METHODS AND MATERIALS 



Historical locations of amphibians and reptiles were recorded from the literatvire (see 

 Bibliography) and museum specimens. Records were received from over 20 major museums in 

 North America. Location and other information was then entered into a database and digitized. 



Survey sites in 1 995 were chosen based on three criteria: 1 ) Location of streams, seeps 

 and wetlands on topographic maps; 2) past survey sites as given in the literature and personal 

 communications; 3) accessibility of the wetlands by roads or hiking trails. Based on the above, 

 1-7 sites were chosen daily for surveys. Ten - 60 minutes (mean = 23 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 

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

 habitat was sampled with dipnets for tadpoles or larvae. If the initial sampling showed 

 amphibian/reptile species present, further effort was expended in order to get some idea of 

 abundance and distribution. Rock outcrops or rocky slopes were traversed while turning over 

 potential cover (rocks and logs) under which lizards and snakes might be hiding. No special 

 effort was made to sample for Tailed Frogs, as concurrent stream surveys were being conducted 

 by Forest Service persoimel and presence of this species was noted during their surveys (C. 

 Clancy pers. comm.). 



During May 1995 two ponds in the Darby District of the Bitterroot Mountains were 

 examined for their suitability as long-term monitoring sites; suitability was based primarily on 

 the diversity of amphibian species reproducing at the site. Both sites were used by three species 

 of amphibians for breeding. One of these (near the confluence of Lost Horse and South Lost 

 Horse creeks, T4NR21WS18SW) was visited once/month from May-August. During each visit 

 the near-shore aquatic habitat was sampled for amphibians using a long-handled dipnet. A total 

 of 50 sweeps was performed, in sets often sweeps while wading parallel to the shore, and the 

 number of each species captured on each sweep was recorded. About 25% of the pond margin 

 was sampled, with the same area covered on each visit. 



An attempt was made to collect the first few individuals of a species seen at a survey site. 

 The species name was recorded along vnth the developmental stage and/or standard body 

 measurement and sex (if possible); the animals were then released. Representative samples of 

 the more common species in an area were preserved for permanent museum records and will be 

 deposited at the Idaho State University Museimi. Information on museum specimens, including 

 specunens housed in other collections, are available from the Montana Natural Heritage Program 

 in either a printed or electronic format. Water temperature, air temperature, pH and a general 

 description of the area were recorded. Standard data sheets used during this project are given in 

 Appendix 4; the amphibian survey data sheet was developed by USFWS and is used extensively 

 by a variety of researchers in the western U.S. Much site specific data was gather during these 

 surveys. Not all data have been analyzed or presented m this report, but are available from the 

 Montana Natural Heritage Program. 



