RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 



A total of 23 sites were surveyed (two sites more than once) of which 16 (69.6%) had one 

 or more amphibian or reptile species present (Figure 1 , Appendices 1 and 2). Although no 

 species were foimd at seven sites, their absence may have been due to the time of day, weather 

 conditions, or other factors at the time of sampling. The number of survey sites per District 

 varied from 3-10 (Stevensville - 10, Darby - 6, West Fork - 4, Sula - 3). Most sites surveyed 

 were below 5000' elevation, but six were between 7000-8000'. The coverage of all Districts can 

 only be considered preliminary, as large areas remain unsurveyed. Six of the survey sites were 

 not on Bitterroot National Forest land. 



In addition to the 23 sites surveyed, there were 85 reliable sightings (i.e. road kills, 

 chance observations) from 1995 for which data are available. Location data from surveys, 

 sightings, and historical records (from the literature and museum specimens) are listed in 

 Appendix 3. The survey and sighting data, in addition to any historical records, were used in 

 constructing the enclosed distribution maps; inset maps for each species are based on sight and 

 specimen records, both recent and historical. Prior to 1930, most historical data from the BNF 

 area were collections made in 1910 by personnel of the U.S. Biological Survey; during the 1930's 

 and 1940's collections were made by W. L. Jellison (see Rodgers and Jellison 1942). Collections 

 since the 1 940's, and prior to the recent Natural Heritage Program surveys, are attributable 

 primarily to J. H. Black and R. B. Brunson. 



Based on museum specimens, publications or reports, and from personal accounts, eight 

 amphibians (Long-toed Salamander, Coeur d'Alene Salamander, Tailed Frog, Western Toad, 

 Pacific Chorus Frog, Bullfrog, Northern Leopard Frog, Spotted Frog) and nine reptiles (Painted 

 Turtle, Northern Alligator Lizard, Western Skink, Rubber Boa, Racer, Gopher Snake, Western 

 Terrestrial Garter Snake, Common Garter Snake, Western Rattlesnake) have been reported on or 

 near the Bitterroot National Forest. An additional amphibian species (Idaho Giant Salamander) 

 could potentially be found in streams of the Bitterroot Mountains on the Forest. Six amphibian 

 and seven reptile species were actually observed during the 1995 survey. 



In the following species accounts, descriptions of similar species cover only those which 

 are known or suspected to occur in Montana (see Reichel and Flath 1995); outside Montana, 

 other similar 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). Heritage Program Global (G) 

 and State (S) rank codes range from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (demonstrably secure, though 

 possibly rare in part of the range). Other codes include Q (taxonomic questions or problems 

 involved that need clarification) and E (established exotic; may be native in nearby regions). 



