Animal species of concern : August 2001

16 Pages·2001·0.48 MB·English

by  Carlson, John C

MONTANA
STATE
This ''cover" page added by the Internet Archive for formatting purposes

1
s
578.68
Nllasp
2001
g^Heritage
Aiiimal Species
of Concern
Aprogramofthe
NaturalResourceInformationSystem August 200
Montana State Librarv
Introduction
This report on Montana's animal species ofconcern is the first to be issued
jointlybythe Montana FishWildlife and Parks (MFWP) and the Montana
Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP). It is the result ofan agreement
between MFWP and MTNHP to detennine the status ofand manage the
data associated with MontanaAnimal Species ofConcern. Previously,
MFWP
separate species ofconcern lists created independently by and
MTNHP caused confusion for the public and agency personnel. In Novem-
ber of2000, MFWP and MTNHP agreed to create one list ofMontana
Animal Species ofConcern to alleviate this confusion. Tlie format is
consistent with previous MTNHP lists, however the formerWatch List has
been replaced by two new categories to further define the knowledge of
these species status. These are Species ofPotential Concern for species
for which population trends indicate a decline, and Species on Review for
species needing additional datato determinetheir current status.
The list and ranks assigned to animal species ofconcern in Montana are
MTNHP MFWP
used toprioritizedata acquisition by and andto provide
information to others on the current status ofthese species. The listings
were developed by the Montana Animal Species ofConcern Committee,
which includes staffofMTNHP and MFWP, representatives ofthe Mon-
tana Chapter oftheWildlife Society and the Montana Chapter ofthe
American Fisheries Society, andbiologists with knowledgeofspecific taxa.
Inclusiononthe list isbasedoninformationinthescientificliterature,
unpublished reports, agency databases, field research, and field inventories.
This information comes fromavariety ofcooperating local, state, and
federal agencies, private organizations and businesses, academic research-
ers, and interestedindividuals.
Black-backedWoodpecker This list is dynamic and is periodically revised as new data becomes
(Picoides arcticus) available. Changes from the previous edition (Roedel 1999) are under-
lined and bolded for quick reference. Re\isions are produced annualh
MTNHP MTNHP
IllustralionbyJohn Carlson This publication is available from orelectronically on the
home page athttp://nhp.nris.state.mt.us.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1 SpeciesofPotentialConcernList 10
SpeciesofConcernList 5 SpeciesDroppedformList 10
Species onReview. 8 FieldFomi 11
3 0864 0015 0458
1
We encourage written comments and suggestions, G4 S4 Apparently secure, though it may be
especially recommendedadditions ordeletions and quite rare in parts of its range, especially
insights on the status ofspecies. Comments can be at the periphery.
sent to John Carlson at the address pnnted on page 4
orvia email atJocarlson'a!state.mt.us In addition, we G5 S5 Demonstrably secure, though it may be
.
arecontinuouslygatheringnewlocationinformationon quite rare in parts of its range, especially
all species ofconcern. Please submit your observa- at the periphery.
tions to MTNHP using the form at the end ofthis GU SU Possibly in peril, but status uncertain;
report.
more information needed.
More detailed informationon specieMsT'NstHatPus and GH SH Historically known; may be
distributions canbe obtainedfrom usingthe
rediscovered.
"Information Request Form" on the website, or by
phone, email, ormail. The NatureServe website GX SX Believed to be extinct; historical records
provides access to information assembled from only, continue search.
Natural Heritage Program databases throughout North
America (at http://\\^ww.natureserve.org/ or via the G#G# or Indicates a range ofuncertainty about the
MTNHP
link from the website). S#S# rarity ofthe species.
HeritageProgram Ranks Other codes
Species have been evaluated and ranked on the basis Accidental in the state; including species
oftheir global (range-wide) status, and their statevvide (usually birds or butterflies) recorded very
status, using the standardized ranking system ofthe infrequently, hundreds or thousands of
miles outside their usual range.
Natural Heritage Network (Association for Bio-
diversityInformation2001). B A state rank modifier indicating breeding
status for a migratory species. Example:
Species are assigned ranks ranging from 1 (highest SIB.SZN - breeding occurrences for the
concern) to 5 (lowest concern). Rank definitions are species are ranked SI (critically
givenbelow. imperiled) in the state, nonbreeding
occurrences are not ranked in the state.
Rank Definition An exotic established in the state; may be
native in nearby regions.
Gl SI Critically imperiled because ofextreme HYB Element represents a hybrid of species.
rarity or because ofsome factor making
especially vulnerable to extinction.
N A state rank modifier indicating non-
breeding status for a migratory species.
G2 S2 Imperiled because ofrarity orbecause of Example: S1B,SZN - breeding
other factors demonstrably making it occurrences for the species are ranked SI
very vulnerable to extinction throughout
(critically imperiled) in the state,
its range. nonbreeding occurrences are not ranked
in the state.
G3 S3 Either very rare and local throughout its
range, or found locally (even abundantly Indicates the element may potentially
at some ofits locations) in a restricted occur in the state.
range, or vulnerable to extinction
throughout its range because ofother Taxonomic questions or problems
factors. involved, more information needed;
appended to the global rank.
© 2001 Montana Natural Heritage Program
.
R Reported in the state; but lacking Forest Service
documentation which would provide a
basis for either accepting orrejecting the The status ofspecies m Montana as defined by the
report. U.S. Forest Service Manual (2670.22). These species
are listed by the Regional Forester (Northern Region)
T Rank for a subspecific taxon (subspecies, onNational Forests in Montana.
variety, orpopulation); appended to the
global rank for the full species. S Sensitive; animal species identified by
the Regional Forester for which
Z Ranking not applicable. populatin viability is a concern as
evidenced by significant downward trend
# A modifier to SX or SH; the species has in population or a significant downward
been reintroduced but the population is trend in habitat capacity.
not yet established.
Bureau of Land Management
? Inexact oruncertain: fornumeric ranks,
The status ofspecies on Bureau ofLand Management
denotes inexactness.
BLM
lands as defined b>' the 6840 Manual.
A number offactors are considered when assigning
ranks includingthenumber, size, anddistributionof SS Special Status; federally-listed
knownpopulations, trends (ifknown), habitatsensitiv- Endangered, Threatened or Candidate
ity, and life history factors which make species espe- species or other rare or endemic
BLM
cially vulnerable. Forexample, the Black-backed species that occur on Lands.
Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), G5 / S3, is demon-
strably secure range-widebutis found locallywithin
Selected References
a restricted range in Montana.
Federal Status
AssociationforBiodiversityInformation. 2001
Fish and Wildlife Service NatureServe. Conservation status rank definitions
The symbols inthis column denotethe categories posted at http://www.natureserve.org/Arlington,
VA.
defined bythe U.S. Fish andWildlife Service and
indicate the status ofa taxon under the federal
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.A. § Brown, C. J. D. 1971. Fishes ofMontana. Montana
1531-1543 (Supp. 1996)). State University, Bozeman, MT. 207 pp.
Flath, D. L. 1984. Vertebrate species ofspecial
interest or concern. Montana Department ofFish,
E listed endangered. Wildlife and Parks. Helena, MT. 76 pp.
T listed threatened Flath, D. L. 1998. Species ofspecial interest or
concern. [Species list]. Montana Department of
PE proposed endangered
Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena, MT. 7 pp.
PT proposed threatened T
Frest, J. and E. J. Johannes. 1995. Interior Columbia
C candidate (those species forwhich the Basin moUusk species ofspecial concern. Final
report to the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
Management Project, Walla Walla, WA. Contract
sufficient information on biological
status and threats to propose to list them #43-0E00-4-9112. 274 pp. plus appendices.
as threatened or endangered).
IJ
© 2001 Montana Natural Heritage Program
1
Holton, G. D., and H. E. Johnson. 1996.Afield guide MoreInformation
to Montana fishes. Second Edition. Montana
Deptartment ofFish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena,
MT. 104 pp. Extensiveadditional information, includinglocation
MTNHP
data, is available on all species listed here.
Miller, K. B. and D. L. Gustafson. 1996. Distribution serves as an infonnation clearinghouse, and each year
ofthe Odonata ofMontana. Bulletin ofAmeri- responds to hundreds ofdata requests regarding
canOdonatology3(4):75-88. plants, animals, andbiological communities ofspecial
concern.
Montana Bird Distribution Committee. 1996. P. D.
Skaar's Montanabirddistnbution. Fifthedition. To place a data request, contact us via phone (406-
Special PublicationNo. 3, MontanaNatural 444-3009), email ([email protected]), oruseouron-
Heritage Program, Helena, MT. 129 pp. line request form (wAV\v.nhp.nris.state.mt.us).
Roedel. M. D. 1999. Montana animal species of MTNHP's website provides direct access to species
special concern. [Unpublished list.] Montana data, photographs, searchtools, and links to related
Natural Heritage Program, Helena, MT. 8 pp. sites. Visit us at \v\vw.nlip.nris.state.mt.us.
Reichel. J. D. and D. Flath. 1995. Identification of
Montana's amphibians and reptiles. Montana Thepreferredcitationfor this documentis:
Outdoors 26(3);15-34.
n
Thompson, L. S. 1982. DistributionofMontana CarlsonS,pJe.c,i2e0s0o1f.CCoonorcdeirnnatCoorm,mMiotntetea.naMoAnnitmaanla
amphibians, reptiles, andmammals. Montana Animal SpeciesofConcern. Monlana
Audubon Council, Helena, MT. 24pp. NaturalHeritageProgramandMontana
Fish, WildlifeandParks,Helena,Montana.
Wright, P.L. 1996. Status ofRare Birds in Montana 12pp.
with Comments on Known Hybrids. Northwest
TlieMontanaNaturalHeritageProgram
Naturalist 77(3):57-85.
1515EastSixthAvenue
Helena,MT 59620-1800
[phone] Fax[phone]
http://nhp.niis.state.mt.us
EmailAddress: nitnhp^iTjnit.us
2001 Montana Natural Heritage Program
Species of Concern
Fish
(cont'd)
Birds
Common Name
Invertebrates- Mollusks
Common Name
Species on Review
Fish
Common Name
Reptiles
Common Name
PygmyShort-horned Lizard
Short-horned Lizard
CommonGarterSnake
Amphibians
Common Name
GreatBasin Spadefoot
Bullfrog
Wood Frog
PlainsSpadefoot
CanadianToad
IdahoGiantSalamander
Birds
Common Name
Clark'sGrebe
GreatBlueHeron
Black-necked Stilt
Wilson's Phalarope
Black-billed Cuckoo
Eastern Screech-Owl
WesternScreech-Owl
Short-earedOwl
Common Poorwill
ChimneySwift
Williamson'sSapsucker
Three-toedWoodpecker
Cassin'sVireo
PlumbeousVireo
SageThrasher
TennesseeWarbler
Ovenbird
SageSparrow
Bot)olink
OrchardOriole