Preliminary Amphibian and Reptile Surrey of the Helena National Forest: 1995 A Report to: USDA Forest Service Helena National Forest 2880 Skyway Drive Helena, MT 59601 Submitted by JAMES D. REICHEL March 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 201800 Helena, MT 59620-1800 © 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program His document should be cited as follows: Reichel, J. D. 1996. Preliminary amphibian and reptile survey of the Helena National Forest: 1995. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 87 pp. ll ABSTRACT A total of 44 surveys and several additional sightings were made in the Helena National Forest (HNF) between May and August 1995. Localized areas across the entire forest were covered in the survey. Surveys of ponds, lakes, seeps, streams or other wetlands, made by 1 or 2 individuals. Each survey took 10-150 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. Four amphibians are present on the HNF: Long-toed Salamander (Amhystoma macrodactylum), Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei), Western Toad (Bufo boreas), and Spotted Frog (Ranapretiosa). The Spotted Frog was the most widespread amphibian throughout the forest. The Tailed Frog has been reported from a single location on the Lincoln District. Long-toed Salamanders were found throughout the main Rocky Mountain chain and in the Elkhorn Mountains. The Western Toad was found in very few locations on the HNF in 1 995, all in the main Rocky Mountain chain. Historically it has been reported in the Big Belt Mountains; however it was not found there during our surveys. This is consistent with the apparent region- wide declines in this species. Four other prairie-inhabiting amphibians have been reported in the area, though in some cases well away from HNF lands; these include the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata), Woodhouse's Toad {Bufo woodhousii), Plains Spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons), and Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens). The Western Chorus Frog is common in prairie ponds to the north and east of HNF lands; two reports were received for the Helena National Forest, but need confirmation. A tadpole reported to be a Woodhouse's Toad is present at the Montana State University Museum; given the difficulty in identifying toad tadpoles and distance from known sites, this should be treated as hypothetical until verified. The Plains Spadefoot is known from the Helena Valley, but has yet to be found in the HNF. A report was received of a Northern Leopard Frog from the vicinity of McDonald Pass; given the distance from other known locations and unusual habitat, this report should be treated as hypothetical until verified. The Northern Leopard Frog was also reported historically from several prairie areas, outside and at lower elevations than HNF lands. The Deepdale Fishing Access Site had frogs as recently as 1994, however three surveys in 1995 failed to relocate them. Northern Leopard Frogs are nearly extirpated from western Montana, and recent evidence indicates a decline elsewhere in Montana (except perhaps the southeast corner). Ten reptiles have been reported from near the HNF, but only three have been definitely reported from on the forest: the Racer {Coluber constrictor), Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) and Common Garter Snake {Thamnophis sirtalis). All were reported in the main Rocky Mountains. The Racer and Western Terrestrial Garter Snake also were found in the Big Belt Mountains and there is a record of the Common Garter Snake from the Elkhom Mountains. The following reptiles have been reported in the area and may eventually be found on lower elevation HNF lands: Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta), Spiny Softshell {Trionyx spinifera), Short-homed Lizard {Phrynosoma douglasi), Rubber Boa {Charina bottae), Milk Snake {Lampropeltis trianguium), Gopher Snake {Pituophis catenifer), and Western Rattlesnake 111 (Cmtalus viridis). The Painted Turtle has been recorded just off the HNF on the east side of the Elkhom Mountains. The Spiny Softsheil is present in large rivers at lower elevations; it has been reported from Canyon Ferry Reservoir, but there is no recent confirmation. Both the Short- homed Lizard and Milk Snake are present in the area near Three Forks, south of the HNF. The Rubber Boa has been recorded just off the HNF south of Helena and near Granite Butte; it surely occurs on the HNF. The Gopher Snake has been reported from the intermountain valleys, as close as % A mile from the HNF. The Western Rattlesnake also has been recorded just off the HNF; with several records at lower elevations, it probably will eventually be found on the HNF lands. IV TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT Ill ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vll INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3 Species known to be present on the Helena National Forest .......................... 6 Long-toed Salamander (Amhystoma macrodactylum) 6 Tailed Frog {Ascaphus truef) 8 Western Toad (Bufo boreas) 10 Spotted Frog {Rana pretiosa) 12 Racer {Coluber constrictor) 14 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 16 Common Garter Snake {Thamnophis sirtalis) 18 Species Potentially Present on the Helena National Forest 20 Western Chorus Frog {Pseudacris triseriata) .20 Woodhouse's Toad {Bufo woodhousii) ........... 22 Plains Spadefoot {Scaphiopus [=Spea] bombifrons) ............................ 24 Northern Leopard Frog {Rana pipiens) 26 Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta) 28 Spiny Softshell {Trionyx spiniferus) {=Apalone spinifera) .... .30 Short-horned Lizard {Phrynosoma douglasi) .... 32 Rubber Boa {Charina bottae) 34 Milk Snake {Lampropeltis triangulum) 36 Gopher Snake {Pituophis catenifer [=melanoleucus]) .................... . , 38 Western Rattlesnake {Crotalus viridis) '. 40 Regional Information . . 41 Rocky Mountain chain 41 Elkhom Mountains 41 Big Belt Mountains ....... 42 Dry Range ............................................................ 42 RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... 43 Surveys, Monitoring and Research ............................................ 43 Management .............................................................. 44 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................ 45 Appendix 1. Data Sheets used for Reptiles and Amphibian Surveys and Observations ...... 59 Appendix 2. Sites surveyed during 1995 amphibian and reptile surveys .................. 61 Appendix 3. Amphibians and reptiles observed during surveys on or near the Helena National Forest in 1995 64 Appendix 4. Amphibians and reptiles reported from in and around the Helena National Forest 66 Appendix 5. Notes on harlequin surveys and examination of potential northern bog lemming habitat on the Helena National Forest. S3 Appendix 6. Heritage program species ranking definitions 85 VI ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 would like to thank the staff from the Helena National Forest for their assistance in determining the location of possible survey sites, information on herp observations, field assistance, and other support; they included Quinn Carver, Brent Costain, Doug Grupenhoff, Archie Harper, Shane Hendrickson, Connie Jacobs, Barry Paulson, Melanie Scott, and Len Walch. D. D. Dover, J. Hinshaw, C. Jones, and K. Jurist assisted with field work, data entry, and map preparation. Financial support for the project came from the Helena 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, Bingham 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 Montana Museum, University of South Dakota, United States National Museum of Natural History, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - El Paso, Peabody Museum - Yale, University of California-Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Mid-continental Ecological Sciences Center at University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology. Much of the museum data was received with the help of Dr. Charles Peterson, Idaho State University, Pocatello. VII INTRODUCTION Many amphibians are apparently declining in the western U.S. and world-wide (Com and Fogelman 1984, Phillips 1994, Yoflfc 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 (Blaustein et al. 1994a, 1994b; Com and Fogelman 1984; Phillips 1994; Yoffe 1992). Bass and non-native trout have been introduced into waters on or near the Helena National Forest (HNF) 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 et al 1 99 1 ). The Tailed Frog {Ascaphus truei), present on the HNF, 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 (Rana pipiens) has disappeared over much of its former range in western Montana and is declining in at least some areas of eastern Montana (Hendricks and Reichel in review; Reichei 1995a, 1995b; Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996). The US Fish and Wildlife Service now lists the Western Toad (Bufo boreas) as a Candidate (C-l) species in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Apparent declines have recently been reported in northern Idaho (C. Peterson pers. comm.), northwest Montana (Reichel and Flath 1995; Werner and Plumber 1995; Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996), Yellowstone National Park (Koch and Peterson 1995), Wyoming, and Colorado (Carey 1993). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed two Montana amphibians and two reptiles as Candidate (C2) species: the Spotted Frog (Ranapretiosa), Tailed Frog, Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasi) and Northern Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus graciosus). The U.S. Forest Service Region 1 lists the Coeur d'Alene Salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) as "Sensitive" 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 d'Alene Salamander, Idaho Giant Salamander {Dicamptodon aterrimus), Tailed Frog, Canadian Toad (Bufo hemiophrys), Spotted Frog, Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)] and 7 reptiles [Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus), Short-horned Lizard, Sagebrush Lizard, Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus), Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis), Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)] as species of special concern in the state. The Northern Leopard Frog and Western Toad are being considered for addition to the species of special concern list; currently they on the watch list. Seven of these species, the Tailed Frog, Western Toad, Spotted Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Spiny Softshell, Short-homed Lizard, and Milk Snake occur or potentially occur on the HNF. 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 major museum collections in North America (see Acknowledgments). Locations derived from these sources have been entered into a database and digitized. Survey sites were chosen based on 4 criteria: 1) high priority sites as determined by the HNF; 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. Based on the above, 2-8 sites were chosen daily for surveys, A total of 10- 150 person-minutes were spent at each site, depending upon the size of the area and what was found. Initially, the entire shoreline, or a major 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 will be deposited at the Idaho State University Museum. Water temperature, air temperature, pH, a general description of the area, and other parameters were recorded. Standard data sheets used during this project 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. Natural Heritage Program species status ranking definitions and explanations are given in Appendix 6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 47 sites were surveyed of which 29 had one or more amphibian or reptile species present (Figure 1, Appendices 2 and 3); one site was surveyed two times. Although no species were found at 18 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 HNF land. In addition to the 48 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 HNF area. Based on museum specimens, publications, surveys and incidental observations, four amphibians and three reptiles have been located on the HNF; an additional four amphibians and seven reptiles may eventually be found to occur there. Three amphibian and one reptile species were actually observed during the study. The following results are presented as individual species summaries for the Forest as a whole, followed by specific information on each mountain range. In the following species accounts, the section on "Similar Species" 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). Keys to amphibian eggs (Livezey and Wright 1947) and tadpoles (Altig 1970) are available in the literature, but are difficult to use, and for many species are not satisfactory for field identification. CD C 05 +■» C o 5 w CO C o •— CO CO c CD X 5 o c o w c o CO o o > 3 m CO c co c o 5 CO CD CO c o CO c © I CD CO CD c ■o c o Km CD T3 C CO E jo CO CO "8 a> o CD o c CD s— k_ 3 O o O Species known to be present on tie Helena National Forest Long-toed Salamander {Ambystoma macrodactylum) 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 et al 1983); egg masses are typically attached to underwater vegetation or submerged branches. 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 mourn. Similar species: Adult Long-toed Salamanders can be distinguished from Coeur d'Alene 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; on the HNF they were found in temporary and permanent ponds/lakes and inactive beaver ponds. 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 et al. 1983, Leonard et al 1993). Long-toed Salamanders were found in 14 locations on the HNF. The earliest surveys on 15-25 May 1995 found only egg masses, from newly laid to nearly ready to hatch. July surveys found primarily small larva, however, a pond near the head of Austin Creek had 2 small larva and 1 juvenile which appeared nearly fully transformed; this would indicate at least some larva overwinter and transform when over a year old. At an oxbow on the Blackfoot River a single transforming juvenile war found on 25 August, showing transformation may take only one season at lower elevation sites. Individuals were found in the Rocky Mountains and the Elkhorn Mountains from 4350 - 7050 ft. elevation. Spotted Frogs co-occurred at all sites and Western Toads at 2 sites. Surveying: Larvae can readily be seen in ponds during the day and sampled with a dipnet; egg masses are somewhat harder to see. During the breeding season, adults may also be 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. The Long-toed Salamander is also common on the HNF in the Rocky Mountains. The Long-toed Salamander is also found in the northwestern part of the Elkhoms, the farthest east reported CO c C o 2 m m co c o *4ZS CO CO c J) CD S o c o OS O LL O CO CD O c ::; fc 3 O o O location in its range. The Elkhoms are the only isolated mountain range east of the Continental Divide where this species is found. However, none were found in the southern Elkhoms or Big Belt Mountains. In the Lewis and Clark National Forest (L&CNF) it was found to be very local in distribution east of the Continental Divide and was not found in the isolated ranges to the east (Reichel 1995a). Given the unique position of the Elkhom populations more surveys should be done to better understand and document the distribution there. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) Description: Adults are gray or brown with gray, brown, or occasionally yellow blotches; the skin has a distinctly bumpy texture. The adult has a snout-vent length of 1 5-2" and lacks a tympanum. The outer toe of the hind foot is broader than the other toes. The male has a bulbous "tail" which acts as a penis. Eggs and Larvae: Approximately 50 eggs are laid in rosary-like strings attached to the underside of rocks. The tadpole (up to 2" long) is unique in that it has a large mouth modified into a sucker; the color is quite variable. Similar species: No other frog or toad has the outer toe of the hind foot broader than the other toes; all other frogs and toads have a tympanum behind each eye. Habitat and Habits: Tailed Frogs are found in and along small, swift, cold mountain streams. In the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon, the Tailed Frog appears to be very sensitive to siltation and frequently disappears in and downstream from clearcuts and water diversions (Bury, pers. comm.). Preliminary findings do not indicate that this is the case in Montana. Eggs are laid during the late summer and take approximately 4 weeks to hatch. Tadpoles take 1-4 years to metamorphose, depending on water temperature (Nussbaum et al 1983; Metter 1967). Sexual maturity in Montana is attained at ages 6-7, (Daugherty and Sheldon 1982) which is the latest age for sexual maturity of any North American amphibian. Surveying: Tadpoles are frequently found while electro-shocking fish. They may also be found by turning over rocks in rapid water with a net held just downstream. Adults are best found by walking up streams starting 30-60 minutes after dark. Status: The Tailed Frog on the HNF is known from a single observation from the late 1960s on a "tributary of Copper Creek" (Franz 1971). While Tailed Frogs should be considered a species with a very localized distribution on the HNF, it may be more common and widespread in suitable habitat than is currently known. It should be looked for throughout the Forest, especially to the south and east of the currently known location. East of the Continental Divide on the L&CNF it was also found to be very local in distribution (Reichel 1 995a). It seem doubtful that the Tailed Frog is found in the Elkhom Mountains given the intensity of surveys (A. Harper, pers. comm.), and the surveyors specifically watching for the species, during the summer of 1995. It is common and widespread in northwestern Montana (Reichel and Flath 1995, Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996). Previously it was a USFWS Candidate species (C-2). We would recommend that all sightings of this species be reported. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S3S4. CD C CO c o 2 w 9 c o aora +-> CD 05 CO CD c o c o o I- £ +■» CO f s o c 3 O o O Western Toai (Bufo boreas) Description: Adults are colored with a gray, brown, or olive-green mottling and a prominent white or yellowish line down the center of the back; very young transformed toads typically lack the dorsal line, and the warts are often red-brown in color. The pupils are horizontal. The adult has a body length of 2.5-5". There are no cranial crests and the skin is relatively dry with many warts and glands present. Eggs and Larvae: Eggs are laid in long, clear, double strings, and each has a black embryo. Tadpoles are typically jet black, while all mid- to large-sized frog tadpoles in Montana are green or bronze (except for some Tailed Frogs); very small frog tadpoles are also black. Similar species: Other Montana toads have cranial crests between their eyes. The Plains Spadefoot has one tubercle on the sole of the hind feet, a vertical pupil, and smoother skin. NOTE: It is very difficult to distinguish among the four Montana toad species eggs, larvae, and recently-transformed toadlets. Habitat and Habits: Adults are largely terrestrial and found in a variety of habitats from valley bottoms to high elevations; they breed in lakes, ponds, and slow streams with a preference for shallow areas with mud bottoms. Breeding and egg laying in Montana usually takes place 1- 3 months after snow-melt, from April at lower elevations to July at higher sites. Tadpoles are typically 2-3 months old at metamorphosis in Montana, depending on water temperature (Black 1970). Following metamorphosis, hundreds of small toads, many with the tails still present, can be found on the shores of breeding ponds. Western Toads were reported breeding from only two locations on the HNF in 1995. We found thousands of l A grown tadpoles in a pond near Dog Creek on 1 1 July 1995 and 3 metamorphs on an oxbow along the Blackfoot River on 25 August. Surveying: Tadpoles are easily seen in ponds during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet. During the breeding season, adults may be seen in the water but at other times are found in more terrestrial habitats. Status: Tadpoles and metamorphs of the Western Toad were observed at only two sites during the 1995 survey in the HNF (Appendix 2, 3). No adults were seen during our surveys however, B. Spettigue (pers. comm.) saw one adult near McDonald Pass (Appendix 4). None were seen in the Elkhom or Big Belt Mountains, although historic records exist for sites in or near both (Appendix 3,4). The rarity of this species on the HNF and lack of recent sightings in the eastern ranges is of concern. During 1994 we found no Western Toads in the Little Belt, Highwood, or Crazy Mountain of the L&CNF although historic records exist for all three ranges; additionally only a single breeding site was located on the main Rocky Mountains of the L&CNF (Reichel 1995a). Brunson (1952) regarded the Western Toad as one of the most common batrachians (frogs and toads) in western Montana. Black (1 970) supported its common occurrence not only in the west but in many counties east of the continental divide. The Western Toad has declined from the most common anuran in western Montana, to a relatively rare one in the state in the past 25 years (Reichel and Flam 1995, Werner and Plumber 1995, Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now lists this species as a Candidate (C-l) species in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Apparent declines have recently been reported in northern Idaho (C. Peterson pers. coram.), Yellowstone National Park (Koch and Peterson 10 CD as c o © o LL To c o "Jp so CO c 0) £0 © o c o a* o "O CD ■♦-' *•> O a CO o m m o © o o — - -.., (0 c ♦* S a S B w «s •3 S E 13 OS 3 ID *- SB TO • * *~ Ob 2 ► <8> -$- (0 O u £ n c 4S ce a> 3 o 1995, Peterson et at 1992), Wyoming, and Colorado (Carey 1993). We would recommend that all sightings of this species be reported and that a monitoring program be set up for this species. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G4 S3S4. Spottei Frog (Rana pretiosa) Description: The adult has a snout-vent length of 2-4". Adults are dark to light brown, gray, or olive green with dark spots (frequently with lighter centers) found on the back, sides and legs. The number and pattern of spotting is quite variable. The back and sides are often covered with small bumps. The underside of the legs is bright red, salmon, or orange; this bright color may extend up to the chin or be replaced by a light, mottled gray on the chin, chest, and/or belly. In younger subadults, bright leg color is often lacking and instead a light, lemon-colored wash is present. In these subadults there is often a dark mask present, with a light jaw stripe extending to the shoulder; both the mask and jaw stripe may be less obvious in larger, older animals. Eggs and Tadpoles: Eggs are laid in large, globular masses of 1 50-500 at the surface of the water. The tadpoles are dark green to brown on top with some gold flecking whereas the underside has an iridescent bronze or silver color. Total length of tadpoles may reach 3"; the eyes are located on top of the head. Similar species: The bright-colored pigment on the undersides of the adult's legs distinguish this species from all other frogs in Montana. Younger individuals, without colored legs, may usually be distinguished from other frogs by a combination of: 1) dorsal spots usually present but not surrounded by light-colored halos; 2) dorsolateral folds present; 3) toes without pads at the tips; and 4) a pale gray, (rather than white) belly. Habitat and Habits: Spotted Frogs are regularly found at the water's edge in openings within forest habitats. Wetlands in or near treeline are also used, but populations are uncommon in the large, open intermountain valleys. Eggs hatch in 2-3 weeks and tadpoles take 2-14 months to metamorphose, depending on water temperature (Nussbaum et al 1983, Turner 1958). Breeding takes place in lakes, ponds (temporary and permanent), springs, and occasionally backwaters or beaver ponds in streams. All the egg masses in a particular pond are often found in the same location at the margin of the pond; therefore, the eggs are susceptible to drying up if pond levels recede substantially before hatching. Young and adult frogs often disperse into marsh and forest habitats but are not usually found far from open water. The Spotted Frog was commonly found throughout the HNF from just above the prairie edge at 4350 to 7050 ft. elevation near timberline. Individuals were found in every type of wetland habitat, although numbers varied widely from one to 50 or more per site. Eggs were found on the first surveys on 15 May 95 at two locations in the Elkhoms and as late as 25 May (last spring surveys). Hatching tadpoles were seen on 17 May 95 in the Big Belts; mid-large tadpoles were present during My surveys and only metamorphs were seen by late August. The largest group of egg masses I have seen was found on 20 May in an old beaver pond on a tributary of Beaver Creek (Appendix 2); I estimated 120 egg masses were present covering an area about 6 X 8 ft. Surveying: Adults, tadpoles, and eggs are easily seen in and along the water during the day and 12 can be sampled with a dipnet; adults may also be captured by hand. Many adults may leave the breeding ponds following egg laying and move to nearby feeding areas for the summer. Tadpoles are difficult to distinguish from those of the Northern Leopard Frog in areas where the two species may overlap. Status: The most common frog on the HNF and in western Montana. It was observed in all areas surveyed on the HNF S and occurred in all 28 sites where any amphibian was species found. However, it appeared to be much less common in the Big Belt Mountains than the Elkhoms or main Rocky Mountains. The species was previously a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 2 Candidate species in Montana; elsewhere in its range it is listed as a C-l, with Threatened/Endangered status warranted but precluded by work on higher priority species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). While significant declines are known from the southern end of the range (Nevada, southern Idaho, Utah) and are also apparent in coastal Washington (McAllister et al 1993), Oregon, and California, recent (as yet unpublished) research indicates that those populations are actually different species. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G4 S4. 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 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 1985). 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, however, Davis (1963) has a map of this species which shows records apparently on the HNF. A more recent sighting was made just off the 14 CO c CO o 2 CO m CO c o CO c © I CD c o c o CD CO c w CD t CO O "5 ■c +■» CO CD t CD £ CD CO CD 14. o (0 m £ 3 O O O Selben Ranch below the Forest. They would be expected to occur on the HNF at low to mid- elevations; given the poor accuracy of the Davis (1963) map, any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) Description: Adult Western Terrestrial (or Wandering) Garter Snakes are smaller in body size than the Common Garter Snake, their length varying from 18-43". Three yellow longitudinal stripes are present (one dorsal, two lateral on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows), 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 is a dusky gray, green or brown, compared to the black or occasionally dark green found in the Common Garter Snake. The ventral surface has a series of dark black/brown blotches which may cover most of the surface. All black, presumably melanistic, individuals are occasionally found near Townsend. 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-born. Similar species: See Common Garter Snake. 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. In the HNF area the species was found between 3450 ft in the valley bottom and 6200 ft near McDonald Pass, but probably occurs higher. Females give birth to 4-19 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: Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes were found in the main Rocky Mountains and Big Belt Mountains on the HNF; there are also historic locations just off the forest at the base of the Elkhorn Mountains. Given the small number of recent 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 of elegans from the Elkhorn Mountains should be documented to confirm their presence in that range. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 16 m c m o 2 co m O LL "5 c o ce c as © c k. o c o m C/3 h. t CD e? c o E E o O I*. o m m o 3 O O o Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) Description: The Common Garter Snake consists of two color phases in western Montana, both ranging from 18-52" in length. Both phases have three yellow longitudinal stripes: one located dorsally and one on each side on the 2nd and 3rd scale rows above the belly scales. Between the yellow stripes is a black (or dark green) background, 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 paler dusky green, gray or brown. 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 Snake was reported at two locations in 1995, both about 5600 feet, on the HNF by A. Harper and S. Hendrickson; historically they have also been found at low elevations in the intermountain valleys. 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 12-18 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 Rocky Mountains and Elkhom Mountains on the HNF. There is also a historic record of them from the valley between the two locations. 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 of sirtalis from the Big Belt Mountains and Rocky Mountains north of McDonald Pass should be documented to confirm their presence in those areas. Only the red-sided color phase has observed in this area, however the color phase lacking red spots should be watched for. The Common Gaiter Snake is much less abundant than the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake in this area, as it is currently in northwestern Montana. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 18 «o c CO c o 2 CO ® CO c o ce c I CO c o c o m o k. LL CO 3 u c m m o CO CD o c k. k. 3 O o O m CD CD O > a 2 Species Potentiaiy Present on the Helena National Forest Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) Description: Adults are very small (0.75-1.5") and have tiny, almost unnoticeable toe pads. They have a dark line extending from the snout through the eye to the groin. Basic coloration is quite variable with the background color being green, brown, gray, or reddish. Typically 3- 5 dark longitudinal stripes are present on the head and back which may be broken up into spots on some individuals. Eggs and Tadpoles: Eggs are laid in small clusters of 10-100, usually less than 1" across and attached to submerged vegetation (Wheeler and Wheeler 1966, Baxter and Stone 1985). Individual eggs are about 1 mm in diameter. Tadpoles are brown/bronze and the eyes are located on the sides of the head. Similar species: Pacific Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla) have obvious toe pads and an eye stripe ending at the shoulder. Recently metamorphosed Ranid frogs could be confused with this species but the coloration differs and the tiny toe pads are lacking (often visible only with a magnifying glass on small chorus frogs). Habitat and Habits: Western Chorus Frogs are regularly found in the water only during the breeding period in spring. Their presence is obvious during this time due to their call which is given frequently at night and sporadically throughout the day. Following breeding, these frogs move into adjacent uplands and are rarely seen. In eastern Montana they breed in temporary ponds and small lakes surrounded by prairie; in some locations in Montana they are also found in open forested habitats. Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks and tadpoles are about 2 months old at metamorphosis (Wheeler and Wheeler 1966, Nussbaum et at 1983). Surveying: Adults are easily surveyed for, using their calls for identification during the breeding season in the spring and early summer. During the breeding season, adults may also be seen in the water, but their small size and habit of freezing or diving when disturbed makes observation difficult; night surveys may be more productive. Egg masses are difficult to find. Tadpoles may be seen in ponds during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet. Status: Common throughout the prairies of eastern Montana. Two reports of Western Chorus Frogs were received for the HNF. One report was from the vicinity of McDonald Pass and the other from a cow pond in the upper Jackson Creek drainage of the Elkhorn Mountains (Appendix 4); given the distance from other known locations and unusual habitat, these report should be treated as hypothetical until verified. It seems possible that Western Chorus Frogs will eventually be verified from the lower elevations of the HNF. The most likely locations would be the extreme northeastern portion of the main Rocky Mountains east of Lincoln, the east side of the Big Belts, or the Dry Range. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. 20 m c CO +j C o to 2 o ,- "5 c o m CD I 5 93 CD C t_ o c o co '8 3 O ■o o o o CO 54° F) nights; calling peaks during the first few hours after sunset (Hammerson 1982a). "Road hunting" 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: Woodhouse's Toad is relatively common in southeastern Montana, however, its status elsewhere in the state is unclear. A tadpole, reported as Woodhouse's Toad, present in the Montana State University Museum was collected at the mouth of Trout Creek on the Missouri River in 1948; it should be treated as hypothetical, until verified, given the difficulty identifying Bufo tadpoles and the long distance to the nearest record. 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 HNF; it could occur along the Missouri River. Any located on the HNF should be well documented with a description Indicating how the species was differentiated. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S4. 22 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 10-250 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 1982a). Males call loudly, with groups being heard for up to a mile. Eggs hatch after 2-3 days and tadpoles transform in 6-10 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 "road hunting" 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 HNF lands; the nearest record is from Helena in 1988. 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 HNF. Any located on the HNF should be well-documented. Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S4? 24 CO c CO o 5 CO m m c o +3 CD z CO c CD 5 CO CD c I. o c o as o CO a § _i £ o m I: © k_ 3 O o O Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Description: Adults are brown or green with large, dark spots surrounded by light-colored faalos on the sides and back. The dorso-lateral folds (ridges along the sides of the back) are usually lighter in color that the surrounding background. The under-side is typically white, but may be cream-colored or yellowish. The adult has a body length of 2-5". Newly transformed froglets may lack spots and are about 1 " in length (Leonard et al 1993). Eggs and Tadpoles: Eggs are laid in 2-5" globular masses composed of hundreds to thousands of eggs (Hammerson 1982a, Nussbaum et al 1983). The tadpoles are brown to dark brown on top with some metallic flecking, whereas the underside is often nearly transparent (Nussbaum et al. 1983). Total length of tadpoles may reach more than 3"; the eyes are located on top of the head. Similar species: None, although some newly-transformed froglets may lack spots, which makes them extremely difficult to distinguish from Spotted and Wood Frogs. Habitat and Habits: Northern Leopard Frogs are found in or near water in non-forested habitats. Vegetation is typically dense, as in a cattail marsh or dense sedge-meadow. Breeding takes place in lakes, ponds (temporary and permanent), springs, and occasionally backwaters or beaver ponds in streams. In Colorado, eggs hatch in 4-15 days and tadpoles take 8-15 weeks to metamorphose, depending on water temperature (Hammerson 1982a). Surveying: Both adults, tadpoles, and eggs are easily seen in and along the water during the day and can be sampled with a dipnet; adults may also be captured by hand. At very low densities adults may be difficult to find and may be detected using a call recorder. Tadpoles are difficult to tell from those of the Spotted Frog in areas where the two species may overlap. Status: Historically, the Northern Leopard Frog was widespread in Montana but it now appears to be extinct throughout much of the western part of the state. It is still common and widespread in the southeastern corner of the state, but it may be declining in central and northeastern Montana. It appears that only localized populations are present on the western edge of the plains. A single report of this frog is known from the HNF; an observation of one was made near McDonald Pass in 1994. Given the recent declines in this species and the unusual habitat, this record should be treated as hypothetical until verified. Several other records exist from near HNF lands at lower elevations. The most recent record was of a few individuals seen at the Deepdale Fishing Access south of Townsend in 1994; however, despite three surveys, none were seen in 1995. Due to its significant decline and lack of current reports from the HNF, all sightings of this species should be documented. Northern Leopard Frogs are now absent from many other areas in North America where they were common a few decades ago. Widespread extinctions are known from Alberta (Koonz 1993), Wyoming (Koch and Peterson 1995), Colorado (Hammerson 1982b, Com and Fogelman 1984), Idaho (Groves and Peterson 1992), Washington, and Oregon (Leonard et al 1993). Bullfrog and fish introductions, acid rain, ozone depletion, immune system suppression, and "Postmetamorphic Death Syndrome" have all been suggested as causes for frog extirpations in other areas (Com and Fogelman 1984, Hammerson 1982b, Carey 1993, Leonard etal 1993). Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G4 S3S4. 26 «D C CO c o 2 03 CD C o CO c © I CC CO c o c o © t 3 I- "8 CO £L %#_ O CO © o c © 3 O o O 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 Mack. A series of short, irregular yellow lines are often scattered across the shell, and a red and Hack 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. 1994). Eggs and Young. The elliptical, white, soft-shelled eggs are about 28-35 mm in length and 16-23 mm in width (Ernst et al 1994). 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 10-20 feet of the water's 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 et al. 1994). 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 et al. 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 HNF. However they are known from lower elevation areas on the plains adjacent to the forest, and were reported within l A mile of the forest boundary by A. Harper and S. Hendrickson (pers. coram.) in the western Elkhom Mountains. They probably occur on the HNF at low elevations; any sightings should be documented. There has been some concern about Painted Turtle populations nationally; whether declines have occurred in Montana is unknown Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 28 Spiny Softshell {Trionyx spiniferus) (=Apaione 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 18 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 "snorkel" 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 et al 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 1994). 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 . A pair of binoculars is helpful and surveys should be done on warm sunny days; basking seldom takes place before 10:00 a.m. (Ernst et al. 1994). 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 major 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 1966). 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. A specimen was reported by Black (1970) from Canyon Ferry Reservoir, however, no museum has reported having one, nor have recent biologists in the area reported them here; it should be treated as hypothetical given the long distance to the nearest record. Any located on the HNF should be documented and reported. Considered a Species of Special Concern in Montana. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3. Species of Special Concern. 30 m m t- |X 5 ! i o I 1 10 Short-horned Lkard (Phrynosoma douglasi) Description: The Short-homed lizard has a broad, somewhat flattened 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 s, homs" 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-homed 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 morning. A Short-homed 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 watching carefully 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: The Short-homed Lizard subspecies found in Montana (P. d. brevirostra) is currently a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 2 Candidate species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1994). It is widely distributed (but apparently localized) in eastern Montana. There are no records from the Helena National Forest, but there are records from the Three Forks area to the south (Reichel and Flath 1995). The most likely places to find this species would be in near the south ends of the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains at low elevations. This species may be vulnerable to collecting for the pet trade and agricultural conversion of native habitats. It should be watched for in open pine, prairie, or shrub-steppe habitat with loose or sandy soils; all sightings should be documented. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. A Species of Special Concern. 32 CD C m c o 5 m CO c o CO c I CO c o c o CO o> .Q o CO © c © u o O Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) Description: The Rubber Boa looks and feels like robber, 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 bom 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 on south facing slopes; recent data indicates it rarely moves more than a 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 born 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 > 10* 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 mere historic records of their presence definitely located on the HNF. However, a record from Grizzly Gulch in 1994 may have been on the forest. They probably occur throughout the Rocky Mountains of the HNF at low to mid-elevations. They should be watched for on the HNF; any sightings should be documented. Of particular interest would be any reports of this species from the Elkhorn or Big Belt Mountains or documentation of any denning sites located. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. 34 co c CO c o 2 CD c O c o tammm -Q ■ ■■ CO a as OS OS I i 1 £ o S I ■I CO Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) Description: The Milk Snake is a slender and medium-sized snake (to 42 inches in length or more), with smooth scales. It has a highly recognizable series of red to orange saddles or rings that are bordered by black bands and separated by white or yellow bands. Width of dark and light bands can vary widely. The subspecies in Montana (L. t. gentilis) tends to be paler, with orange bands replacing red, and a light belly with few or no black spots. Similar species: None in Montana. Habitat and Habits: Little is known of Milk Snakes in Montana because only a few have been reported. In Wyoming and elsewhere they are usually found near cliffs, talus, outcrops, and rocky hillsides in forested and open country. They can be found in or under rotten logs. Milk Snakes are secretive and most active at night. They eat a variety of vertebrates, including other snakes, lizards, eggs, small mammals, and sometimes invertebrates such as earthworms and insects. Eggs are laid in mid-summer. Milk Snakes sometimes vibrate their tails when disturbed. Their name stems from an old tale alleging that these snakes milk cows. Surveying: Timed-sight surveys may be conducted around cliff bases and outcrops; turning over rocks in these areas may be very effective in May and early June (L. Vitt, pers. comm.). Most distributional information will likely come from recording incidental sightings.. More intensive research may be done using funnel traps in combination with drift fences. The most intensive research and survey projects may use mark-recapture or radio-telemetry techniques. Status: Milk Snakes are very rare and local in Montana. There are no records from the Helena National Forest, but there are records from the Three Forks area to the south (Reichel and Flath 1995). The most likely places to find this species would be in rocky canyons on the south ends of the Big Belt and Elkhom Mountains. The subspecies found in Montana is highly sought for the pet trade. All records of Milk Snakes should be fully documented; of particular interest would be documentation of denning sites. Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S2. A Species of Special Concern. 36 CO C co c o 5 CO m s Hi ^ -n _S fill it I i w 1*8 "Si «g §-J8 O 3 < a 2 « 1 " ILi P- H 1 HI' 'Hi ii ! Hum? 1 f ][ ji j i ! » 1 fHt s I t ] ■! i Hi ilii i H II II II I i iii lf)|| til III). nrillii -11*1 I JtlS L l Sa*s g !• Uli Hi flllll . 3* si il II ■8 I till ■i Nil! i illil ' i • i 1 1 J £ j £ & lillif 14 i l! IS ^ u AMPHIBIAN SURVEY DATA SHEET . WN .i VWUDUK SfRVtCE, 4i« McMUMY AVt FT. COUJNS. CO MSM-MOO 1st sfssfes voiaMss; (v*r. 2/7/92} DATE BEGIN time END TIME OBSERVERS tOCAUTY STATE COUNTY ELEVATION DESCRIPTION UTM NORTHING IwLATI EASTING l«LON» AMFHMAN AND/OR GARTER SNAKE SP iTE NUMBERS IN CATEGORIES IF ORCLE METHOD AND VOUCHER SPECIMEN WAS ADULTS/JUVENILES TADPOLES/LARVAE EGG MASSES METHOD: Y N VISUAL/AURAL D DN> NETA HAND COULECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COUECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAL/AURAL D OtP NET/SEME HAND COLLECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COUECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAL/AURAL B HP NET/SEME HAND COUECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COUECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAL/AURAL D OP NET/ HAND COUECTED TRA*-PED VOUCHER COUECTED? YES NO Y N VISUAL/AURAL D O HAND COUECTED TRAPPED VOUCHER COUECTED? YES NO ??? NO f NO. INDICATE M* OP HABITAT PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT (CHEMISTRY VARIABLES OPTIONAL . USE EXTRA SPACES FOR ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS) WEATHER: OVERCAST UGHT WATER COLOR: CLEAR ST, CLEAR CLOUDY PH ANC OMT THIS SECTION - {SKETCH SITE AND PUT ADDITIONAL F DATA HAVE BEEN COUECTED ON A ON BACK OF SHEET) VISIT NATURAL OCCASIONAL STREAM LAKE/POND LAKE/POND ACTIVE BEAVER POND •(ACTIVE LENGTH IMS vmmm MAXIMUM DEPTH: < 1 I i -an > 2M STREAM ORDER B + PRIMARY SUBSTRATE: SN.T/MUO OTHER % OF POND LAKE MARGIN WITH VEGETATION- 1 -25 25-50 60 EMERGENT VEGETATION SPECIES IUST IN ORDER OF ABUNDANCE) NORTH SHORELINE CHARACTERS: SHALLOWS SHALLOWS EMERGENT VEG VEG DISTANCE (Ml TO FOREST EDGE ROUGH SKETCH OF SITE GRID SPACING IS ___ METERS BETWEEN LINES 4 •> !• .; i- ADDITIONAL NOTES: I I I I I Xi O vt tn g 3 o 2 I 88 w © o V) 3 T3 *s < v» — a, W « «A .1 o en *■»» |=HS as *" &» £ ^ I Date Mo/I o 2 § ta z as 1 2 & ■fcatf 8 00 5 Cfl W1 , Q. z wnshi| UTM 2 z § H 5 p m ^g e 8 County CO u J e o ¥ o c eg X o Z 1 CM | © as fc .2 A es z ts i 8 73 •v en M P a* b» «s "2 a. £ o I y si 01 Os a. *3 E § K K . o SS5S m w m ~* r4 m *9 v5 *© p» oo 1 oi 1 — Vms ! 2 i I I .9 £ 5 f es I o 3 ■3 I .2 5 a. 2 1 1 (S I 1 .S a, 3 o Natural Heritage Bare Animal Species Reporting Form TUs form is used to report a personal field sitting ©f a tare species tracked by the Montana Natural Heritage Program. It may also be used to summarise locations! Information from a published or unpublished report. Animal species tracked include those on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Threatened, Endangered or Candidate Lists, the U.S. Forest Service Sensitive List, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Species of Special Interest ©r Concern List, and the Heritage Program Animal Species of Special Concern List. The Heritage Program can provide a copy of the list upon request. For most bird species* only reports of confirmed breeding are requested. In order for this form to be processed, the sections preceded by two asterisks (••) must be completed. Send completed form to: Montana Natural Heritage Program, 1515 E 6th Am, PO Box 201800, Helena MT 59620. Scientific Nam e **Common Nam e Locations Location Map; A mapped location of the occurrence ehould accompany this form. The ideal format is to locate the site on a photocopied section of a USGS 7.5 minute topo map; Forest Service, BLM, or other maps may be used. Be sure to provide the name of the map. County; Townships Ranges___ Sections ••Directions to Site: Describe in detail how to get to the site from a readily located permanent landmark such as a road intersection. __ , , Biology/Habitat ••Date and Approximate Time of the Observation:. ••Number of Individuals Observed: D 1-5 D 5-10 □ 11-50 D 51-100 □ 101-1000 Q > 1000 If possible, provide the exact number of individuals: Life Stages Present: Check off the life stages observed or provide an estimate of the numbers of individuals for each life stage: egg s larva e immatur e adult femal e adult mal e adult, sex unknown__ Comments: , , , „ , , Additional Status Informations What else was observed? Provide information on the behavior of the species particularly that which oouM indicate ©r confirm breeding at the sit®. For birds this could include singing males, carrying nest material/food, dependant young observed, entry of adults into possible nesting cavity, etc Associated Species: list any associated species such as predators, prey, food plants, host species, or additional rare species observed at the site. Required Field Habitat Data: Describe the general area where the occurrence is located. list community types, dominant vegetation, and information on the physical environment such as substrate type, hydrology, moisture regime, slope, elevation, and aspect. Abo, if possible, provide information on the surrounding land use and extent of additional suitable habitat. Weather Conditions: Qdear D overcast Oealm D windy Describe temperature, precipitation, and other significant weather factors: Conservation! Are there any natural or human threats to this occurrence? Please describe. Ownership: If known, please provide landowner name, address and telephone number. Information Sources ••Name, Address, and Telephone Number (of person filing report) ••Does this information come from Q a field visit, □ a 2nd party observation, or Q a published or unpublished report? Citation: For information taken from a published or unpublished report, please provide a copy of the cover page and pertinent portions of the report. If a copy cannot be provided, list below the author, date, title, publisher, and page numbers. Voucher: Was the observation vouchered with Q a photograph? Q a specimen? If possible, attach a copy 6f the photograph. If specimen voucher, please provide the collection # and name of the repository: , .____—«____. — Identification: How was the species identification made? Was it based on a sighting, track, call, seat, road kill, etc.? Name the identification mamial(s) used or espert(s) consulted. Were there identification problems? Confirmation: Would you accompany a biologist to the site if needed? Dyes D »° Additional Comments: (use additional sheets if needed) Beq«tred Field I I APPENDIX 2. SITES SURVEYED DURING 1995 AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SURVEYS ON THE HELENA NATIONAL FOREST 60 co ©«Nt©©©*nco>n»n«nnoooOfn-*n»nr»t-t--r'»f~i-»s«v>9e VN©mom©NO^-oo , ^f'n ©©©©©© © Tf «n ^f «*• oc vo «n r~ no no sn » a <§ I i? 2 3 * 111 <55 co co © m CO WD is 2 2 ^ © co 2 «n vo w Eg 00 2 :£ £ CO 1 2 oo 1 oo CO CO m CO CO «n oo ^ w CO CO «n en 2 2 00 — m 2: 2 oo oo CO CO CO oS erf 2 2 oo 00 2 00 *5 co 2 CO CO ££ «n © § s 2 2 oo m H^HH^H^H^HHHHH ofll Q J J _3 u & II *S1 1 22 1 a_ *j ** *" u £3 Uipi ||U S* of «" . < JS JS2 > 8 ^ ^ U «« I 133 | g cm eu s> 1 CO WOO <* m m S© o Tf m © ©©©©om©o»n«n«n »-«»-« men—*©©CNro«n~~ 8 = oi o o o en O m rn r*» oo t-» -0(N co co co OS OS 05 zzz s© oo so _> MNOWINOO — < >n en m cn CN m ^ © © © o o o Jo o 1 fifilMt 1 J §•§•! 8 I nnuOShco # • * # # # * * o© cn *— * # ^> «-* vo • t- * r- ooo«nooooooooo mmmeN<—'fn©mfnm«n— « ooooo^-^oooooo o o II a § 8 & g S 22 J I 1111* Mia 1 8-a ^fl 1 11-11 o I & s 0* a, 5 * * % i u ff H ss -3 CO v© * # # * — «N — < CN CO v> O O O "ST CS »n 10 miles. / /l 966 Yes Observation Near Canyon Ferry Reservoir, small spring in open ponderosa pine. Cascade .5 to 5 mil / / No Museum Specimen Little Belt Mountains, 1.2 miles N. (Hwy 89) of Kings Hill Pass, 7200 ft. 68 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TOAD (continued) Cascade .5 to 5 mil / /1966 No Observation Kings Hill, 7000 ft Granite J to 5 mil 7/11/1977 Yes Museum Specimen V* mi W of Bearmouth, rest area off 1-90. Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 8/7/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Dog Creek beaver ponds Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 5/25/1995 No Observation McDonald Pass : Meagher > 10 miles. 8/4/1899 No Museum Specimen Deep Creek Canyon, Big Belt Mountains 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 Meagher < .5 mile. 6/26/1995 No Observation Beaver ponds on Daniels Creek Powett <.5mile. 8/25/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Old oxbow at Blackfoot River, 1 mi. SW of Blackfoot Canyon Campground Powel .5 to 5 mfl 7/ 9/1995 No Observation 30 mi. NW of Lincoln, Coopers Lake WOODHOUSE'S TOAD Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 11 9/1948 No Museum Specimen Mouth of Trout Creek, Missouri River 69 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal AUas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN CHORUS FROG Cascade 5 to 10 mil 6/7/1993 No Observation Chestnut Valley Sand hills Jefferson <.5mile. 8/20/1995 Yes Observation Jefferson Creek, Elkhom Mtns. In Cow Pond. Lewis & Clark < ,5 mile. 5/21/1995 No Observation Ca. 17 mi. S. of Augusta, on Wrangle Creek Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 5/25/1995 No Observation McDonald Pass i PLAINS SPADEFOOT Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/31/1948 No Museum Specimen 3 mi. S. of Cascade, Missouri River Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 6/ /1988 No Observation Dave Genter's house. NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG Broadwater <.5mile. 5/10/1993 No Observation Deepdale FAS. Directly E. across channel from Deepdale BE nest Broadwater .5 to 5 mil 8/13/1899 Yes Museum Specimen Townsend Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/31/1948 No Museum Specimen 3 mi. S. of Cascade, Missouri River Cascade .5 to 5 mil 8/12/1954 No Museum Specimen Spanish Coulee Granite .5 to 5 mil 7/27/1961 No Museum Specimen Lake Albacaulis Lewis & Clark <.5miSe. 7/ /l 993 No Observation very small riparian ponds along Dearborn River Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 8/11/1948 No Museum Specimen Wolf Creek 70 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (coat) Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 5/25/1995 No Observation McDonald Pass ; Powell 5 to 10 mil // No Museum Specimen Deer Lodge National Forest, along Willow Creek Powell 5 to 10 mil II 3/1973 No Museum Specimen North Fork of Blackfoot River SPOTTED FROG Broadwater <.5mile. 5/17/1995 Yes Observation Big Belt Mountains, upper Dry Creek beaver complex. Broadwater < .5 mile. 5/29/1995 No Observation South Fork Crow Creek Broadwater <.5mUe. 5/17/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Big Belt Mountains; upper pond on Dry Creek Broadwater <.5mile. 7/12/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Avalanche Creek at Narytime Gulch, Big Belt Mountains Broadwater <.5mile. 7/12/1995 No Observation Middle Magpie Creek Beaver Pond, Big Belt Mountains Broadwater < .5 mile. 7/12/1995 Yes Observation Lake off of Springs Gulch, Big Belt Mountains Broadwater < .5 mile. 5/24/1995 Yes Observation Avalanche Creek Cascade .5 to 5 mil / / No Museum Specimen Little Belt Mountains, 1 2 miles N. of Kings Hill Pass Cascade .5 to 5 mil 612111913 No Museum Specimen North of Kings Hi Campground, Hwy. 89, Little Belt Mountains Cascade < .5 mile. 6/22/1995 Yes Observation Harley Park Cascade < .5 mile. 6/22/1995 No Observation O'Brien Creek headwaters/Lone Tree Park 71 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (continued) Cascade <.5mile. 7/26/1995 Yes Observation Beaver ponds at head of Belt Creek. Granite .5 to 5 mil 4/ 9/1949 No Museum Specimen Drummond Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 7/8/1944 No Museum Specimen 5milesW.ofBemice Jefferson 5 to 10 mil 7/30/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Jefferson 5 to 10 mil 8/16/1949 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek Jefferson < .5 mile. 5/15/1995 Yes Observation Mill Creek headwaters Jefferson <.5mile. 5/15/1995 Yes Observation Upper Wiliard Creek Jefferson < .5 mile. 5/20/1995 Yes Observation Old beaver pond in upper Corral Gulch. Jefferson < .5 mile. 5/20/1995 Yes Observation Large pond just below Park Lake Jefferson <.5mile. 5/20/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Smaller pond just below Park Lake Jefferson < .5 mile. 8/14/1995 No Observation on Little Boulder River just above Iron/Shield mine Jefferson < .5 mile. 7/10/1995 No Observation Kady Gulch Jefferson <.5mile. 9/6/1995 No Observation Clear Creek Jefferson < .5 mile. 9/5/1995 No Observation Moose Creek Jefferson < .5 mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation 0.3 mi. E. of Strawberry Butte 72 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (continued) Jefferson <. 5 mile. 9/6/1995 No Observation Cliff Lake, Red Rock Drainage Judith Basin .5 to 5 mil 8/ 8/1944 No Museum Specimen 12 miles S. of Neihart Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil / /1966 No Observation 2.3 miles W. of Flasher Pass tributary of Blackfoot River Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 9/ 3/1994 No Observation Prickley Pear Creek just W. of Stansfield Lake. Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 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 < .5 mile. 5/22/1994 No Museum Specimen 7-Up Pete Proposed Gold Mine area on HWY 200, ca. 10 mi. E. of Lincoln. Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 5/20/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Old beaver pond on tributary of Beaver Creek Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/20/1995 Yes Observation Pond 0.5 mi. w. of Chessman Reservoir. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/24/1995 No Observation Copper Creek beaver pond near campgrounds. Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 5/24/1995 No Observation Middle Copper Creek drainage in pond. Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 5/25/1995 Yes Observation PondN. of Heart Lake Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation Ponds on Austin Creek Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 5/24/1995 No Observation Copper Creek 73 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (continued) Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 8/31/1995 Yes Observation Poonnan Creek, before road leaves creek Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 8/31/1995 No Observation Upper Blackfoot River marshes Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation Beaver ponds, Meadow Creek Lewis & Clark <.5miie. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation Dog Creek beaver ponds Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 6/27/1995 No Observation S. of Park Lake Meagher .5 to 5 mil 6/ 1/1978 No Museum Specimen Dry Fork of Musselshell River Meagher < .5 mile. 5/29/1994 Yes Museum Specimen Crater Lake and ponds above, 5880 ft. Meagher <. 5 mile. 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 mile. 6/26/1995 No Observation Irrigation ditch below Wolsey Creek on Sheep Creek Meagher < .5 mile. 8/ 3/1995 No Observation N. Fork Eagle Creek Meagher < .5 mile. 8/15/1995 No Observation E. Fork Grasshopper Creek Meagher < .5 mile. 8/30/1995 No Observation Grasshopper Creek 74 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetiie) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type SPOTTED FROG (continued) Powell .5 to 5 mil 7/21/1891 No Museum Specimen Elliston, near Little Blackfoot River Powell .5 to 5 mil 7/22/1891 N© Museum Specimen Deer Lodge, Cottonwood Creek Powell .5 to 5 mil / / No Museum Specimen Ovando, N. of Camp Lake Powell .5 to 5 mil / / No Museum Specimen Browns Lake Powell < .5 mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Lilly Lake Powell <.5mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation Beaver pond, Little Blackfoot Powell <.5mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Mine shaft pond Powell <.5mile. 7/11/1995 No Observation Mine shaft pond Powell <.5mile. 7/11/1995 Yes Observation Bryan Creek Beaver Pond Powell <. 5 mile. 7/11/1995 No Observation Little Blackfoot River Beaver Dam Powell < .5 mile. 8/23/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Small pond off BLM road, Garnet Mountains Powell <.5mile. 8/24/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Lower Chamberlain Meadows ca. 3/4 down, Garnet Mountains Powell <. 5 mile. 8/31/1995 No Observation Pond off road, Sucker Creek Powell < .5 mile. 8/22/1995 No Observation Cottonwood Meadow, Garnet Mountains „ Powell < .5 mile. 8/22/1995 No Observation South side Old Baldy Mountain, Garnet Mountains 75 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Date Type SPOTTED FROG (continued) Powell <. 5 mile. 8/31/1995 No Observation Pond off road, Sucker Creek Powell <.5mile. 8/25/1995 Yes Museum Specimen Old oxbow at Blackfoot River, 1 mi. SW of Blackfoot Canyon Campground PAINTED TURTLE Broadwater < .5 mile. 5/ /1993 No Observation Canyon Ferry WMA east side. Broadwater 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Black 1970 Broadwater <.5mile. 5/9/1995 No Observation Deepdale fishing access Granite .5 to 5 mil 6/ /1995 Yes Observation In pond by rest area along 1-90 near Bearmouth. Jefferson < .5 mile. 7/26/1995 No Observation Prickly Pear Road Lewis & Clark <.5mile. / /1994 Yes Observation Spring Meadow Lake Powell .5 to 5 mil 9/7/1994 No Observation Lanrity Lake in Ovando Valley Powell .5 to 5 mil 9/ 8/1994 No Observation Evans Lake Powell 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Black 1970 SPINY SOFTSHELL Broadwater 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported Canyon Ferry Reservoir 76 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type RUBBER BOA Broadwater 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Broadwater .5 to 5 mil 9/ /1957 No Museum Specimen Near Toston Gallatin .5 to 5 mil 8/1 1/1959 No Museum Specimen Middle Fork 16 Mile Creek Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 3/ /1949 No Museum Specimen Worth Ranch, Canyon Creek Lewis & Clark ,5 to 5 mil / /1994 No Observation Grizzly Gulch SSW of Helena RACER Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 5/20/1995 No Museum Specimen 1.5 mi. ESE of Sieben Ranch 77 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type GOPHER SHAKE Broadwater < .5 mile. 5/21/1994 No Observation Hwy. 12 between Helena and Townsend Broadwater < .5 mile. 8/30/1995 No Observation Whites Creek Cascade 5 to 10 mil 7/ 6/1993 No Observation Chestnut Valley Sandhills Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 10/15/1982 No Museum Specimen Junction Sheep and Little Prickly Pear Creeks Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 5/24/1941 No Museum Specimen Wolf Creek Lewis* Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/28/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER Broadwater .5 to 5 mil 9/ /1962 No Museum Specimen W. of Winston Broadwater < .5 mile. 7/12/1995 No Observation Lake off of Springs Gulch, Big Belt Mountains Broadwater < .5 mile. 5/29/1995 No Observation Deepdale Fishing Access Site Broadwater < .5 mile. 7/12/1995 No Observation FS RD 359 along Avalanche Creek between McGregor and Spilling Gulch Broadwater < .5 mile. 10/15/1995 No Museum Specimen Indian Road Recreation Area, just N of Townsend Gallatin 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Granite 5 to 10 mil 10/31/1944 No Museum Specimen Rock Creek Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 7/30/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek 78 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER (continued) Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 7/30/1951 N© Museum Specimen Prickley Pear Jefferson .5 to 5 mil 4/28/1962 No Museum Specimen S. of East Helena on Al Palmer Ranch Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/20/1891 No Museum Specimen 12 miles E of Helena on McClellen Creek Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil // No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 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 < .5 mile. 7/27/1975 No Observation McClellan Creek Quarry Lake Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 6/30/1949 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 9/10/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickley Pear Creek Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 9/10/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickley Pear Creek Lewis* Clark .5 to 5 mil 8/ /1994 Yes Observation Little Prickly Pear Creek N. of Helena Lewis* Clark <.5mile. 7/5/1995 No Observation Helens Lewis & Clark < .5 mile. 8^0/1995 No Observation Falls Creek Lewis* Clark .5 to 5 mil 5/25/1995 No Observation McDonald Pass area Madison .5 to 5 mil / /1994 No Observation Little Blackfoot River W. of Avon 79 Natural Heritage Program 03/2 1/1 996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GAETER (continued) Meagher 5 to 10 mil 8/22/1919 No Museum Specimen Fort Logan, Camas Creek, (4 mi S) Meagher < .5 mile. 8/30/1995 No Observation Grasshopper Creek Powell > 10 miles. 7/31/1967 No Museum Specimen Norm Fork of the Blackfoot River Powell > 10 miles. 7/3/1973 No Museum Specimen North Fork of me Blackfoot River Powell < .5 mile. 6/ /1950 No Specimen Reported Cottonwood Creek Powell .5 to 5 mil 67 6/1 950 No Museum Specimen 0.5 mi. above mouth of Cottonwood Creek Powell <.5mile. 8/31/1995 No Observation Road past Stemple Pass COMMON GARTER SNAKE Broadwater < .5 mile. 9/25/1995 No Observation Eureka Creek Cascade .5 to 5 mil 9/6/1994 No Observation Schrammeck Lake Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis* Clark 5 to 1© mil 7/30/1951 No Museum Specimen Prickly Pear Creek Powell .5 to 5 mil / /1994 No Observation N. ofOvando Powell < .5 mile. 8/ 3/1995 No Observation Ontario Creek 80 Natural Heritage Program 03/21/1996 Montana Animal Atlas (Herpetile) Species Report County Precision Date Breed Data Type WESTERN RATTLESNAKE Cascade .5 to 5 mil / /1 927 No Museum Specimen Cascade Gallatin 5 to 10 mil / / No Specimen Reported See map in Davis 1963 Lewis & Clark .5 to 5 mil 7/28/1949 No Museum Specimen Wirth Ranch Lewis & Clark <.5mile. 8/ /1995 No Observation Melony Bruhn's house 81 i I I APPENDIX 5. NOTES ON HARLEQUIN SURVEYS AND EXAMINATION OF POTENTIAL NORTHERN BOG LEMMING HABITAT ON THE HELENA NATIONAL FOREST oZ Appendix 5. Notes on harlequin surveys and examination of potential northern bog lemming habitat on the Helena National Forest. Northern Bog Lemmings. All sites surveyed for amphibians and reptiles were also examined for their potential suitability as northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) habitat. None examined seemed suitable. Particular attention was given Indian Meadows, however no extensive moss mats were found. There may be small pockets of suitable habitat within this large wetland complex which were missed, as only about 4 hours were spent exploring the area, and the water level was very high. Summaries of current knowledge of Montana distribution and habitat is available (Reichel 1996, Reichel and Beckstrom 1994). Harlequin Ducks were surveyed on the Landers Fork of the Blackfoot River, Copper Creek, and the East Fork of the North Fork Blackfoot River (Table A5. 1). None were found on the Helena National Forest,, however one pair was located near North Fork Falls, less than a mile below HNF lands on the Lolo NF. It seems likely that ducks will be found to use the East Fork of the North Fork on the HNF. It was surprising that no ducks were located on the Landers Fork given the apparently good habitat and lack of disturbance on that stream. I would recommend that 1-2 additional surveys during pair season (1 May to 1 June) be done before a final conclusion that ducks are not currently present is reached. The section above which we surveyed was not accessible; high water made crossing the river impossible and cliffs on both sides of the river made walking the river also impossible. It is unknown at this time if the section above is boatable and may be surveyed that way. Given the easy access to Copper Creek and the amount of the stream surveyed, it seems doubtful that this stream currently has harlequins present; I would not recommend resurveying it at this time without unless either: 1) harlequins ducks are reported in the Copper Creek-Landers Fork drainage; or 2) major land management activities are planned in the drainage. Statewide Harlequin survey data is currently being summarized and will be available soon (Reichel and Genter, in prep.), as will a Conservation Assessment and Strategy for the U.S. Rocky Mountains (Cassirer et a!., in review). I I 83 s I s I I I s I 1 « ! i i CM O O pi ! II I I I fe fcfe k fe fc I II I I I 1 II 1 I 1 | 11 1 I 1 ae a: as m m at <8 "»• * 2 I II I I I I £11 I I a 88 R J5 a £3 g 2 8J £■ (M O.VS •- * m. MM £.« »2 ■* 1|L|2§2 2 ., «»-*.>-*-.c<-.5»- i. >- 0§ § k % ° MS * s n Appendix 6. Heritage program species ranking definitions. Taxa are evaluated and ranked by the Heritage Program on the basis of their global (range-wide) status, and their state-wide status. These ranks are used to determine protection and data collection priorities, and are revised as new information becomes available. A scale of 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (demonstrably secure) is used for these ranks, and each species is assigned the appropriate combination of global and state ranks. Example: common loon = G5 / S3 (i.e., species is demonstrably secure globally; in Montana is found within a restricted range). Global and state ranks are assigned according to a standardized procedure used by all Natural Heritage Programs, and are defined below. Global/State Rank Definition (q ■ Range-wide; S ■ Montana) Gl SI Critically imperiled because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences, or very few remaining individuals) , or because of some factor of its biology making it especially vulnerable to extinction. G2 S2 Imperiled because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences) , or because of other factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range. G3 S3 Either very rare and local throughout its range, or found locally (even abundantly at some of its locations) in a restricted range, or vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other factors,- in the range of 21 to 100 occurrences. G4 S4 Apparently secure, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. G5 S5 Demonstrably secure, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. GU SXJ Possibly in peril, but status uncertain; more information needed. GH SH Historically known; may be rediscovered. GX SX Believed to be extinct; historical records only, continue search. Other codes ; A Accidental in the state; including species (usually birds or butterflies) recorded very infrequently, hundreds ©r thousands of miles outside their usual range. B A state rank modifier indicating breeding status for a migratory species. Sxampl*? S1B,SZN -- breeding occurrences for the species are ranked SI {critically imperiled) in the state, nonbreeding occurrences are not ranked in the state. E An exotic established in the state? may be native in nearby regions. HYB Element represents a hybrid of species. N A state rank modifier indicating non-breeding status for a migratory species. Examples S1B,SZN -- breeding occurrences for the species are ranked SI (critically imperiled) in the state, nonbreeding occurrences are not ranked in the state. P Indicates the element may potentially occur in the state. Q Taxonomic questions or problems involved, more information needed; appended to the global rank. R Reported in the state; but lacking documentation which would provide a basis for either accepting or rejecting the report. T Rank for a subspecific taxon (subspecies, variety, or population) ; appended to the global rank for the full species. Z Ranking not applicable. # A modifier to SX or SH; the species has been reintroduced but the population is not yet breeding and established. TJSFfcWS (USBSA) Status: The codes in this column denote the categories defined in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Notices of Review (1990, 1993, 1994), and indicate the status of a taxon with respect to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973: E/SA Treat as endangered because of similarity of appearance. LE Endangered LT Threatened P Proposed E or T CI Notice of Review, Category 1 (substantial biological information on file to support the appropriateness ©f proposing to list as endangered or threatened) . 86 C2 Notice of Review, Category 2 (current information indicates that proposing to list as endangered or threatened is possibly appropriate, but substantial biological information is not on file to support an immediate ruling) . C2* Category 2, and the taxon is possibly extinct. 3A Taxa for which the USFWS has persuasive evidence of extinction. 3B Names that, on the basis of current taxonomic understanding, do not represent taxa meeting the Endangered Species Act's definition of "species." 3C Taxa that have proven to be more abundant or widespread than was previously believed, and/or those that are not subject to any identifiable threat. NL Not listed/no designation. (See note below.) XN Nonessential experimental population. Not«i A species can have more than one federal designation if the species' status varies within its range. In these instances the Montana designation is listed first. Examples; bald eagle ■ LELT. Species is Listed Endangered in Montana; elsewhere in its range it may be Listed Threatened. trumpeter swan - C2NL. Species is a Category 2 in Montana; elsewhere in its range it may not have USF&WS designation. common tern - NLC2. Species has no USF&WS designation in Montana; elsewhere in its range it may be a Category 2. OSFS Status s The status of species in Montana as defined by the U.S. Forest Service manual (2670.22) . These taxa are listed as such by the Regional Forester (Northern Region) on Montana National Forests. State Status s These codes give the state legal status of vertebrates as listed in the 1989 Statutes of Montana for the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. GA =» game animal 6F • game fish FB - fur bearing animal Management Status: MB ■ migratory bird UB ■ upland game bird CD ■ closed season E » endangered RH » restricted harvest NG • nongame wildlife P » protected species U m unprotected species 8?