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FISH & WILDLIFE REFERENCE LIBRARY Technical Report #84-4-05 1964

THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE UPPER JOHN DAY RIVER DRAINAGE, OREGON

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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nongame Wildlife Program THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE UPPER JOHN DAY RIVER DRAINAGE, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

Oregon Department-of Fish and Wildlife Mongame Wildlife Program Technical Report #84-4-05

1984 CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ...... I

INTRODUCTION 1 ...... STUDY AREA AND METHODS ...... RESULTS ...... 3 Species Accounts -- Amphibians 3 Long-toed Salamander ...... 3 Western Toad ...... 4 Pacific Treefrog 5 Basin Spadefoot...... 5 Great ...... Bullfrog ...... 5 Spotted Frog 6 ......

Species Acconts 6 -- Reptiles ...... Painted Turtle 6 Western Pond ...... 7 Turtle ...... Southern Alligator Lizard 7 Short-horned Lizard ...... 8 ...... Desert Horned Lizard 9 Sagebrush ...... 9 Lizard ...... Western Fence Lizard 10 Side-blotched Lizard ...... 10 Western Skink ...... 11 ...... Western Whiptail 11 Rubber Boa ...... 12 ...... Racer 13 Might ...... Snake 13 ...... Striped Whipsnake 14 Gopher Snake ...... 15 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 15 Common Garter Snake ...... 16 Western ...... 16 Rattlesnake ...... DISCUSSION ...... 17 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... i9 REFERENCES ...... 20 APPENDICES ...... 21 Appendix A. Bibliography of Oregon herpetology 21 ...... Appendix B. Distribution maps for the herpetofauna of the upper John Day River 23 drainage ...... i THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE UPPER JOHN DAY RIVER DRAINAGE, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

ABSTRACT

Of 22 species of amphibians and reptiles reported from the upper John Day River drainage, 17 were located ftrina a 1QAd hPrnPtn1nMrA1 invantnrv Tha nnin+=,1 turtle (ChUse!!ys 2jLta) and pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) are Known from only a few repor-t-s-a-n7-are apparently introduced to the area. Distribution records for all species located are summarized and mapped along with historical records. The status of the herpetofauna of the upper John Day drainage is generally good. However, the invasion of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) into the native bunchgrass habitat of the short-h-o-r-n-eU-71zard (Phrynosoma douglassi) and the western whiptail (_C_n_emidopho!Lus -tigris@) could adversely affect these populations.

INTRODUCTION

With the exception of Black and Storm (1970), very little field research has been done on the amphibians and reptiles of the John Day River drainage, in Wheeler and Grant Counties, Oregon. An area of diverse ecosystems, ranging from semi-arid desert conditions, through the juniper/sage association, to mountain pine/fir forests, it offers particularly favorable habitats for several reptile species. Sixteen reptile species have been recorded whereas only five amphibians are native to the area, with a sixth, the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) being an introduced species. The short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglassi), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus), and night snake (Hypsiglena torquata) are known from the John Day River drainage by only a few records.

One western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) has been found near Canyon City (Black and Storm 1970) and there are unverified sight records for elsewhere in the John Day Valley. It is unknown at this time whether or not these represent introduced turtles or an isolated, relict population.

There is also an old record for the desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) from "the John Day Country" (Gordon 1939). that has never been verified. Station; Riley Creek Meadows; Bates; Dayville; and Umatilla Creek. John Barss, a biologist on the Camp Hancock staff, reported finding these salamanders around Camp Hancock and along upper Pine Creek in Peacock Canyon.

These greenish-yellow mottled ambystomids seem to be fairly widespread throughout the area and are the only salamander native to eastern Oregon. Although long-toed salamanders are most commonly found under rotting logs, boards, and damp rocks in the mountain meadows and forests, they range throughout the lower canyons as well. During the dry season, they become largely subterranean in their habits and are rarely encountered.

Five subspecies have been described. The variety inhabiting the study area is the eastern long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum columbianum).

Western Toad (Bufo boreas)

The western toad appears to be common along the John Day River and was found at several sites. Some localities are: Clarno; upper Pine Creek; 10 miles east of Service Creek; Spray; 7.3 miles east of Spray; near the Cant Ranch; lower Murderer's Creek; and lower Fields Creek.

Black and Storm (1970) recorded the western toad in Grant County from Lake Creek Guard Station; Wickiup Creek; Johnny Kirk Spring; Bates; Cant Ranch; Murderer's Creek Guard Station; Riley Creek Meadows; Miners Creek; Stewart Reservoir; and Big Cabbage Patch Spring.

Although usually associated with the riparian habitat near streams, ponds, or lakes, these toads are sometimes seen at some distance from water.

Three subspecies are recognized, the boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas) occurring in Oregon.

4- Pacific Treefrog (@yla regilla)

jyla were either seen or heard calling at many locations throughout the study area. Most were observed near water, but occasional individuals were encountered far from aquatic habitats.

Some localities for the Pacific treefrog are: Clarno; Upper Pine Creek; Shelton Wayside State Park; near Spray; Kimberly; Foree Wayside; Picture Gorge; 6 miles south of Dayville; lower Murderer's Creek; Fields Creek; near Murderer's Creek Guard Station; Mt. Vernon; and near Prairie City.

Great Basin Spadefoot (§.pea intermontana

Despite frequent rainy periods, only two @pea were found; one on Highway 218 near Clarno and the other on Highway 19 at the western edge of Spray.

Although I have few records in my files for this species along the John Day River, it is probably quite widespread in the area. In the past I have found it at Camp Hancock.

The spadefoot prefers sandy habitats, usually near water, but will utilize temporary rain pools for breeding. Nocturnally active only during damp weather, these interesting amphibians spend most of their lives underground.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana

Although reportedly widespread throughout the John Day Valley, I observed these large frogs at only two locations; one was heard calling near Clarno and another was heard near Mt. Vernon.

As these large, predatory frogs usually crowd out smaller native anurans, it is possible that they are having a detrimental effect on the spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) along the John Day River.

1 -5- The bullfrog does not usually inhabit clear flowing streams and rivers, instead preferring sloughs, reservoirs, ponds, warm lakes, and the quiet backwaters of rivers.

According to Black and Storm (1970), the bullfrog was introduced into the John Day Valley in 1923 by Irvine Hazeltine, district game warden for Malheur, Grant, Harney, and Baker Counties.

Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa): A Protected Species

Two specimens of this frog were found along lower Murderer's Creek. I have few records for this species within the study area. Most come from the higher, forested tributaries, where they seem to be fairly common. Black and Storm (1970) give two records that fall within the area inventoried; the South Fork of the John Day River and along Canyon Creek. @1-

Most records for the spotted frog in eastern Oregon come from the transition life zone rather than the arid, upper sonoran life zone. They require permanent streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, preferring the shallow waters where there is some type of vegetation.

Species Accounts -- Reptiles

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

The painted turtle is represented here by one sighting. The turtle was observed by Cynthia Tait at 1200 hours on 28 February 1981, on a warm day in a ditch just east of the Sheep Rock Overlook, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Tait, a trained biologist with a thorough knowledge of herpetology, was at that time a staff member at the National Monument.

As this is the only painted turtle that has ever been reported in the area, my feeling is that it was an introduced specimen.

I 6- Four subspecies are recognized. The western painted turtle (Lhrysemys picta belli) occurs in Oregon.

Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata)

Black and Storm (1970) reported a pond turtle being captured by Mrs. Howard Newton in May 1965, along Canyon Creek. They also mentioned other reported sightings in ponds along the John Day River.

I did not observe any of these turtles during the course of this inventory, nor did I talk with anyone who had seen them. It is probable that these reptiles have been introduced into the John Day Valley and are still few in numbers.

Two subspecies have been named. The northwestern pond turtle (Clemys marmorata marmorata) occurs in Oregon.

Southern Alligator Lizard (El2aria multicarinata)

These large lizards were observed at two localities; one was seen in a small rockslide on the south face of Iron Mountain above Camp Hancock and the other was found at the mouth of Little Pine Canyon in Robinson Canyon.

Joseph Jones, Director of Camp Hancock, and John Barss, a staff biologist, told me that they have observed alligator lizards at Camp Hancock and at the "Palisades" in the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. There are also past records for near Twickenham, near Spray, and the general vicinity of Picture Gorge.

Although usually associated with the oak woodlands of western Oregon, the southern alligator lizard ranges through the Columbia Gorge into the juniper and pine woods of central Oregon. It has been recorded from many locations in the Deschutes and John Day drainage systems.

1 -7- Although sometimes seen out moving about, these lizards are usually found by looking under logs, bark, boards, and rocks.

Five subspecies have been described, one being native to the Northwest; the Oregon alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda).

Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglassi : A Protected Species

From talking with the long-time residents of the area, I gained the impression that the short-horned lizard was more common in the past than it is today. Local biologist, Cynthia Tait, mentioned the same observation.

This reduction in horned lizards is probably due to the heavy overgrazing of many areas in the 3ohn Day district, plus the introduction of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Short-horned lizards need fairly open areas, such as that provided by widely spaced sagebrush and bunchgrass. Cheatgrass carpets and effectively reduces suitable habitat. I encountered none of these lizards during the course of this inventory. Tait, who has lived in the area for several years, told me that she has observed few of these reptiles, most being seen on the slope behind her house, 2 miles north of Picture Gorge.

The Camp Hancock staff all reported seeing short-horned lizards on the top of Iron Mountain and in the upper part of the Cove Creek drainage. I searched the Iron Mountain site and noted that the habitat there is somewhat unusual for this species, being openings of hard-packed, small stones with scattered low sagebrush. The favored habitat of this species is open areas with scattered bushes and a loose soil that is sandy or gravelly.

Six subspecies have been named. The pigmy horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglassi douglassi) is the variety found in Oregon.

1 -8- Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos

None of these large horned lizards were observed, nor are there any confirmed records for the John Day drainage. However, Gordon (1939) gives a record for "the John Day country." It is possible that this could be based on erroneous data, although the habitat in many parts of the study area looked superficially correct for this species. The fact that the western whiptail (Cnemidophoros,tigris) is found in the John Day drainage, another Great Basin lizard with similar habitat requirements, adds weight to the possible occurrence of the desert horned lizard in the area.

The desert horned lizard is usually found in open, sandy places where there are widely scattered bushes. Rather solitary, few are generally found at one locality. This species is less cold tolerant than the short-horned lizard and usually inhabits the more arid, lower elevations. Hence, it is rare to find both species sharing the same locatio n.

Two subspecies are recognized. The northern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos) occurs in Oregon.

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)

Apparently less common than elsewhere in Oregon, I know of no authenticated records for this species in either Grant or Wheeler Counties. It is highly probable, however, that the sagebrush lizard occurs in the upper John Day River drainage.

These little lizards commonly prefer open, somewhat sandy-soiled sagebrush areas. However, I have also seen them sunning in rocky areas on several occasions.

Three subspecies have been described, one occurring in Oregon; the northern sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graclosus graciosus).

-9- Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

These swift-moving lizards were observed at many areas throughout the study area and are one of the most common reptiles. Some localities are: Camp Hancock; Iron Mountain; The Palisades; Robinson Canyon; upper Pine Creek in Peacock Canyon; the area of Shelton Wayside State Park; Painted Hills, near Spray; near Kimberly; Foree Deposits area; Picture Gorge area; lower Mountain Creek; 4 miles south of Dayville; lower Murderer's Creek; lower Fields Creek; and near John Day.

The fence lizard shows a marked preference for open, sunny, south-facing hillsides with many rocks and logs for basking and cover.

Six subspecies have been named. The Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes) occurs in central and eastern Oregon.

Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

The little Uta was observed at several sites in the study area. Some localities are: 3 miles northwest of Clarno on the west side of the John Day River; I mile east of Clarno on a rocky ridge; Painted Hills; Foree Deposits area; and Blue Basin in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. In the past I have also seen it near Twickenham.

Black and Storm (1970) record it from the John Day Fossil Beds; Monroe Fossil Beds; and Picture Gorge. The side-blotched lizard is probably quite widespread in the lower, open areas of the John Day drainage.

Found throughout most of the more arid sections of central and eastern Oregon, the Uta is often the most common lizard in many areas. The habitat varies and may include exposed ridge tops, rocky canyons, and sandy desert flats. Side-blotched lizards have smaller home ranges than other Oregon lizards, often confining their movements to a radius of 50 ft. This explains why so many can be encountered on a relatively short hike up a canyon or across a flat.

_10- Five subspecies have been named. The northern side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana stansburlana) occurs in the Pacific Northwest.

Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus

Two skinks were found: one under a rock at the western end of Picture Gorge, and another under a log along Murderer's Creek, near its confluence with the South Fork of the John Day River.

John Barss, a staff biologist at Camp Hancock, reported seeing skinks along Cove Creek near the Pentacost Ranch and on a ridge at the east end of Picture Gorge. Black and Storm (1970) also recorded it in Grant County at Canyon City; Oregon Mine Creek; and Dayville. I also show a past record for Fossil in my files.

Western skinks are known to inhabit both desert canyons and the mountain 4 woodlands of eastern Oregon. They are especially common where there are many flat rocks resting on soil and under boards around old homesteads.

Two subspecies have been described, the western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus) occurring in the John Day River drainage.

Western Whiptail (CneFnidophorus tiers

The whiptail has been recorded in the upper John Day River drainage at only one locality. This is around the Foree Deposit area in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

I was unable to locate any Cnemidophorus at this site. I attribute this to the weather rather than a declining population. These lizards often aestivate during prolonged dry periods. Extremely high temperatures with few thunderstorms had persisted through most of the summer, then at mid-point in the project, the weather abruptly changed to cold, rainy conditions. I have observed the whiptail at the edge of the Foree Picnic Area in the past. This was during July of 1965 when I encountered a large adult in an area of sagebrush.

Cynthia Tait, while working as a biologist for the National Monument, observed whiptails around the Foree Picnic Area on several occasions. Kim Sikoryak, naturalist at the monument, told me that he saw a whiptail near his house, which is located at the northwestern edge of the Foree area. Although both of these people have spent several years in the area, much of it in the field, they have never seen Cnemidophorus at any other locations.

I searched several other sites in the Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit where the habitat seemed suitable. With continued investigations during more suitable weather, the whiptail may turn up at other locations in the area.

The western whiptail is commonly found in arid locations, often where the soil is sandy, with large bushes. These lizards require open, grass-free areas for running and foraging. The whiptail is most commonly encountered along dry, sandy washes where there are many bushes.

The western whiptail has been divided into several subspecies. Only one occurs in the Northwest region; the Great Basin whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris tigris).

Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

One rubber boa was found dead on Highway 19, 3 miles south of Fossil. These small boas appear to be fairly common in the area. I have observed them in the past further up Cottonwood Creek to the east of where the above specimen was located. Many of the local people that I talked with said that they had seen these snakes on several occasions.

Joseph Jones, Director of Camp Hancock, told me of seeing rubber boas in a field by Clarno. Kim Sikoryak, naturalist at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, reported seeing Charina around the Cant House Visitor Center. Black and Storm (1970) recorded the rubber boa in Grant County from the following localities: Canyon Creek; Tennessee Creek; Aldrich Mountain; Wayne Stewart Ranch; and Cottonwood Creek. Other past records in my files are Twickenham and Kinzua.

In central and eastern Oregon, rubber boas are most often encountered at the higher elevations in the transition life zone. Although usually associated with the mountain forests, they are also occasionally found in the more open sage and juniper habitats. Crepuscular and nocturnal in their habits, they are usually found under logs, bark, rocks, and boards.

Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Racers, common throughout all but the highest areas of eastern Oregon, were observed at the following locations: crossing Highway 218 near "The Palisades" at the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument; the western edge of Kimberly; lower Murderer's Creek; and 3.3 miles south on the Fields Creek Road.

Racers are usually found in brushy and grassy areas. They particularly seem to favor situations of rocks on the edge of tangled, brushy thickets where they can quickly retreat when threatened.

This wide-ranging (coast to coast) species has been divided into 11 subspecies. The western yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) occurs in the Northwest.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

No night snakes were found and there are few records for this species in the upper John Day River drainage.

only three days prior to a conversation with John Barss at Camp Hancock on 3 September 1986, he had found a night snake at the edge of the camp at 1800 hours. This is an unusual time to see this little, nocturnal snake. He also told me that night snakes have been seen in the vicinity of Camp Hancock

1 -13- on other occasions and on Highway 218 along Pine Creek. Kim Sikoryak, naturalist at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, reported finding a night snake dead on Highway 19, 2 miles north of the Foree Deposits area. The specimen was given to Cynthia Tait, who preserved it for her classroom collection at the Dayville High School. I also show in my files a record for the area of Service Creek.

Due to its secretive, nocturnal habits, the night snake is not often encountered. It is undoubtedly more widespread and common than records would indicate. Night snakes probably range throughout the majority of the lower, rocky canyon of the John Day drainage. These snakes especially seem to favor layered rimrocks and ledges that offer crevices and talus for daytime retreats.

There have been six subspecies named. The desert night snake (Hypsiglena torquata deserticola) occurs in Oregon.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis laeniatus)

Although fairly widespread throughout the arid, rocky canyons of central and eastern Oregon, these long, slim snakes are not frequently encountered. Only one whipsnake was located during the course of this inventory. This was a young specimen found dead on Highway 19 by the Sheeprock Overlook on 7 September 1984.

Cynthia Tait told me that she has seen whipsnakes on two occasions as they were crossing the driveway into the Foree Deposits Picnic Area in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Joseph Jones and John Barss reported finding Masticophis around Camp Hancock; along the cliffs 1 mile east of Clarno; and at the "Palisades" in the Clarno Unit of the National Monument. I also show a past record in my files for Twickenham.

The favored habitat of the striped whipsnake is one of arid, brushy locations, usually never far from rocks.

-14- Four subspecies are recognized, the desert striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus) occurring in the Pacific Northwest.

Gopher Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)

The gopher snake was the most commonly encountered snake throughout the study area. Twenty-four specimens were found, many of which were road kills. Some localities are: Fossil; Clarno; Camp Hancock; The Palisades; upper Pine Creek; near Service Creek; Painted Hills; near Kimberly; several locations along Highway 19 between Picture Gorge and Kimberly; lower Mountain Creek; south of Dayville along the South Fork of the John Day River; lower Murderer's Creek; lower Fields Creek; 4.4 miles west of John Day; and near Prairie City.

These large constrictors were found in most habitats, ranging from open sagebrush plains, through arid, rocky slopes and riparian areas, to the edges of ponderosa pine forests.

Ten subspecies have been named. The Great Basin gopher snake (LL@@ melanoleucus deserticola) occurs in eastern Oregon.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamophis elegans

Despite its common name, these garter snakes are quite aquatic east of the Cascade Mountains. All of the six individuals of this species that I found were encountered close to water.

The western terrestrial garter snake was observed along the John Day River at Clarno; 1 mile west of Kimberly; in Picture Gorge; along lower Murderer's Creek; and near the Murderer's Creek Guard Station.

Black and Storm (1970) recorded it in Grant County from Bates; Page Ranch; Antelope Flat; Hines Work Road; Canyon City; Murderer's Creek; Charlie Mack Creek; southeast of Izee; and south of Seneca. Other past records in my files are for Fossil; south of Clarno; Twickenham; and near Black Butte. The usual habitat of this garter snake is in riparian areas, although it is occasionally seen far from water.

Four subspecies have been named, the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) occurring in eastern Oregon.

Comon Garter Snake (Thaamphis sirtalis)

Widespread throughout the upper John Day River drainage, these garter snakes were found at the following localities: upper Pine Creek; Shelton Wayside State Park; Picture Gorge; near Sheep Rock Overlook; 2.6 miles west of Dayville;along lower Murderer's Creek; near the mouth of Fields Creek; 2.5 miles up the Fields Creek Road; near the Murderer's Creek Guard Station; near Prairie City; and along Bridge Creek near the Painted Hills.

Like the western terrestrial garter snake, the common garter is primarily confined to areas near water.

Ranging from coast to coast, 12 subspecies have been named. The valley garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi.) is the variety native to central and eastern Oregon.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

Six rattlesnakes were encountered during the course of this inventory at the following locations: along upper Pine Creek in Peacock Canyon; on Highway 218 approximately 6 miles south of Fossil; on Highway 19, 1 mile east of Service Creek; crossing the road up lower Murderer's Creek; and 4.5 miles up the Fields Creek Road.

Black and Storm (1970) recorded the rattlesnake in Grant County from Ritter; John Day; Murderer's Creek Ranch; Cant Ranch; Fields Creek; and Shaw Spring. Other past records from my files are for Clarno; Camp Hancock; 3 miles south of Fossil; near Spray; Tamarack Mountain; Picture Gorge; and the Fox Basin.

-16- Large numbers of these snakes hibernate together on rocky southern exposures and spread out into a variety of habitats during the summer. I have seen them on high, grassy benches, on sagebrush plains, in rocky talus of canyons, in rocky openings in mountain forests, and in dense riparian vegetations.

Eight subspecies of this wide-ranging rattlesnake have been described. The Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) is the variation found in western, central, and northeastern Oregon. A second subspecies, the Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis lutosus), occurs in southeastern Oregon. As the upper John Day River drainage is, more or less, in an area of intergradation between these two subspecies, some individuals often show characteristics of both varieties. However, most that I have seen are best assigned to the subspecies oreganus.

DISCUSSION

Although observational data was recorded for all species encountered, several amphibians and reptiles were given special attention to ascertain their current status in the upper John Day River drainage.

The western pond turtle is known from the study area by one specimen captured from near Canyon City in 1965, and a few unverified sightings. Although I searched the edges of the John Day River, Canyon Creek, and several ponds, I was unable to find any of these turtles. My feeling is that these reptiles were probably introduced and may no longer be extant. Except for a limited area in south-central Oregon around Klamath Falls, the pond turtle's range in the Pacific Northwest is confined to the region west of the Cascade Mountains.

Like the pond turtle, the southern alligator lizard is mainly found west of the Cascade Mountains. However, it penetrates into central Oregon via the Columbia Gorge, thence up the Deschutes and John Day drainages. Most of the scanty records for the study area come from the more forested sections, although I found one specimen on an open, rocky south slope of Iron Mountain. The other lizard was encountered in a riparian zone in the bottom of Robinson

_17- Canyon. The relative lack of locality records for this species is probably due more to their somewhat secretive habits, rather than a scarcity or limited distribution. From talking with local people, it appears that the alligator lizard ranges through much of the upper John Day drainage.

Although I did not locate any short-horned lizards, I was able to construct some idea of the status of this protected species by interviewing local outdoors people and biologists. It seemed to be a common observation that these little horned lizards were somewhat more frequently encountered in years past, possibly due to the reduction of native bunchgrass habitat by introduced cheatgrass.

The desert horned lizard has never been authenticated as being native to the John Day drainage. Gordon (1939) mentioned this species as being found in "the John Day country," but no more specific data than this was given. It is possible that these horned lizards of arid areas could occur in the area. I did not observe them during this project, nor had anyone that I talked with. However, the fact that the western whiptail, another Great Basin desert lizard, has been found at the Foree Deposits area would add some weight to this possibility. Both of these lizards share the same habitats in southeastern Oregon.

Although I spent considerable time searching the Foree area for western whiptails, none were found. I attribute this to the extended hot, dry weather prior to this project. Whiptails often aestivate during such conditions. I have only seen this lizard once at this site in the past and Kim Sikoryak and Cynthia Tait have observed them there on just a few occasions. They are apparently not common, by any means. It is possible that they may be found at other locations in the John Day drainage that have a similar arid habitat (e.g., Painted Hills and the Clarno area). At this time they can be regarded as a somewhat unique, isolated population, constituting the northern limit of this lizard's range in North American.

The night snake is known from the upper John Day River drainage by only five or six specimens. Although this would at first seem to indicate a rare species, this is probably not the case. Their nocturnal, secretive habits

-18- simply make encounters with this reptile infrequent. They are undoubtedly quite widespread throughout the canyons of the area and need not be listed as a species of concern.

The striped whipsnake is represented in this inventory by only one specimen. However, even though not commonly found, it probably ranges throughout the lower elevations of the John Day drainage.

My impressions of the general status of the herpetofauna of the upper John Day River drainage is good. It is a relatively unpopulated and semi-remote area. Very little development is occurring that would endanger these small, nongame wildlife.

Probably the most immediate problem in the area is the invasion of introduced grasses into the habitat of the short-horned lizard and the western whiptail. These reptiles require open, sandy areas for running and foraging. The introduction of cheatgrass into the rangelands of the American West has reduced this type of habitat dramatically in some areas. I observed cheatgrass everywhere I worked. At many localities the only places free of this grass were those with the most arid, alkaline soils. Unlike the original native bunchgrass, which often has open spaces of 2 or 3 ft between plants, cheatgrass carpets an area. This effectively disrupts the movements of these lizards, limiting the extent of their habitat.

I am particularly concerned with the isolated population of western whiptails at the Foree Deposits area. Their suitable habitat there was limited to begin with, and is now being limited even further by the cheatgrass. It may be wise to monitor this colony of lizards more closely over an extended period.

ACKNOWLEDGEMEMTS

Some of the historical material used in this report is from my personal files of 20 years. Other records come from such sources as the biology departments of several Oregon colleges and universities, trained biologists, and other knowledgeable naturalists.

_19- I am particularly indebted to Joseph Jones, Director, and John Barss, biologist of Camp Hancock, Clarno, who provided me with many locality observations for the area. Cynthia Tait, biologist, and Kim Sikoryak, naturalist, at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, both were most helpful in sharing with me their several years of observations on the herpetofauna of the area. Frank Lemay, of the Murderer's Creek Wildlife Area, also shared his sightings of amphibians and reptiles.

This project was funded by the Nongame Wildlife Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

REFERENCES

Black, J.H. and R.M. Storm. 1970. Notes on the herpetology of Grant County, Oregon. Great Basin Naturalist. Vol. 30, No. 1.

Gordon, K. 1939. The amphibia and reptilia of Oregon. Oregon State Monograph.

Nussbaum, R.A., E.D. Brodie, and R.M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. The University Press of Idaho, Moscow. St. John, A.D. 1980. Knowing Oregon reptiles. Salem Audubon Society.

-20- Appendix A. Bibliography of Oregon herpetology.

Behler, J.L. and F.W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society field guide to North American reptiles and amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Smith, H.M. 1978. Amphibians of North America. Golden Press. Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America. Golden Prasr.

Stebbins, R.C. 1954. Amphibians and reptiles of western North America. McGraw Hill Book Co.

Stebbins, R.C. 1966. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Co.

Van Denburgh, J. 1922. The reptiles of western North America, 2 volumes. California Academy of Sciences.

Wright, A. and A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of snakes of the United States and Canada, 2 volumes. Comstock Publishing Co.

-21- Appendix B. Distribution maps for the herpetofauna of the upper John Day River drainage.

0 = Records made during this inventory; 0 = Historical records.

1 -23- JI

T J:.

M10 U@N T

A L

LONG-TOED SALAMANDER (Affbystoma macrodactylum)

ZL@ J-

T -A mio ,/6 r! "S

WESTERN TOAD (Bufo boreas)

-24- T-I

Z@ I -1-T

all

L a iP i 4 P@7@@4_

a ei::AL@,@kl TA m

INA

PACIFIC TREEFROG (Hyla regilla)

L7 @7@ltl

- 7

GREAT BASIN SPADEFOOT (Spea intermontana)

1 -25- L

-T

0 c ",F 0

BULLFROG (Rana catesbeiana)

T!j

LV;N; o@, M@O T,

A T

SPOTTED FROG (Rana pretiosa)

-26'- Ij

7' N

T I

PAINTED TURTLE (Chrysemys picta)

T-7-,

or m T

t e 4 --

WESTERN POND TURTLE (Clemmys marmorata)

-27- _71 -7 -TIL7 =1 17-

Al L

L JN

AL F 0 R@s

WESTERN SKINK (Eumeces skiltonianus)

r@7 @7

N* T I F 0

'A, @7

WESTERN WHIPTAIL (Cnemidophorus tigris)

-30- V @7 @7T

RUBBER BOA (Charina bottae)

-T

F F

RACER (Coluber constrictor)

-31- lkf@ I\j

41 f

-came

X-14