Herpetofauna Survey of Obed Wild and Scenic River

Leslie S. Meade

Third Rock Consultants, LLC 2514 Regency Road, Suite 104 Lexington, KY 40503

April 2005

Cooperative Agreement H5028 02 A424

National Park Service Appalachian Highlands Network 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803

i. Table of Contents

Page

List of Figures ...... 3

List of Tables ...... 4

List of Appendices ...... 5

Summary ...... 6

Acknowledgments ...... 7

Introduction ...... 8

Study Area ...... 9

Methods ...... 12

Results ...... 17

Discussion ...... 23

Conclusions ...... 25

Literature Cited ...... 26

2 ii. List of Figures

Page

Figure 1. Outline map of Obed Wild and Scenic River ...... 10

Figure 2. Map of Obed Wild and Scenic River ...... 13

3 iii. List of Tables

Page

Table 1. Amphibians and reptiles of Obed Wild and Scenic River based on an inventory study conducted in 2003 and 2004 ...... 18

Table 2. Species captures and observations by sampling method and habitat type at Obed Wild and Scenic River in 2003 and 2004...... 19

Table 3. Comparison of capture and observation totals of different sampling methods at Obed Wild and Scenic River in 2003 and 2004 ...... 22

Table 4. Relative abundance of observed species based on field observations and professional experience ...... 24

4 iv. List of Appendices

Page

Appendix A. Expected, possible, and unlikely amphibian and reptile list of Obed Wild and Scenic River ...... 28

Appendix B. Photographs of species ...... 30

5 v. Summary

This report summarizes results of an amphibian and reptile survey conducted from October 2003 through August 2004 at Obed Wild and Scenic River. Previously selected random plots, together with specialized habitats were searched for amphibians and reptiles. Specialized habitats included dry and wet cliffs and a large boulder field. A total of 147 individual amphibians and reptiles (excluding frog choruses and egg clusters) representing 33 species were recorded using area-constrained searches of random plots and specialized habitats, placement of artificial cover boards, night frog vocalization surveys, incidental observations, and placement of a wood and mesh box funnel trap (snake trap). Observed species included 10 salamanders, 9 frogs and toads,

9 snakes, 3 lizards, and 2 turtles.

6 vi. Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Amanda Byron for her assistance with fieldwork for this study. I also would like to thank Nancy Keohane of Obed Wild and Scenic River for her support and excitement during this project. A special thanks goes to Nathan Helton, Audie Critchley, and

Matt Hudson, who checked the snake trap and photographed captures during the spring and summer. This project would not have been possible without funding provided by Appalachian

Highlands Inventory and Monitoring Network.

7 1. Introduction

National wild and scenic rivers represent unique, relatively undisturbed environments that support a diverse fauna. Accurate inventory information regarding the distribution, abundance, and habitat relationships of this fauna is essential for the management and protection of these natural resources. To this end, the National Park Service (NPS) has created inventory and monitoring networks to gather this necessary information. These networks encompass NPS properties with similar resources and management issues within a specific geographical area. The Appalachian Highlands Network consists of 4 parks and includes Obed Wild and Scenic River (OBRI). This report covers the results of an 11-month inventory study of the reptiles and amphibians of OBRI.

Goals of this study were to document the occurrence of at least 90 percent of the reptile and amphibian species likely to occur in the park and describe this herpetofauna in terms of its distribution, habitat usage, and relative abundance. A comprehensive survey approach was used to encompass not only the extensive vegetation cover types but also minor habitats that contribute to species richness.

There is little available information regarding the herpetofauna of OBRI. Past herpetological studies from the Cumberland Plateau area include a study of the herpetofauna of the Obed River drainage (Gentry 1941) and a herpetofauna study of potential natural areas in the eastern upper Cumberland River drainage (Echternacht 1979). These studies were conducted in areas west and north of OBRI. Taylor et al. (1981) provided the first comprehensive survey of amphibians and reptiles in OBRI and the surrounding area. This study provided useful species location information that was used as a starting point for species documentation in this survey.

.

8 2. Study Area

The Obed Wild and Scenic River is located on the Cumberland Plateau of east-central Tennessee and flows along the borders of Morgan and Cumberland Counties (Figure 1). It is comprised of segments of the Obed River, Clear Creek, Daddy’s Creek, and Emory River and flows over 45 miles through rugged and undeveloped terrain. Numerous other small streams and creeks flow into these larger water bodies. Over time these streams have cut into the sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau, carving magnificent gorges with 400-foot cliffs. Many rockshelters have been formed under the sandstone ledges. Large boulder fields can be found along the banks and large boulders lie in the streambeds, creating rapids. The Obed Wild and Scenic River was included into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1976 and became a unit of the NPS, making it one of only nine Wild and Scenic Rivers authorized in the Southeastern United States.

The flow of the streams within OBRI is uncontrolled and varies radically from season to season. Water flows of several thousand cubic feet per second are normal during the cold rainy season from December to April. During late summer and early fall, water levels usually fall to several hundred cubic feet per second. Stream bottoms are dominated by cobble, boulder, and gravel and are typically stable.

OBRI is located within the Cumberland Plateau ecoregion, which is a physiographic region of the Southwestern Appalachians. This region is located between the Ridge and Valley ecoregion to the east and the Interior Plateau to the west. Tablelands and open low mountains, which are roughly 1000 feet higher than the Interior Plateau ecoregion, characterize the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. This difference in elevation causes the Cumberland Plateau to receive slightly more precipitation with cooler annual temperatures. Compared to the Cumberland Mountains, the plateau is less dissected with lower relief. Elevations are typically 1000 to 2000 feet, with some parts of the plateau reaching above 3000 feet.

The well-drained, acidic soils of this ecoregion are of low fertility, covered by forest, with some agriculture and coal mining activities. Pennsylvanian conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and shale underlie this area (Griffith et al. 1997).

9 Fentress OBRI Boundary County Morgan County

Cumberland County

Figure 1. Outline Map of Obed Wild and Scenic River

10 Two large river systems found in the Cumberland Plateau are the Clear Fork-Big South Fork and the Obed-Emory. These river systems flow in shallow gorges in their upper reaches and are increasingly entrenched downstream. Much of the vertical drop is accounted for by high sandstone bluffs, like those in the eastern portion of OBRI. These bluffs have made OBRI an attractive rock-climbing destination.

11 3. Methods

Prior to the field survey, a list of species for OBRI was compiled from several sources (Appendix A). The species list was broken down into species likely to be found (goal of 90%), possible species not previously found in OBRI but found in adjacent Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), and unlikely species that have not been previously found in OBRI or CWMA, but whose range includes or is adjacent to OBRI. Species identified in Taylor et al. (1981) provided a preliminary list. Modifications to this list were derived from the following sources: Anderson and Tilley 2003, Conant and Collins 1991, Ernst et al. 1994, Ernst and Ernst 2003, Petranka 1998, Powell et al. 1998, and Redmond and Scott 1996. Common and scientific names follow nomenclature listed in Collins and Taggart (2002) and The Center for North American Herpetology (2004).

An initial visit to the park was conducted in October 2003. A kickoff meeting was held at OBRI headquarters in Wartsburg, Tennessee to distribute mapping and gather any useful information needed during this survey. After the meeting, random plots were searched, cover boards were placed in suitable habitats, and important roads and access points were surveyed by car. Sampling dates were spread across one annual cycle of herpetofauna activity – fall, winter, spring, and summer.

In order to obtain a comprehensive survey of the park, circular, 1-hectare random plots previously established by the NPS as part of the network’s vegetation mapping/plant inventory project were used as sampling sites for amphibians and reptiles. In addition to these random plots, specialized habitats not covered by the random plots were also searched (Figure 2). Within the random plots, one of two survey techniques was used. Area-constrained searches were used for plots located in dense forest cover, along stream banks, or in some cases, on rocky stream bars. Cover board surveys were used in those plots that were in forest openings or edges.

Area-constrained searches and cover board placement for this survey slightly differed from the described method by NPS (2002). Area-constrained searches consisted of searching beneath available cover (fallen logs, rocks, etc.) within the circular, 1-hectare plot. Cover boards were

12 Map Document: (P:\2003\3001-ObedHerps\Mapping\GIS\plot_locations-24x36.mxd) 11/22/2004 -- 10:20:32 AM MBS 0+9 0+8

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Chapel Road 016CB 028 015 O+11 O+10 018 Cliff 1 Cliff O+13 019 027 O17 Snorkel O+3 O27 Road Rut 1 Road Rut 0+7 Cliff 2 Cliff O+6 CLIFF 3

Ridge Road 0+6 . . 1 0.5 0 0.5 0+1 Miles 0+2 020 SHEET

1 OF FIGURE 2 Sampling Plot Locations Herpetological Inventory Obed Wild & Scenic River (OBRI) State of Tennessee placed along the forest edges, either in clearings or in the forest. Significantly more cover boards were used in this survey than as described by NPS (2002). Results of a similar herpetological survey by Meade (2003) showed that the random plot surveys provided a low percentage of species diversity and abundance. The changes in constrained searches and cover board placement would hopefully provide an increase in species captures in random plots.

All 30 of the random plots established by the NPS were sampled at least once during this survey. Two NPS plots were originally labeled 016. One of these plots was a cover board site and was relabeled 016CB (Figure 2). Nineteen of the 30 plots were sampled during fall, spring, and summer. The remaining 11 plots were sampled either once (4 plots) or twice (7 plots) due to a repetitive habitat in close proximity, difficult or dangerous access due to southern pine beetle damage, or poor herpetofauna habitat.

Specialized habitats or sampling methods within OBRI included everything except area- constrained searched NPS plots. Specialized habitats or sample methods included wet and dry sections of cliff line and rock outcrops, a large sandstone boulder field, cover board plots, road ruts, a snake trap, night frog vocalization surveys, and chance sightings. Two additional sampling areas were included based on past records of listed species.

Cover boards were placed at NPS plots 016CB, 0+14, and 013 during the initial visit. Cover boards consisted of a mixture of roofing tin and ¾ inch plywood that had been weathered. A mixture of 14 cover boards were placed at each site and provided excellent cover for reptiles and amphibians. Fallen logs and rocks in cover board plots were additionally searched for species.

To increase capture success and species diversity of snakes, a snake trap was placed by Third Rock in a power line in OBRI. The snake trap, a wood and mesh box funnel trap, was constructed of ¾ inch plywood and fine wire mesh. The edges were framed with 2-inch by 2- inch treated wood. The bottom of the trap was made of fine wire mesh to decrease weight. A large door was cut in the top of the trap for easy access. A padlock was placed on the top door to prevent unauthorized access. A water dish and leaves were placed in the trap for drinking and to

14 provide cover. A funnel was built into each side of the trap to provide four access points. An approximately 30-foot section of drift fence was placed perpendicular to each funnel. Pictures of the trap are in Appendix B.

Frog vocalization surveys were conducted at night at Lilly and Nemo Bridges during the spring and summer. Surveys at these sites were attempted during or after a rain event. Spring and summer rains cause amphibians and reptiles to become more active and activate breeding. These surveys involved listening for frog vocalizations while walking the parking areas at these bridge crossings.

Besides these specific sampling methods, data was also gathered from incidental observations during the course of traveling to and from survey plots. Additional observations were solicited from NPS personnel and any park visitors.

National Park Service personnel provided Third Rock with recent and historic records for listed species within the park. Two of these were thought to provide the best opportunity to document these species continued existence. These records were for the black mountain salamander and the eastern hellbender.

Digital photographs were taken of species captured for documentation and are located in Appendix B. No specimens were collected for preservation during this study. A photograph was not taken for 3 species documented in the park: Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis), northern spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer crucifer), and wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Cope’s gray treefrog and northern spring peeper were documented by voice recognition during night frog vocalization surveys. Wood frog tadpoles were found in a road rut within OBRI. During a search in February 2004, wood frog eggs were found in a road rut near Rock Creek campground and a GPS location was taken. However, when the point was downloaded, it was located outside the OBRI boundary.

15 During a trip to OBRI in March 2005 to present the results of this survey, two potential Four- toed salamander sites were visited. During this search, a northern zigzag salamander (Plethodon doralis) was recorded.

16 4. Results

A total of 147 individual amphibians and reptiles (excluding frog choruses and egg clusters), representing 33 species were captured or observed during the study. These included 10 species of salamanders, 9 frogs and toads, 9 snakes, 3 lizards, and 2 turtles (Table 1). These results include a timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) observed in July 2004 by Nathan Helton, a midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) caught by Audie Critchley in June 2003 and a northern zigzag salamander (P. dorsalis) found in March 2005.

One rare species listed by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Heritage (2004) was found during this survey. The black mountain salamander (Desmognathus welteri), listed as Deemed in Need of Management was found. Two additional species on a Watch-list by Tennessee Natural Heritage Program Rare Vertebrates List (2001) were also found during this survey. They included both the green salamander (Aneides aeneus) and the timber rattlesnake (C. horridus).

The pre-determined NPS plots provided good coverage of the different habitat types within OBRI. These habitat types include upland deciduous/pine forest, bottomland deciduous/pine forest, early successional field, cliff top scrub, and rocky stream bar floodplain. A majority of the time was spent sampling the NPS plots, resulting in finding 22 of the 33 species recorded during this survey. This varies greatly with results from a previous study for the NPS by Meade (2003) when only a small percentage of observed species came from NPS sites. Table 2 shows the distribution of species captures by area searched.

The snake trapping effort resulted in the capture of 14 individuals representing 8 different species. Even though the trap was in an upland power line right of way, the trap caught a northern red salamander (Pseudotriton r. ruber) and several frog species. Sandstone cliffs and rock outcrops were searched in several different locations throughout the park, however, green salamanders (A. aeneus) were only found at one site. Road ruts were an uncommon occurrence in OBRI due to the lack of roads and terrain, but because these specialized areas

17 provide breeding habitat for several species of frogs, toads, and salamanders, they allowed for the capture of 27 individuals of 6 species.

Table 1. Amphibians and Reptiles of Obed Wild and Scenic River, based on an inventory study conducted in 2003 and 2004. Common and scientific nomenclature follows Collins and Taggart (2002).

Salamanders Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) Cumberland Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus abditus) Black Mountain Salamander (Desmognathus welteri) Southern Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) Longtail Salamander (Eurycea l. longicauda) Red-Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens) Northern Zigzag Salamander (Plethodon dorsalis) Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton r. ruber) Frogs and Toads Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans crepitans) Eastern American Toad (Bufo americanus americanus) Fowler’s Toad (Bufo fowleri) Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer crucifer) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Green Frog (Rana clamitans melanota) Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris) Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Snakes Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortix mokasen) Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) Midland Rat Snake (Elaphe spiloides) Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) Northern Redbelly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) Lizards Five-Lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus) Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis) Turtles Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

18 Table 2. Species captures and observations by sampling method and habitat at Obed Wild and Scenic River in 2003 and 2004. Total salamander numbers for random plot constrained includes five Desmognathus sp. larvae not identified to species level. Egg masses were not included in totals for captures.

Random Plot Frog Common Name Latin Name Constrained Cover Snake Sandstone Salamander Chance Calls at Search Board Trap Outcrops Point Roadruts Sighting Night Snorkel Green Salamander Aneides aeneus 7 Cumberland Dusky Salamander Desmognathus abditus 4 Black Mountain Salamander Desmognathus welteri 2 Southern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea cirrigera 2 1 Longtail Salamander Eurycea l. longicauda 2 Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus v. viridescens 2 14 Northern Zigzag Salamander Plethodon dorsalis 1 Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus 3 1 Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton r. ruber 1 1 Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum 13 egg masses 23 egg masses Total Salamanders 18 0 1 11 2 14 0 0 0 Eastern American Toad Bufo a. americanus 6 1 2 Fowler's Toad Bufo fowleri 1 Cope's Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis 2 Northern Spring Peeper Pseudacris c. crucifer 3 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 1 1 Green Frog Rana clamitans melanota 13 2 11 Pickerel Frog Rana palustris 1 1 1 1 Wood Frog Rana sylvatica 100's tadpoles Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans crepitans 1 Total Frogs & Toads 22 0 3 1 0 13 1 8 0

19 Table 2 - Continued Random Plot Frog Constrained Cover Snake Sandstone Salamander Chance Calls at Common Name Latin Name Search Board Trap Outcrops Point Roadruts Sighting Night Snorkel Agkistrodon contortrix 1 3 Northern Copperhead mokasen Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis a. amoenus 2 2 Northern Black Racer Coluber c. constrictor 1 1 Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus 1 Diadophis punctatus 2 1 Northern Ringneck Snake edwardsii Midland Rat Snake Elaphe spiloides 3 1 Northern Water Snake Nerodia s. sipedon 2 2 Northern Redbelly Snake Storeria o. occipitomaculata 1 Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis 1 1 1 Total Snakes 8 4 8 1 0 0 3 0 2 Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene c. carolina 2 5 Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata 1 Total Turtles 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus 1 2 Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus 5 2 3 Ground Skink Scincella lateralis 4 2 Total Lizards 10 2 2 3 0 0 2 0 0 Total Numbers 60 11 14 16 2 27 7 8 2 Total Species 21 5 8 7 1 6 6 4 1

20

The different sampling methods and specialized habitats used in this study varied widely in their effectiveness in documenting different species (Table 3). Random plot constrained searches and specialized habitat searches accounted for 115 individuals of 29 different species. Only 4 species (timber rattlesnake, midland rat snake, northern redbelly snake, and midland painted turtle) were recorded from other techniques or by chance.

21

Table 3. Comparison of capture and observation totals of different sampling methods at Obed Wild and Scenic River in 2003 and 2004. Total numbers of individuals and number of species for each sampling method are listed for salamanders, frogs and toads, snakes, turtles, and lizards.

Random Plot Constrained Cover Board Snake Specialized Searches Plots Trap Habitat Searches Chance Sighting Total # 18 0 1 27 0 Salamanders # Species 7 0 1 6 0 Total # 22 0 3 22 1 Frogs & Toads # Species 5 0 2 8 1 Total # 8 4 8 3 3 Snakes # Species 5 3 4 2 3 Total # 2 5 0 0 1 Turtles # Species 1 1 0 0 1 Total # 10 2 2 3 2 Lizards # Species 3 1 1 1 1 Individual Totals 60 11 14 55 7 # Species Totals 21 5 8 17 6

22 5. Discussion

The herpetofauna found in OBRI is typical of the Cumberland Plateau region of Tennessee and Kentucky. The major goal of this study was to document 90 percent of the herpetofauna species thought to be present. In this study, 29 of the 41 species listed as likely to be found in OBRI were recorded (71%). In addition, 2 herpetofauna from the species possible list and 2 from the unlikely species list were also found. Six species were recorded during this survey (northern cricket frog, wood frog, spotted salamander, green salamander, midland painted turtle, and northern redbelly snake) that were not found by Taylor et al. (1981); however, they have been recorded from the area from other sources. Some of the expected species not found during the present study included northern dusky salamander and seal salamander. Taylor et al (1981) recorded six-lined racerunners. Six-lined racerunners were not found during this survey indicating they may be rare or even extirpated from OBRI.

A description of the relative abundance of species documented in OBRI is provided in Table 4. Species were labeled as common, uncommon, or rare. The third column is based on field observations and professional experience and attempts to explain the relative abundance.

Several species listed as uncommon are likely to be more common than represented during this survey. Species that typically breed in ponds or road ruts such as the spotted salamander and wood frog were listed as rare or uncommon. These habitats were uncommon in OBRI and accounted for the lack of distribution for these species. Surveying for aquatic turtles was at a minimum for this survey and accounts for the lack of these species. All of the lizard species documented were fairly common and found in multiple locations in OBRI.

Several black kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula nigra) were found dead on the road (DOR) outside OBRI boundaries while driving to survey sites. This species was not documented during this survey within OBRI. However, this is one of several undocumented species that is likely to occur. Longer-term survey efforts over multiple future years will likely yield most of the expected and possible species listed in Appendix A.

23 Table 4. Relative abundance of observed species based on field observations and professional experience. Observed Species Abundance Observations Amphibia - Caudata Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum Rare Lack of ponds, roadruts, etc. for breeding. Found in one location. Extensive searching of cliffline habitat will likely result Green Salamander, Aneides aeneus Rare in additional populations. Cumberland Dusky Salamander, Desmognathus abditus Uncommon Likely to occur in additional first and second order streams. Extensive searching of first and second order streams may result in an additional Black Mountain Salamander, Desmognathus welteri Rare population. Southern Two-lined Salamander, Eurycea cirrigera Common Most common salamander in streams. Longtail Salamander, Eurycea l. longicauda Common More common than represented in survey. Lack of ponds, roadruts, etc. for breeding. However juvenile "red-eft" stage Red-spotted Newt, Notophthalmus v. viridescens Uncommon found in several locations. Northern Slimy Salamander, Plethodon glutinosus Common More common than represented in survey. Northern Red Salamander, Pseudotriton r. ruber Uncommon Should be found in suitable stream habitats. Amphibia - Anura Northern Cricket Frog, Acris c. crepitans Rare Found along streams, ponds, etc. Searching may result in more populations. Eastern American Toad, Bufo a. americanus Common Found in multiple areas. Fowler's Toad, Bufo fowleri Uncommon More common than represented in survey. Cope's Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis Uncommon More common than represented in survey. Northern Spring Peeper, Pseudacris c.crucifer Uncommon More common than represented in survey. Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana Uncommon More common than represented in survey. Green Frog, Rana clamitans melanota Common Most common frog in OBRI. Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris Uncommon However single individuals found in several locations. Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica Rare Lack of ponds, roadruts, etc. for breeding. Serpentes - Snakes Northern Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen Common More common than represented in survey. Eastern Worm Snake, Carphophis a. amoenus Common Found in multiple areas. Northern Black Racer, Coluber c. constrictor Common More common than represented in survey. Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus Uncommon More common than represented in survey. Northern Ringneck Snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii Common Found in multiple areas. Very common woodland snake. Midland Rat Snake, Elaphe spiloides Common More common than represented in survey. Northern Water Snake, Nerodia s. sipedon Common Should occur in larger streams, rivers throughout OBRI. Northern Redbelly Snake, Storeria o. occipitomaculata Rare Likely to be found in more locations over time. Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis s. sirtalis Common More common than represented in survey. Chelonia - Cryptodeira Midland Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata Rare Surveying aquatic turtles was minimal. Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene c. carolina Common Found in multiple locations and woodland habitats. Reptilia - Lacertilia Five-lined Skink, Eumeces fasciatus Common More common than represented in survey. Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus Common Found in multiple locations throughout OBRI. Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis Common More common than represented in survey. 6. Conclusions

Although the primary goal of 90 percent of the expected species was not met, this study provides current species data and distribution for herpetofauna within OBRI. Additional time and effort would result in the capture of additional species. The time and effort taken to visit and search the previously selected random plots was beneficial in providing individual captures or new species not found elsewhere. Due to the difficult terrain, effort, and access issues, surveys for aquatic turtles was minimal.

Because the use of cover boards was restricted in OBRI due to the rugged terrain, cover boards were placed in only 3 areas of OBRI. Additionally, due to limits of materials and time, only one snake trap was placed in a power line. Future surveys may benefit from an increase in cover board sites at non-random plots and additional snake traps.

Vernal pools and road ruts are used by an abundance of fauna, including herpetofauna. Off road vehicle use along several old roads and trails within OBRI is actually beneficial in that it helps create and upkeep these unique habitat features. In addition to these road ruts, shallow ponds constructed in various places would provide excellent habitat for such species as spotted salamander, marbled salamander, wood frog and several others.

The green salamander, a rare species in the park and a watch-list species by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Program, is found on sandstone cliffs in moist areas not exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Several suitable locations were surveyed but only one population was observed. Although rock climbing is a popular activity in OBRI, it usually occurs on the cliffs that get more solar exposure and don’t provide the moist crevices for the green salamander. Although there is abundant green salamander habitat, I do not attribute the lack of this species to rock climbing activities with OBRI. I feel confident extensive searches for the secretive green salamander will result in additional populations.

25 Literature Cited

Anderson, J.A. & S.G. Tilley. 2003. Systematics of the Desmognathus ochrophaeus Complex in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. Herpetological Monographs 17: 75- 110.

Collins, J.T. and T.W. Taggart. 2002. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names For North American Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles & Crocodilians. Fifth Edition. Publication of The Center for North American Herpetology, Lawrence, KS. 44 pp.

Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 450 pp.

Echternacht, A.C. 1979. Herpetofauna of Potential Natural Areas of the Eastern Upper Cumberland River Drainage in Tennessee: Final Report. 29 pp.

Ernst, C.H., J.E. Lovich, and R.W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 578 pp.

Ernst, C.H., and E.M. Ernst. 2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 668 pp.

Gentry, G. 1941. Herpetological Collections From Counties in the Vicinity of the Obed River Drainage of Tennessee. J. Tenn. Acad. Sci. 27(1):153-158.

Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, and S.H. Azevedo. 1997. Ecoregions of Tennessee (color poster with maps, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:940,000).

Meade, L.S. 2003. Herpetofauna Survey of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. National Park Service Southeast Region Office. Atlanta, Georgia. 43 pp.

National Park Service (NPS). 2002. Inventory of the Reptiles and Amphibian Fauna of Various NPS Parks within the Southeast Region.

Petranka, J.W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 587 pp.

Powell, R., J.T. Collins, and E.D. Hooper, Jr. 1998. A Key to Amphibians & Reptiles of the Continental United States and Canada. University Press of Kansas. 131 pp.

Redmond, W.H. and A.F. Scott. 1996. Atlas of Amphibians in Tennessee. Miscellaneous Publication Number 12. The Center for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee. 94 pp.

26 Taylor, C.A., R.S. McKitrick, and M.R. Pelton. 1981. Terrestrial Vertebrate Inventory of the Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee. Final Report for National Park Service. 75 pp.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Heritage. 2004. A Guide to the Rare Animals of Tennessee. 24 pp.

Tennessee Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Rare Vertebrates List website, http://www.state.tn.us/environment/nh/vert.htm.

The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH). 2004. The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH) website, http://www.cnah.org.

27 Appendix A. Expected, possible, and unlikely amphibian and reptile list of Obed Wild and Scenic River Species Likely to be found in OBRI Status1 Common Name Latin Name Federal State Amphibia – Caudata *Green Salamander Aneides aeneus W-L Eastern Hellbender Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis MC D Northern Dusky Salamander Desmognathus fuscus Seal Salamander Desmognathus monticola *Cumberland Dusky Salamander2 Desmognathus abditus *Black Mountain Salamander Desmognathus welteri D *Southern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea cirrigera *Longtail Salamander Eurycea l. longicauda Northern Spring Salamander Gyrinophilus p. porphyriticus Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum D *Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus v. viridescens *Northern Zigzag Salamander Plethodon dorsalis *Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus *Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton r. ruber Amphibia – Anura *Eastern American Toad Bufo a. americanus *Fowler’s Toad Bufo fowleri *Cope’s Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis *Northern Spring Peeper Pseudacris c. crucifer Upland Chorus Frog Pseudacris feriarum *Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana *Green Frog Rana clamitans melanota *Pickerel Frog Rana palustris Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii Serpentes – Snakes *Northern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen *Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis a. amoenus Midwest Worm Snake Carphophis amoenus helenae *Northern Black Racer Coluber c. constrictor *Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus W-L *Northern Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus edwardsii *Midland Rat Snake Elaphe spiloides *Northern Water Snake Nerodia s. sipedon Queen Snake Regina septemvittata *Northern Redbelly Snake Storeria o. occipitomaculata *Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Chelonia – Cryptodeira Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra s. serpentina Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus *Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene c. carolina Reptilia – Lacertilia Six-lined Racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus *Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus *Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus *Ground Skink Scincella lateralis

28 Possible Species that have not been previously found in OBRI but have been found in adjacent CWMA. A DOR Northern pine snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus) has previously been found but is a rare species. Amphibia – Caudata *Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum Common Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus Midland Mud Salamander Pseudotriton diastictus Amphibia – Anura Mountain Chorus Frog Pseudacris brachyphona Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala utricularius *Wood Frog Rana sylvatica Serpentes – Snakes Northern Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea copei Corn Snake Elaphe guttata Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos W-L Lampropeltis calligaster Mole Kingsnake rhombomaculata Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula nigra Eastern Milk Snake Lampropeltis t. triangulum Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus Northern Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus MC T Brown Snake Storeria dekayi ssp. Eastern Earth Snake Virginia v. valeriae Chelonia – Cryptodeira Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera spinifera Common Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Cumberland Slider Trachemys scripta troostii Reptilia – Lacertilia Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus Eastern Slender Glass Lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus D Unlikely species that have not been previously found in OBRI or adjacent CWMA but whose range includes or is adjacent to the area. Amphibians Mole Salamander Ambystoma talpoideum Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum *Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans crepitans Eastern Narrowmouth Toad Gastrophryne carolinensis Reptiles Southeastern Crowned Snake Tantilla coronata *Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata Ouachita Map Turtle Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis Stripeneck Musk Turtle Sternotherus minor peltifer Broadhead Skink Eumeces laticeps 1Federal Status: MC – Management Concern; State Status: T – Threatened, D – Deemed in Need of Management, W-L – Watch List. From Tennessee Natural Heritage Program Rare Vertebrates List (January 2001) 2Split from Allegheny Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) as described by Anderson, Jennifer A. & Stephen G. Tilley. 2003. Systematics of the Desmognathus ochrophaeus Complex in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. Herpetological Monographs 17: 75-110. *Observed species during this survey.

29 Appendix B. Photographs of species (No specimens taken)

30

Salamanders

Spotted salamander (egg mass), Ambystoma maculatum

Green salamander, Aneides aeneus

Cumberland dusky salamander, Desmognathus abditus Location Captured: Plot 0+9

Black mountain salamander, Desmognathus welteri

Southern two-lined salamander, Eurycea cirrigera Longtail salamander, Eurycea l. longicauda

Red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus v. viridescens

Northern zigzag salamander, Plethodon dorsalis

Northern slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus

Northern red salamander (larvae), Pseudotriton r. ruber

Frogs & Toads

Northern Cricket Frog, Acris c. crepitans Eastern American Toad, Bufo a. americanus

Fowler’s Toad, Bufo fowleri Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

Green Frog, Rana clamitans melanota Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris

Snakes

Northern Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen

Eastern Worm Snake, Carphopis a. amoenus

Northern Black Racer, Coluber c. constrictor Location Captured: Snake trap Photo by Nathan Helton, NPS

Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus Northern ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii Photo by Nathan Helton, NPS

Midland rat snake, Elaphe spiloides Northern water snake, Nerodia s. sipedon

Northern redbelly snake, Storeria o. Eastern garter snake, Thamnophis s. sirtalis occipitomaculata

Turtles

Midland paint turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata Photos by Audie Critchley, NPS

Eastern box turtle, Terrapene c. Carolina

Lizards

Five-lined skink, Eumeces fasciatus

Eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus Ground skink, Scincella lateralis

Snake Traps

Snake Trap

Snake Trap in Powerline