Preliminary amphibian and reptile survey of the Sioux District of the Custer National Forest

Description

A total of 53 surveys and several additional sightings were made in the Sioux District of the Custer National Forest (Sioux-CNF) between June and October, 1994. Most surveys were performed by 1 or 2 individuals in ponds, lakes, seeps, streams or other wetlands. Each survey took 10-150 person minutes and consisted of a thorough search of the wetland perimeter and netting of near shore aquatic habitats for adults, eggs, larvae, and tadpoles. Stream sampling was done by hand and dipnet. Seep were checked by rolling over rocks and log in and near wet areas. In addition to surveys, sightings were made from road kills, vocal identifications or fortuitous sightings by other reliable individuals. Localized areas across the district were covered in the survey. Seven amphibians have been reported from the Sioux-CNF: Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus), Woodhouse's Toad (Bufo woodhousii), Northern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata), Plains Spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons), Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), and Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens). The Northern Leopard Frog was the most widespread amphibian throughout the district. Northern Leopard Frogs are nearly extirpated from western Montana, and anecdotal evidence indicates a decline elsewhere in Montana (except in the southeastern corner). It should be carefully watched for and all sightings of breeding locations reported. The Western Chorus Frog and Tiger Salamander were commonly found in the ranges in South Dakota, but appeared less common in Montana; however, this may be an artifact of the timing and intensity of the sampling in Montana. A single Plains Spadefoot was found in the Ekalaka Hills and an historic record exists form the Long Pines. The Great Plains Toad was Woodhouse's Toad are known historically from the Sioux-CNF, but was not seen during survey in 1994. The introduced Bullfrog is also known historically from the Sioux-CNF, but were not seen during survey in 1994. Bullfrogs have been implicated in some native amphibian and reptile declines; therefore, loss of this exotic would be good news. Eleven reptiles have been reported from near the Sioux-CNF, but only six have definite records from on the Forest: Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus), Racer (Thamnophis radix), and Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Not enough information is available to comment on the status of any of these species in the area. The Sagebrush Lizard is a USFWS Candidate (C-2) and was found in the Chalk Buttes. The Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is present in rivers, creeks and ponds at lower elevations and has been found about 10 miles WSW of the Long Pines. It could also occur on the Sioux-CNF. The following have been recorded in the area and may eventually be found on Sioux-CNF lands: Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasi), Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus), Milk Snake (Lampropeltis tirangulum), Western Terrestrial Snake (Thamnophis elegans), and Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Subjects

Genres

• Surveys