INTRODUCTION 



Many amphibians are apparently declining in the western U.S. and world-wide (Com and 

 Fogelman 1984, Phillips 1994, Yoffe 1992). Acid rain, ozone depletion, pollution by toxic 

 chemicals and heavy metals, predation and/or competition by exotic species, habitat alteration, 

 climate change, disease, immune system problems, and some combination of these factors have 

 all been suggested as possible causes (Blaustein et al. 1994a, 1994b; Corn 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. 1991). The Tailed Frog (Ascaphiis 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; Reichel 

 1995a, 1995b; Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996). The US Fish and Wildlife Service now lists the 

 Western Toad {Biifo boreas) as a Candidate (C-1) 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 {Rana pretiosa). Tailed Frog, Short-homed Lizard 

 {Phrynosoma douglasi) and Northern Sagebmsh Lizard {Sceloporus graciosus graciosus). The 

 U.S. Forest Service Region 1 lists the Coeur d'Alene Salamander {Plethodon idahoemis) 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 aterrimns). Tailed Frog, Canadian 

 Toad {Bufo hemiophrys). Spotted Frog, Wood Frog {Rana sylvatica)] and 7 reptiles [Snapping 

 Turtle {Chelydra serpentina). Spiny Softshell {Trionyx spiniferus). Short-homed Lizard, 

 Sagebrush Lizard, Western Hognose Snake [Heterodon nasicus). Smooth Green Snake 

 {Opheodrys vemalis). Milk Snake {Lampropeltis triangulum)] as species of special concem in 

 the state. The Northern Leopard Frog and Western Toad are being considered for addition to the 

 species of special concem 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. 



