INTRODUCTION 



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

 Fogelman 1984, Phillips 1990). Acid rain, ozone depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and 

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

 system deficiency, and climate change have all been suggested as possible causes. 



Bullfrogs and bass have been introduced into waters on or near the Kootenai National 

 Forest (KNF); both have been implicated in declines of native amphibian populations. Past 

 forestry practices and large scale logging continue to be detrimental to resident herpetofauna 

 (Bury et al. 1991). The Tailed frog {Ascaphus truei), present on the KNF, 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 Leopard frog (Rana pipiens) has 

 disappeared over much of its former range in western Montana. 



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists one Montana amphibian as a candidate species: 

 the Spotted frog (C2) {Rana pretiosa). The Western toad {Bufo boreas) has recently been 

 petitioned for listing (L. Nordstrom, USFWS, Helena, pers. comm.). The U.S. Forest Service 

 Region 1 lists the Coeur d'Alene salamander as "Sensitive" and is considering adding the 

 northern Leopard frog and Spotted frog. The Montana Natural Heritage Program and the 

 Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks list 4 amphibians [Coeur d'Alene salamander 

 (Plethodon idahoensis), Idaho giant salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus), Canadian toad (Bufo 

 hemiophrys), Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)} and 5 reptiles [Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), 

 Spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera), Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus), Smooth green 

 snake (Opheodrys vernalis), Milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)} as species of special concern 

 in the state; the Leopard frog is being considered for addition. The Tailed frog was recently 

 removed as a species of special concern due to its apparently wide-spread and stable populations 

 in western Montana. Of these, the Spotted frog, Leopard frog, Wood frog, Western toad, Idaho 

 giant salamander, and Coeur dAlene salamander occur, or potentially occur, on the KNF. 



