RECOMMENDATIONS 



Surveys and Research 



1) Incidental sightings of amphibians and reptiles from the Miles City District should be recorded 

 and forwarded to the Natural Heritage Program. Of particular interest are all observations and 

 locations of breeding amphibians (tadpoles and/or eggs) and all reptiles. Use Reichel and Flath 

 (1995) as an identification aid. Vouchers of amphibian tadpoles can be sent to the Natural 

 Heritage program for identification. The Natural Heritage website has an online form for 

 submitting amphibian and reptile observation data at http://nris.mt.gov/mtnhp/index.html . 



2) Due to the time constraints and the large area covered in this survey, it should not be regarded 

 as a definitive index of all the amphibians and reptiles or their presence on the surveyed area. The 

 secretive habits of many amphibians and reptiles, and our lack of knowledge regarding their 

 reproductive behavior make it difficult to assess their overall status. We recommend that 

 additional surveys be conducted. 



3) Long-term monitoring of typical marsh-pond habitats at several sites in the Miles City District 

 should be established. Sites might include Ute Reservoir in Carter County, Beardsiey Reservoir in 

 Custer County, Bailer Reservoir in Dawson County, Upper Labell Reservoir in Dawson County, 

 the reservoir on the branch of Snap Creek in Garfield County, Split Reservoir in McCone County, 

 Clark, Silvertip, and Homestead reservoirs in Prairie County, Missouri River oxbow pond in 

 Richland County, and Armells Creek oxbow marsh and Sunday Butte reservoir in Rosebud 

 County (see Appendix 1 and 2). These monitoring sites permit assessment of population trends 

 and breeding success of the more common species: Tiger Salamander, Western Chorus Frog, 

 Woodhouse's Toad, Northern Leopard Frog, and Plains Garter Snake. Particular attention needs 

 to be given to any toad and Northern Leopard Frog breeding sites found. Life history and 

 ecology of the amphibians in Montana is still poorly known for most species. Long-term 

 monitoring will provide information on timing of breeding and habitat requirements needed for 

 successful reproduction, as well as the kind of information needed for successflil management of 

 local populations. 



Management 



1 ) With an increasing number of amphibian species declining for a variety of reasons, it is 

 reasonable to manage habitat to support them. While not all ways of preserving and 

 protecting these species are currently known, several management actions could impact them 

 negatively. Amphibians cannot survive without adequate breeding sites, and the type of water 

 used is often species-specific. 



A) Stocking fish in ponds and reservoirs currently lacking fish, and in which amphibians 

 breed, should be carefully evaluated. Fish introductions are thought to be a major factor 

 negatively impacting amphibian populations in California (Hayes and Jennings 1986, 

 Fellers and Drost 1993, Drost and Fellers 1996) and Oregon (Kiesecker and Blaustein 

 1998). It may even be desirable to remove introduced fish from some water bodies. 



B) When altering springs and seeps for livestock, protect a portion of the area that is suitable 



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