RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 



A total of 53 sites were surveyed of which 31 had one or more amphibian or reptile species 

 present (Figure 1. Appendices 2 and 3). Although no species were found at 22 sites, their absence 

 may ha\ e been due to the time of day, weather conditions, or other factors at the time of 

 sampling. With two exceptions, all of the sites were on Si . ix-CNF land. 



In addition to the 53 surveys, there were a number of sightings (i.e. road kills, chance 

 observations) for which data are available and the sightings considered reliable. Location data 

 from surveys, chance encounters, and historic records (from the literature and museum 

 specimens) are listed in Appendix 4. The survey and sighting data, in addition to any historical 

 records, were used in constructing the enclosed distribution maps; statewide inset maps for each 

 species are based on sight and specimen records, both recent and historic. Most historic data 

 came from two surveys, one in 1916 by the U.S. Biological Survey with specimens housed at the 

 U.S. National Museum (Smithsonian); and the other by the University of Kansas in 1970 with 

 specimens housed in its Museum of Natural History. 



No recent publications or reports on reptiles or amphibians concentrate on any area on the 

 Sioux-CNF; the fauna of Harding County was discussed in general terms by Visher (1914). 

 Based on museum specimens, publications which have recorded species in or near the Forest, 

 and from personal accounts, seven amphibians (Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, 

 Woodhouse's Toad, Western Chorus Frog, Plains Spadefoot, Bullfrog, Northern Leopard Frog) 

 and six reptiles (Painted Turtle, Sagebrush Lizard, Racer, Gopher Snake, Plains Garter Snake, 

 Western Rattlesnake) have been reported on the Sioux-CNF. An additional five reptiles 

 (Snapping Turtle. Short-homed Lizard, Western Hognose Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter 

 Snake, Common Garter Snake) could potentially be found there. Four amphibian and six reptile 

 species were actually observed during the study. A USFWS Category 2 Candidate, the 

 Sagebrush Lizard, is reported here for the first time in the Sioux-CNF. The following results are 

 presented as a species summary for the Sioux District as a whole, followed by specific 

 information on each mountain range within the district. 



In the following species accounts, sections on "Similar Species" cover only those species 

 which are known or suspected to occur in Montana and northwestern South Dakota; outside 

 Montana, other confusing species may occur which are not covered in this report. Photos of all 

 Montana amphibians and reptiles may be found in Reichel and Flath (1995). 



