Ranger District Information 



Stevensville District: Thirteen of 17 total species of amphibians and reptiles in the BNF area 

 have been reported for this District; only Pacific Chorus Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Racer, 

 and Western Rattlesnake have yet to be encountered. Two species on the BNF are currently 

 known only fi-om the Stevensville District; the Coeur d' Alene Salamander and Painted Turtle. 

 The former species is known fi-om but a single location along Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot 

 Mountains, and needs reconfirmation. The latter species is found along the Bitterroot River N of 

 Hamilton, but has yet to be reported on BNF land. The Idaho Giant Salamander may be present 

 due to proximity of the District to known localities in Idaho. Substantial populations of the 

 Tailed Frog have been found in major mountain streams both in the Bitterroot and Sapphire 

 Mountains. High mountain lakes should continue to be surveyed for breeding populations of 

 Long-toed Salamanders, Western Toads and Spotted Frog; a few of these (such as Little Carlton 

 Lake) would make good sites for long-term monitoring. The few high-elevation lakes checked in 

 1 995 suggested that salamander reproduction was widespread and healthy, fi-og reproduction may 

 be locally healthy, and toad reproduction infi-equent and of concern. The Willoughby 

 Environmental Area (T8NR19WS17NE) is a good place to routinely search for reptiles, as are S- 

 facing slopes and creek-side vegetation at most canyon mouths. Concerned citizens might be 

 willing to participate in long-term surveys. 



Darby District: Fifteen of 1 7 amphibian and reptile species reported fi-om the BNF area have 

 been found on this District; only Coeur d' Alene Salamander and Painted Turtle have yet to be 

 encountered. Coeur d' Alene Salamanders should be looked for at appropriate seepages and 

 splash zones near waterfalls in the Bitterroot Mountains; reports of this species in lakes are mis- 

 identified Long-toed Salamanders. Painted Turtles are likely to occur in ponds and marshes 

 along the Bitterroot River. The Idaho Giant Salamander may be present due to proximity of the 

 District to known localities in Idaho. The Pacific Chorus Frog, Northern Leopard Frog and Racer 

 are unique to this District; the leopard frog may now be extinct in the Bitterroot Valley. Kramis 

 Pond (T4NR21 WS30SE) and the unnamed pond near the confluence of South Lost Horse Creek 

 and Lost Horse Creek (T4NR21 WS18SW) are easily accessible and excellent sites for long-term 

 monitoring of Long-toed Salamander, Western Toad, Pacific Chorus Frog and Spotted Frog (both 

 sites were visited on two or more occasions in 1995 and systematically sampled). As for the 

 Stevensville District, high-elevation lakes should be surveyed for amphibian populations and one 

 or two identified for long-term monitoring; Dam Creek Lake (7310') in the Sapphire Mountains 

 (which harbored many Long-toed Salamanders and Spotted Frogs in late August) is a suitable 

 site. Road and hillside surveys along the lower parts of Skalkaho and Sleeping Child creeks 

 could be routinely conducted for both lizard species, Racers and Western Rattlesnakes. 



West Fork District: Only four (Tailed Frog, Spotted Frog, Northern Alligator Lizard, Western 

 Terrestrial Garter Snake) of 17 amphibian and reptile species known fi-om the BNF area have 

 been reported on this District. The paucity of species reported undoubtedly reflects the lack of 

 survey effort rather than actual low species richness for the District. There are many marshy 



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