Amphibians and Reptiles of the Greater Yellowstone-Teton Ecosystem.

Authors(s): C. Peterson, D. Patla and H. Harlow

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: progress report

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Abstract: Objectives 1. Determine the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Grand Teton National Park. 2. Monitor amphibian populations to determine status and trends. 3. Contribute to adaptive management through conducting surveys, compiling information, and formulating recommendations for the conservation of amphibian and reptile populations in areas that may be affected by human activities. 4. Determine habitat use by Boreal Toads (Bufo boreas boreas) of a site where wetland restoration is planned. Findings and Status 1. Distribution. We continued to supplement distribution information for amphibians and reptiles in GTNP. Observations by park employees and visitors are entered into our GYE amphibian/reptile database and used to generate dot-distribution maps. To encourage interest, we conducted a training session and field trip for interested Park and National Elk Refuge employees. 2. Monitoring. We continued monitoring at two amphibian breeding sites in GTNP, with assistance from Resource Management. Results of our seven years of monitoring at these sites are being compiled. 3. Habitat use. Boreal Toads (Bufo boreas boreas) (N=5) were fitted with miniature radio transmitters in the vicinity of the Snake River gravel pit. The toads breed in one of the quarry ponds and make use of some of the other ponds in early summer. They travel and forage widely in surrounding willow wetlands.

Keywords: breeding, animal, herpetology, amphibian, frog, toad, boreal toad, Bufo boreas boreas, Anura, Bufonidae, Ranidae, toad, salamander, Caudata, population, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, Teton County, radio collar, Snake River, migration, habitat