ABSTRACT 



A total of 1 8 sites were surveyed for amphibians and reptiles of which only 5 had one or 

 more amphibian or reptile species present. Many of these surveys covered large areas (e.g. the 

 entire Blackleaf Fen) and 1000-2000 m of streams. Due to the relatively small size of the study 

 area and the lack of water across much of the landscape, every known non-beaver pond, a 

 sampling of beaver ponds within each drainage where they are known to occur, and a least 1 000 

 m of most streams were sampled. A total of 10-1200 person-minutes were spent at each site, 

 depending upon the size of the area and what was found. Initially, the entire shoreline, or a 

 major part thereof, was searched by walking slowly along the edge and up into the surrounding 

 vegetation, including rolling over rocks and logs. At regular intervals, the aquatic habitat was 

 sampled for tadpoles or larvae using dipnets. 



Although no species were found at 13 sites, their absence may have been due to the time of 

 day. weather conditions, sampling too late in the season for some species, or other factors at the 

 time of sampling. This area is very arid, with many of the streams disappearing underground for 

 long distances by mid-summer and many ponds drying up. Even most of the streams with water 

 were very low flows in a wide gravel bed, and, lacking stream side vegetation, not suitable for 

 amphibians. The only snakes found were garter snakes, possibly due to the short growing 

 season. Reptile reproduction is closely tied to environmental conditions, and in the cold climate 

 of the Rocky Mountain Front, it is possible that many species just cannot reproduce successfully. 



Three amphibians were found on the study area: Tiger Salamander {Ambystoma tigrinum). 

 Northern Chorus Frog {Pseudacris triseriata), and Spotted Frog {Rana pretiosa) . The Tiger 

 Salamander was found in a few ponds near the forest/prairie ecotone. The Northern Chorus Frog 

 is apparently the most widespread amphibian throughout the study area, occurring most 

 commonly in prairie ponds and ditches. During May surveys they were frequently heard calling 

 from a variety of wetland sites. The Spotted Frog was found in two ponds within forested 

 habitat. Five additional amphibians may occur on the study area, but were not encountered 

 during surveys, nor are there any records of them. They include: Long-toed Salamander 

 {Ambystoma macrodactylum). Tailed Frog {Ascaphus truei). Western Toad {Bufo boreas). Plains 

 Spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons), and Northern Leopard Frog {Rana pipiens). 

 The Long-toed Salamander, Tailed Frog, and Western Toad were all found in very small 

 numbers in forested habitat on the RMRD in 1994, near the study area. A single Northern 

 Leopard Frog was found in a beaver pond on Pine Butte Swamp in 1993, the nearest known 

 record to the study area. Northern Leopard Frogs are nearly extirpated from western Montana, 

 and recent evidence indicates a decline elsewhere in Montana (except the southeast comer). 

 They typically inhabit prairie ponds and creeks; all sightings should be reported. One other 

 prairie-inhabiting amphibians has been recorded to the east of the study area, the Plains 

 Spadefoot {Scaphiopus bombifrons). 



Ten reptiles have been reported from near the study area, but only two were found there: the 

 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake {Thamnophis elegans) and Common Garter Snake 

 (Thamnophis sirtalis). The following reptiles have been recorded in the area and may eventually 

 be found on the study area: Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta). Short-homed Lizard {Phrynosoma 

 douglasi). Rubber Boa {Charina bottae). Racer {Coluber constrictor), Westem Hognose Snake 



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