Amphibians and Reptiles of the Flathead Indian Reservation

Abstract

Amphibians and reptiles on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana were surveyed at 203 sites between 1993 and 1997. Each survey took 30 min to 2 hr and consisted of a thorough search of the wetland perimeter and netting of near-shore aquatic habitats for larvae and tadpoles. Some streams were sampled by electrofishing. We found 14 of the 18 species of amphibians and reptiles that most likely occur on the reservation. The long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla), and Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) were common but their populations were diminished in open areas of the Mission Valley compared to nearby forested areas. Western toads (Bufo boreas) were seen at 19 sites, but we observed reproduction at only six sites between 1993 and 1995. The northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), which historically occurred in the Mission Valley, was not found anywhere despite extensive searches, including a search of six known historical sites. Tailed frogs (Ascaphus truci) were found in seven mountain streams. Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), apparently introduced at two or three locations in the Lower Flathead River area in the 1970s, were reproducing successfully at two localities along the Flathead River and along approximately 14 km of Camas Creek. The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and western garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) were found in all regions surveyed. The western rattlesnake (Crotalis viridis), bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), racer (Colubcr constrictor), rubber boa (Charina bottae), and northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) were seen occasionally.