RECOMMENDATIONS 



Surveys and Research 



1 ) Ail incidental sightings of amphibians and reptiles from the Sioa\-CNF should be recorded 

 and forv\arded to the Montana Natural Heritage Program. A half-day training session for 

 biologists (including seasonal employees) and other interested field people in spring would raise 

 awareness of this data need and provide the training needed for accurate identification of animals 

 observed; barring this. Reichel and Flalh (1995) have photos of all adult species potentially 

 present on the District. Certainly all incidental sightings of reptiles should be recorded: this is 

 the most efficient way to get data on most of these species. The Sagebrush Lizard and Short- 

 homed Lizard are now U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 2 Candidates. 



2) Due to the time constraints, the large area covered, and poor weather in the 1994 survey, it 

 should not be regarded as a definitive index of all the amphibians and reptiles or their 

 distribution on the Sioux-CNF. The secretive habits of many amphibians and reptiles and our 

 lack of knowledge regarding their reproductive behavior makes it difficult to assess their overall 

 status. V^'e recommend that additional surveys be conducted, concentrating on: A) potential 

 Northern Leopard Frog breeding sites; B) re-surveying all historic amphibian sites: C) gathering 

 additional distribution information on Sagebrush Lizards from Chalk Butte; D) determining if the 

 Sagebrush Lizard is present in other ranges; and E) sandy soil areas for Short-homed Lizards. 



3) When more breeding locations for amphibians are known, long-term monitoring of typical 

 marsh-pond habitats should be set up at several sites in order to evaluate relative numbers and 

 breeding success of the more common species: Tiger Salamander, Westem Choms Frog, 

 Northern Leopard Frog, Painted Turtle, and Plains Garter Snake. Particular attention needs to be 

 given to any toad or Bullfrog breeding sites foimd. 



4) Life histon.' and ecology of the amphibians in Montana is poorly known for most species. 

 Long-term monitoring will give us information on timing of and habitat requirements needed for 

 successful breeding. 



5) Sightings on Sioux-CNF lands of the Snapping Turtle, Short-homed Lizard. Westem 

 Hognose Snake, Westem Terrestrial Garter Snake, and Common Garter Snake would represent 

 first-time occurrences; thus it is important to document and record such data. Preferably, either 

 photos should be taken or, if appropriate, a specimen collected; at the very least, a description 

 should be written at the time of the observation. 



44 



