ABSTRACT 



A total of 53 surveys and several additional sightings were made in the Sioux District of the 

 Custer National Forest (Sioux-CNF) between June and October, 1994. Most surveys were 

 performed by 1 or 2 individuals in ponds, lakes, seeps, streams or other wetlands. 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, larv.-.'. 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. Localized areas across the district were 

 covered in the survey. 



Seven amphibians have been reported from the Sioux-CNF: Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma 

 tigrinum). Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus), Woodhouse's Toad {Bufo woodhousii). Northern 

 Chorus Frog {Pseudacris triseriatd). Plains Spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons). Bullfrog {Rana 

 catesbeiana), and Northern Leopard Frog {Rana pipiens). The Northern Leopard Frog was the 

 most widespread amphibian throughout the District. Northern Leopard Frogs are nearly 

 extirpated from western Montana, and anecdotal evidence indicates a decline elsewhere in 

 Montana (except in the southeastern comer). It should be carefully watched for and all sightings 

 of breeding locations reported. The Western Chorus Frog and Tiger Salamander were 

 commonly found in the ranges in South Dakota, but appeared less common in Montana; 

 however, this may be an artifact of the timing and intensity of the sampling in Montana. A 

 single Plains Spadefoot was found in the Ekalaka Hills and an historic record exists from the 

 Long Pines. The Great Plains Toad and Woodhouse's Toad are known historically from the 

 Sioux-CNF, but was not seen during surveys in 1994. The introduced Bullfrog is also known 

 historically from the Sioux-CNF, but were not seen during surveys in 1994. Bullfrogs have been 

 implicated in some native amphibian and reptile declines; therefore, loss of this exotic would be 

 good news. 



Eleven reptiles have been reported from near the Sioux-CNF, but only six have definite 

 records from on the Forest: the Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta). Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus 

 graciosus). Racer {Coluber constrictor). Gopher Snake {Pituophis catenifer). Plains Garter 

 Snake {Thamnophis radix), and Western Rattlesnake {Crotalus viridis). Not enough information 

 is available to comment on the status of any of these species in the area. The Sagebrush Lizard is 

 a USFWS Candidate (C-2) and was found in the Chalk Buttes. The Snapping Turtle {Chelydra 

 serpentina) is present in rivers, creeks and ponds at lower elevations and has been found about 

 10 miles WSW of the Long Pines. It could also occur on the Sioux-CNF. The following have 

 been recorded in the area and may eventually be found on Sioux-CNF lands: Short-homed Lizard 

 {Phrynosoma douglasi), Westem Hognose Snake {Heterodon nasicus). Milk Snake 

 {Lampropeltis triangulum), Westem Terrestrial Garter Snake {Thamnophis elegans), and 

 Common Garter Snake {Thamnophis sir talis). 



Hi 



