Montana amphibian and reptile status assessment, literature review, and conservation plan

Publication Type:

Report

Authors:

Maxell, Bryce A.; Hendricks, Paul; Gates, M. T.; Lenard, S.

Source:

Montana Natural Heritage Program and University of Montana, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and Wildlife Biology Program, Helena and Missoula, p.642 (2009)

Call Number:

U09MAX02IDUS

URL:

https://archive.org/details/B46f1da3-e005-4e28-8bfe-20cb7bc98a14

Keywords:

Ambystoma macrodactylum, Ambystoma tigrinum, Anaxyrus boreas, Anaxyrus woodhousii, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, boreal chorus frog, Bufo boreas, Bufo woodhousii, Chrysemys picta, chytrid fungus, Columbia Spotted Frog, Dicamptodon aterrimums, Idaho giant salamander, Lithobates pipiens, Long-toed Salamander, northern leopard frog, Pacific treefrog, painted rurtle, Phrynosoma douglasii, Phrynosoma douglassi, Pseudacris maculate, Pseudacris regilla, pygmy short-horned lizard, Rana luteiventris, Rana pipiens, Terrestrial Gartersnake, Thamnophis elegans, tiger salamander, Western Toad, Woodhouse’s toad

Abstract:

This document summarizes a great deal of information on the distribution, status, and biology of amphibians and reptiles known or thought to potentially inhabit Montana and is intended to become a dynamic living document that can be updated on a regular basis from research conducted in Montana or elsewhere. It begins with taxonomic checklists for amphibians and reptiles in the state. Presence and status ranks are then summarized for various land management regions; background information is included. General habitat associations are summarized in tables. Laws and regulations applicable to Montana’s amphibians and reptiles are also summarized. A review of literature relevant to conservation of amphibians and reptiles is provided. Accounts for individual species summarize what is know about each species’ distribution, taxonomy, maximum documented elevation, habitat use and natural history, and conservation status. An attempt was made to compile a complete bibliography of published and gray literature for each species in order to provide everyone easy access to this information. Also provided are a contact list of members of the Montana Amphibian and Reptile Working Group, an overview of the statewide inventory and monitoring program for amphibians and reptiles, and watershed summaries for the lentic breeding amphibian and aquatic reptile surveys. The document lists highest priorities for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Montana.