Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: Rocky Mountain Region

The Department of the Interior's Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) is designed to determine where populations of amphibians are present; to monitor specific populations and to investigate potential causes of decline and deformity. The Rocky Mountain Region of ARMI encompasses Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Two United States Geological Survey Science Centers initiate and develop ARMI projects in this region. Investigations at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), located in Missoula, Montana are headed by Dr. Steve Corn. Investigations at the Fort Collins Science Center (FORT), Fort Collins, Colorado are headed by Dr. Erin Muths.

The ARMI program is based on a 3-tier, pyramid approach; extensive broad scale sampling, mid-level sampling and intensive sampling and research at apex sites. We use a variety of methods. Information from surveys in the Rocky Mountains is used to determine the occupancy of species of amphibian in a target area. These data are compiled at the national level where the information will be used in designing new surveys and framing hypotheses to be tested about amphibian presence, amphibian decline, and other related issues such as deformity and disease. The Rocky Mountains are not rich in species diversity relative to places such as Florida, but information from this region is critical because much of the land in the Rocky Mountains is relatively pristine and protected (e.g. National Park Service, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and state lands), yet the decline of amphibians in such areas is still largely unexplained. The 5-year ARMI report describes the progress and products of this national program.

Fort Collins Science Center:In the southern Rocky Mountains researchers focus on 3 sentinel sites in Colorado, and have worked at 4 mid-level sites in Colorado and Wyoming. As work progresses at these sites we are collaborating with the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program. To meet goals of this NPS program we included reptiles in our surveys at National Parks and Monuments.

Mid-level sites -- Colorado

• Rocky Mountain National Park - ongoing
• Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve - completed
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument – completed
• Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (inventory) – completed

Mid-level site - Wyoming

• Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR)
       

Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center: Researchers have established 4 apex sites in Montana and Wyoming and 11 mid-level inventory and monitoring areas located in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and North Dakota

Mid-level study areas -- Montana

• Glacier National Park – ongoing
• National Bison Range – terminated
• Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge – ongoing
• Swan River National Wildlife Refuge – terminated
• Red Rocks NWR  – terminated
• Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge – terminated

Mid-level study areas -- Idaho

• Grays Lake NWR – terminated

Mid-level study areas -- Wyoming

• Yellowstone NP – ongoing
• Grand Teton NP – ongoing
• National Elk Refuge – ongoing

Mid-level study area - North Dakota

• Theodore Roosevelt NP – suspended

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is also surveyed in cooperation with the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program. Here researchers collaborate with Bryce Maxell, University of Montana doctoral student, on his inventory of amphibian populations on US Forest Service lands in western Montana and surveys of historic boreal toad (Bufo boreas) sites.