in the
main marsh on 23 June), Painted Turtle (1 adult in gravel pond close to parking area on 1 5 June). The
toad and turtle records are the first reported for Carbon County. There are no records of additional
amphibian or reptile species for this unit in the MTNHP databases.

Erickson Waterfowl Production Area . This unit near Medicine Lake NWR was not surveyed in 1 998-
1 999. However, a juvenile Smooth Green Snake (about 24 cm total length), apparently killed during a
hail storm, was reported on 7 July 1 998 by Lance Tanino, and is the first specimen of this species
collected in Montana. There are no other records of amphibians or reptiles for this unit in the MTNHP
databases.

Flaxville Waterfowl Production Area . One site survey was conducted at this unit in 1 998, on 29 May.
One amphibian species was observed. Northern Leopard Frog (3 juveniles ca. 4 cm snout- vent length)
were seen in two areas: one N of Highway 5, and two in emergent vegetation on the W side of the
pothole S of the highway. There is a record of one additional amphibian species, Canadian Toad {Bufo
hemiophrys\ from this unit in the MTNHP databases. This record (30 July 1 966) is the only confirmed
report for Montana (see Black and Bragg 1 968). The species was not seen during the 1 998 survey, but
the site merits additional surveys.

International (Outlet) Marsh Waterfowl Production Area . One site survey was conducted at this unit in
1 998, on 29 May. One amphibian species was observed. Tiger Salamander (1 large larva ca. 1 3 cm
total length) was observed in the outlet stream draining the marsh. Large portions of the marsh were not
surveyed, and the site merits additional survey effort. There are no records of additional amphibian or
reptile species from this unit in the MTNHP databases.

Jagiello Waterfowl Production Area . One site survey was conducted at this unit in 1 998, on 29 May.
One amphibian species was observed. Western Chorus Frog (4 adults, 4 tadpoles 2-3 cm total length)
were detected in emergent vegetation in the southern half of this pothole. This site merits additional
surveys. There are no records of additional amphibian or reptile species from this unit in the MTNHP
databases.

Spidell Waterfowl Production Area . One site survey was conducted at this unit in 1 999, on 6 June. No
amphibian or reptile species were observed. The lakebed was completely or nearly dry, and no
amphibians were seen or heard in the small water bodies along the road. There are no records of any
amphibian or reptile species from this unit in the MTNHP databases. This unit should be resurveyed
when water is present.

Tew Waterfowl Production Area . One site survey was conducted at this unit in 1 999, on 6 June. No
amphibian or reptile species were observed. All potholes were completely dry, and no amphibians or
reptiles were seen or heard in the small cattail marshes traversed. There are no records of any
amphibian or reptile species from this unit in the MTNHP databases. This unit should be resurveyed
when water is present.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Surveys and Research

1) Incidental sightings of amphibians and reptiles from the different USFWS units should be recorded
and forwarded to the Natural Heritage Program. Of particular interest are all observations and
locations of breeding amphibians (tadpoles and/or eggs) and all reptiles. Use Reichel and Flath (1 995)
as an identification aid. Vouchers of amphibian tadpoles can be sent to the Natural Heritage program
for identification. The Natural Heritage website has an online form for submitting amphibian and reptile
observation data at http://nris.mt.gov/mtnhp/index.html .

2) Due to the time constraints and the large area covered in this survey, it should not be regarded as a
definitive index of all the amphibians and reptiles or their presence on the surveyed units. The secretive
habits of many amphibians and reptiles, and our lack of knowledge regarding their reproductive
behavior make it difficult to assess their overall status. Sites surveyed should include multiple visits,
preferably during different times of the year (for surveys) and in different years (for monitoring). We
recommend that additional surveys be conducted.

3) Long-term monitoring of typical marsh-pond habitats at several units should be established, especially
where there has been prior survey effort. These monitoring sites permit assessment of population trends
and breeding success of the more common species: Tiger Salamander, Western Chorus Frog,
Woodhouse's Toad, Northern Leopard Frog, and Plains Garter Snake. Particular attention needs to be
given to any toad and Northern Leopard Frog breeding sites found, as these species appear to be
experiencing declines in abundance in many areas within Montana and in other regions. Life history and
ecology of the amphibians in Montana is still poorly known for most species. Long-term monitoring will
provide information on timing of breeding and habitat requirements needed for successful reproduction,
as well as the kind of information needed for successful management of local populations.

Management

1 ) With an increasing number of amphibian species declining for a variety of reasons, it is reasonable to
manage habitat to support them. While not all ways of preserving and protecting these species are
currently known, several management actions could impact them negatively. Amphibians cannot
survive without adequate breeding sites, and the type of water used is often species-specific.

a) Stocking fish in ponds and reservoirs currently lacking fish, and in which amphibians breed,
should be carefully evaluated. Fish introductions are thought to be a major factor negatively
impacting amphibian populations in California (Hayes and Jennings 1 986, Fellers and Drost

1 993, Drost and Fellers 1 996) and Oregon (Kiesecker and Blaustein 1 998). It may even be
desirable to remove introduced fish from some water bodies.

b) When altering springs and seeps for livestock, protect a portion of the area that is suitable for
amphibian reproduction. This could include small fenced exclosures above water diversions to
stock tanks; water from natural springs and seeps should not be diverted immediately into stock
tanks, as this could exclude amphibians from access to the water. At sites with significant
overfiow from wells and tanks, consider creating livestock exclosures along portions of the
outfiow. Consider fencing off sections of ponds and reservoirs that include shoreline emergent

10

vegetation. This provides egg-laying sites and cover to immature amphibians, and also provides
adults and immature stages with refugia from trampling by livestock. Exclosures at ponds and
smaller reservoirs should be designed to account for water loss during evaporative drawdown,
and encompass some water that will last at least to mid- August if possible.

c) Create new ponds exclusively for amphibians to which livestock are excluded. Creation of
buffer zones (Semlitsch 1 998) around these sites (and other sites as well) should also be
considered, as the standing water in wetlands is used primarily for breeding and tadpole/larval
development, not for much of adult activity by several species of semi-aquatic amphibians (such
as Tiger Salamanders and the toads). Semi-aquatic species may disperse from large distances
(> 2 km perhaps) to wetland sites to breed. Adult habitats also need to be considered in any
active management program for amphibians.

2) A critical component of the life cycle in snakes is the wintering den. Many species hibernate in large
aggregations at traditional den sites. Often these hibemacula are used by more than one species
(Koch and Peterson 1 995), and mating often takes place at or near the den site. Snakes then move
away from dens for as much as 6 miles in summer, returning in the fall to over- winter. These sites
typically are situated where snakes can get well down into an area of fractured rock, often near cliffs
or in talus slopes. While these sites are robust, they are vulnerable to disturbance, such as road
building, or vandalism and over-collecting. Den sites should be documented and protected.
Fencing around dens might be suitable in some situations to exclude livestock. Sites should be
monitored annually to determine use and relative abundance of species present. Den locations
should be revealed only to responsible individuals.

3) Traditional nesting sites of Common Snapping Turtles and Spiny Softshells, especially on the Charles
M. Russell NWR where they are mostly likely to occur, should be protected from disturbance of
any kind, through use of livestock exclosures if necessary. Most nesting sites, however, will be near
larger rivers and tributaries in sandy and sand-deposition sites, and subjected to flooding and shifts
in channels. Protection of individual nests may include establishing predator exclosures around
clutches. This would be necessary only if it is evident that predators (skunks and raccoons in
particular) are destroying an exceptional number of nests. Predation of turtle nests is often >50% in
many areas, but "normal" predation rates for Montana populations are not known.

11

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14

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15

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17

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20

Appendix 1 . Site surveys by MTNHP for amphibian and reptiles during 1 998- 1 999 on USF WS units in Montana.

SITE

LOCATION

ELEV.

DAIE

START TIME

T20NR29ES36NWSW

2250

19Jun99

11:05

T3NR20ES13SW/S24NE

4070

5Jun99

15:35

T3NR21ES33SE

3940

5Jun99

14:05

T9NR24ES26NW

3610

6Jun99

14:00

T11NR23ES31NE

3940

6Jun99

15:30

T 1 2NR60ES 1 4S W/S 1 5N W

2890

23 Jul 98

10:50

T32NR56ES31NWNW

1940

31 May 98

12:10

T16NR25ES28SW

3000

27 May 98

18:00

T16NR25ES29NWNW

3140

31 May 98

18:35

T16NR25ES29NWNW

3140

20Jun99

13:10

T13NR26ES7SWNE

3000

27 May 98

15:30

T13NR26ES7SWNE

3000

18Jun99

10:58

T6SR23ES15NWSW

3600

15Jun99

11:20

T6SR23ES15NW

3600

23Jun99

08:50

T35NR50ES8SENE/SESE

2750

29 May 98

12:40

T37NR48ES1SENW

2460

29 May 98

16:15

T37NR49ES14SESE

2460

29 May 98

14:50

T5NR23ES33N

3750

6Jun99

11:55

T5NR25ES19NE/S20W

3900

6Jun99

10:40

Charles M. Russell NWR

Hailstone NWR

HalfbreedNWR*

Lake Mason NWR (Lake Mason)*

Lake Mason NWR (Willow Creek)*

Lame Steer NWR

Medicine Lake NWR*

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake)*

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake inlet)

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake inlet)

War Horse NWR (Yellow Water Reservoir)

War Horse NWR (Yellow Water Reservoir)

ClarksForkWPA

ClarksForkWPA

FlaxvilleWPA

International (Outlet) Marsh WPA

JagielloWPA

SpidellWPA*

Tew WPA*

Surveys with no amphibians or reptiles detected.

21

Appendix 2. Amphibian and reptile species detected during 1 998-1 999 surveys on USFWS units in Montana.

SITE SEARCH (hrs:min) SPECIES (n = adult & juv.; * = eggs, larvae, tadpoles)

Charles M. Russell NWR

Hailstone NWR

HalfbreedNWR

Lake Mason NWR (Lake Mason)

Lake Mason NWR (Willow Creek)

Lame Steer NWR

Medicine Lake NWR

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake)

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake inlet)

War Horse NWR (War Horse Lake inlet)

War Horse NWR (Yellow Water Reservoir)

War Horse NWR (Yellow Water Reservoir)

ClarksForkWPA

ClarksForkWPA

FlaxvilleWPA

International (Outlet) Marsh WPA

JagielloWPA

SpidellWPA

Tew WPA

0:30
4:00
0:40
0:30
0:15
1:00
0:30
0:40
0:25
0:30
1:15
1:00
0:30
2:00
1:00
0:35
0:35
0:20
0:50

BUWO (*)

COCO (1)

no herps

no herps (dry)

no herps (dry)

RAPI(14),THRA(1)

no herps

no herps

PSTR(10+)

RAPI(3*)

RAPI(1),THRA(1)

THRA(l)

PSTR(2),CHPI(1)

PSTR(10),BUWO(3*)

RAPI(3)

AMTI(*)

PSTR(4*)

no herps (dry)

no herps (dry)

AMTI (Ambystoma tigrinum: Tiger Salamander), PSTR {Pseudacris triseriata: Western Chorus Frog), BUWO {Bufo woodhousii: Woodhouse's Toad), RAPI (Rana
pipiens: Northern Leopard Frog), CHPI (Chrysemys picta: Painted Turtle), COCO (Coluber constrictor. Racer), THRA (Thamnophis radix: Plains Garter Snake).

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