Survey time at sites ranged from 5 to 180 minutes during 1998 (Appendix 2; mean = 58.5 min., 

 sum = 5,965 min), and from 5 to 40 minutes in 1995 (Appendix 3b: mean = 18.8 min., sum = 150 

 min.). 



Site survey results tended to support the general observation that emergent vegetation is needed 

 by breeding amphibians. In 1998, amphibians were detected at 14 of 15 sites (93.3%) and 71 of 

 74 sites (95.9%) with some emergent vegetation present (values are for shoreline emergence of 1- 

 25% and >50%, respectively). Unfortunately, the number of sites with no recorded emergent 

 vegetation was small (4 sites), but amphibians were detected at only 2 (50%) of these. Emergent 

 vegetation provides cover and predator protection for tadpoles, and material upon which eggs can 

 be attached. Water levels are often below the level of emergent vegetation (usually a band of 

 sedges or rushes) at ponds lacking emergent vegetation but with amphibian tadpoles present, 

 suggesting that emergent vegetation was probably present at the time of egg laying. 



There were 76 opportunistic sightings of 1 1 species (3 amphibians and 8 reptiles) made by 

 MTNHP personnel during the inventory: 26 sightings of 6 species in 1995 in Carbon County, and 

 50 sightings of 9 species in 1998 in all other counties (Appendix 4). Of the total for both years, 6 

 of the reptile species were not reported during any of the site surveys. These species include 

 Short-horned Lizard {Phiynosoma hernandezi [=doiiglasi]). Sagebrush Lizard {Sceloporus 

 graciosus). Smooth Green Snake {Liochlorophis [=Opheodrys\ vernalis). Gopher Snake 

 {Pitiiophis catemfer). Western Hognose Snake {Heterodon nasicus), and Western Rattlesnake 

 (Crotalus vihdis). 



More details regarding status, distribution, timing of reproduction, and period of surface activity 

 during the 1998 inventory are presented in the species accounts that follow. Montana Natural 

 Heritage Program Global (G) and State (S) rank codes range from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 

 (demonstrably secure, though possibly rare in parts of its range). A question mark (*]*) indicates 

 that the assigned rank is uncertain. 



