INTRODUCTION 



Applications for permits to drill for gas on existing leases have been filed for public lands 

 managed by the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and 

 Parks, and the Great Falls Resource Area (Bureau Of Land Management). In order to better 

 determine the possible results of potential drilling on wildlife in the study area, more information 

 was needed on the presence and distribution of several special status species which included the 

 northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) and several amphibians and reptiles. 



Amphibians and Reptiles 



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

 Fogelman 1984. Yoffe 1992, Phillips 1990; Blaustein and Wake 1995). Acid rain, ozone 

 depletion, pollution by toxic chemicals and heavy metals, predation and/or competition by exotic 

 species, habitat alteration, climate change, disease, immune system problems, and some 

 combination of these factors have all been suggested as possible causes (Com and Fogelman 

 1984; Yoffe 1992; Phillips 1990; Blaustein et al. 1993, 1994a, 1994b, 1995, 1996; Blaustein and 

 Wake 1995). 



Bass and non-native trout have been introduced into waters on or near the Rocky Mountain 

 Front 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 in 

 other areas (Bury at al. 1991 ). Preliminary data indicate the Northem Leopard Frog (Rana 

 pipiens) has disappeared over much of its former range in westem Montana and is declining in 

 parts of eastem Montana (Hendricks and Reichel 1996a, 1996b; Reichel 1995a. 1995b; Wemer 

 and Reichel 1994. 1996). It was added to the Montana Natural Heritage Program Species of 

 Special Concem list in 1997. The US Fish and Wildlife Service now lists the Westem Toad 

 {Bufo boreas) as a Candidate species in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Apparent 

 declines have recently been reported in northem Idaho, northwest Montana, Yellowstone 

 National Park, Wyoming, and Colorado (Carey 1993; Reichel and Flath 1995; Wemer and 

 Plumber 1994; Wemer and Reichel 1994, 1996; Koch and Peterson 1995; C. Peterson pers. 

 comm.). It was added to the Montana Natural Heritage Program Watch List in 1995. 



The Montana Natural Heritage Program lists 5 amphibians [Coeur d'Alene Salamander 

 {Plethodon idahoensis), Idaho Giant Salamander {Dicamptodon aterrimus), Canadian Toad 

 (Bufo hemiophrys), Northem Leopard Frog, Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)] and 5 reptiles 

 [Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus), Westem Hognose 

 Snake (Hcterodon nasicus). Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis). Milk Snake 

 (Lampropeliis triangulum)] as Species of Special Concem in the state. In addition to the Species 

 of Special Concem, the Watch List has 4 amphibians [Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei). Great 

 Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus). Westem Toad, Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana)] and 2 

 reptiles [Northem Sagebmsh Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)V^estem Skink (Eumeces 

 skiltonianus)] on it. Five of these species, the Tailed Frog, Westem Toad. Plains Spadefoot. 

 Northem Leopard Frog, and Westem Hognose Snake occur or potentially occur on the Rocky 

 Moimtain Front study area. 



