INTRODUCTION 



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

 Fogelman 1984. Phillips 1990. Yoffe 1992). Acid rain, ozone depletion, pollution by toxic 

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

 climatic changes, disease, immune system problems, and combinations of several of these factors 

 have all been suggested as possible causes (Com and Fogelman 1984, Phillips 1990, Yoffe 

 1992). 



Bass have been introduced into waters on or near the Sioux District of the Custer National 

 Forest (Sioux-CNF) 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). Preliminary data indicate that 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 eastem Montana. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now lists the Western 

 Toad {Bufo boreas) as a Candidate (C-2) species in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. 

 Apparent declines have recently been reported in northern Idaho (C. Peterson pers. comm.), 

 northwestern Montana (Werner and Reichel 1994), Yellowstone National Park (Peterson et al. 

 1992), Wyoming, and Colorado (Carey 1993). Heavy grazing in and around breeding waters 

 may negatively impact amphibians and reptiles living in riparian areas by: 1) eliminating 

 emergent vegetation necessary for egg and larvae survival; 2) lowering water quality, especially 

 causing high siltation levels; and 3) soil compaction and trampling of turtle eggs. Additionally 

 "improving" seeps and springs for livestock watering may make them unavailable to breeding 

 amphibians. 



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists two Montana amphibians and two reptiles as Category 

 2 candidate species: the Spotted Frog (Ranapretiosa), Tailed Frog {Ascaphus truei). Short- 

 homed Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasi brevirostra) and Northem Sagebmsh Li2^ard {Sceloporus 

 graciosus graciosus). The U.S. Forest Service Region 1 lists the Coeur d'Alene Salamander 

 {Plethodon idahoensis) 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 aterrimus). 

 Tailed Frog. Canadian Toad {Bufo hemiophrys). Spotted Frog, and Wood Frog {Rana sylvatica)\ 

 and 7 reptiles [Snapping Turtle {Chelydra serpentina). Spiny Softshell {Apalone spinifera). 

 Short-homed Lizard, Sagebmsh Lizard, Westem Hognose Snake {Heterodon nasicus). Smooth 

 Green Snake {Opheodrys vernalis), and Milk Snake {Lampropeltis triangulum)] as Species of 

 Special Concem in the state. The Northem Leopard Frog and Westem Toad {Bufo boreas) are 

 being considered for addition to the list. Six of these species, the Northem Leopard Frog, 

 Snapping Turtle, Short-homed Lizard, Sagebmsh Lizard, Westem Hognose Snake, and Milk 

 Snake occur, or potentially occur, on the Sioux-CNF. 



