R2 Sensitive List Recommendation

Eastern ( platirhinos)

By Gary Patton 12/7/01

Recommendation: Not R2 SS, but consider for Other Emphasis Species Lists

Rationale: This is an eastern species with limited potential to occur on easternmost R2 grassland units. Over much of its core range, the species still seems reasonably secure, though there are some problems in the upper Midwest and Northeast. In it is rated as vulnerable and in South Dakota, imperiled. Yet in Nebraska, it is considered apparently secure.

Historically, the occurred rarely at its western periphery on the Cimarron NG. Collins and Collins (1991), however, believe the species may have been extirpated from the Grasslands during the Dust Bowl years. In Nebraska, this species apparently ranges westward along the Niobrara River drainage to around the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. The nearest NFS unit, then, is the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, a short distance west of the refuge. So, it is possible that the westernmost extension of this species could reach the SRM NF. Likewise, the species could occur on the Fort Pierre NG in South Dakota.

Any potential occurrence of the species on NFS lands will be at the extreme periphery of the species natural range. For this reason, suitable habitat is likely limited or marginal in nature, and species occurrence will be naturally rare and spotty . Still, Mackessy believes the limited sandy habitats of this species along streams and rivers, are very vulnerable and subject to modification through water impoundment, channelization, and ground water depletion. While there may not be justification for sensitive species status for this species on NFS lands, we suggest that NFS grasslands units (especially Nebraska) seek to identify populations at risk, for which FS could contribute to its survival. In such case, we suggest the species be treated as species of local management concern on that unit.

Note: In addition to the evaluator’s references, also referred to biodiversity documentation at Natureserve.com,; distribution data from the Colorado Herpetological Society; Collins and Collins (1991) and of the Cimarron National Grasslands, Morton County, Kansas; Amphibians and Reptiles of Nebraska, 2000, Coop. Unit, Univ. Neb.