Roadless Areas
Home/Species/ Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

Ascaphus montanus

Mittleman and Myers, 1949

Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

G4Apparently Secure Found in 43 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
G4Apparently SecureGlobal Rank
Least concernIUCN
MediumThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.104648
Element CodeAAABA01020
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNLeast concern
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyAscaphidae
GenusAscaphus
Other Common Names
Grenouille à queue des Rocheuses (FR) Grenouille-à-queue des Rocheuses (FR) Inland Tailed Frog (EN)
Concept Reference
Nielson, M., K. Lohman, and J. Sullivan. 2001. Phylogeography of the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei): implications for the biogeography of the Pacific Northwest. Evolution 55:147-160.
Taxonomic Comments
Nielson et al. (2001) examined phylogeography of A. truei using mtDNA data. Based on the results of this study and on previous allozyme and morphological data, they recommended that the coastal and inland segments of A. truei be recognized as distinct species, A. truei (coastal) and A. montanus (inland). See also Ritland et al. (2000) for information on tailed frog phylogeography based on genetic variation.

Tailed frogs sometimes are placed in the family Leiopelmatidae. Stebbins (1985) placed them in the family Ascaphidae.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodExpertise without calculation
Review Date2016-08-01
Change Date2001-05-15
Edition Date2011-05-02
Edition AuthorsGaines, E., and G. Hammerson
Threat ImpactMedium
Range Extent20,000-2,500,000 square km (about 8000-1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences81 - 300
Rank Reasons
Moderately widespread and locally common in the northern Rocky Mountain region; trend is uncertain; may be threatened in some areas by habitat loss/degradation resulting from timber harvest; better information on current status and response to current timber harvest practices is needed.
Range Extent Comments
Extreme southeastern British Columbia south through western Montana to extreme southeastern Washington, northeastern Oregon, and south-central Idaho (Leonard et al. 1993, Nielson et al. 2001, Stebbins 2003). Elevational range in Oregon mainly 1,100-2,100 m (occurrence data); ranges to at least 2,134 m in the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon (Leonard et al. 1993). Occurs at elevations as low as 550 m or less in British Columbia.
Occurrences Comments
Many occurrences in Montana and Idaho.

In British Columbia (Linda Dupuis, pers. comm., 2001), there are two small population groups, isolated from one another by the Rocky Mountain Trench (dry habitat). The populations to the east of the trench includes 7 occurrences. There is only one other suitable creek within a 25-km radius of this cluster of occurrences. They are all found in unstable channels and their populations are low. Probably this population would not survive another logging rotation. The populations to the west of the Trench are faring better. There are 12 occurrences, but these are all clustered, have low densities, are in less than ideal creeks, and are also vulnerable to the next logging rotation.
Threat Impact Comments
Tailed frogs are sensitive to logging and road building (Leonard et al. 1993). Logging practices that increase water temperatures and siltation may have an adverse effect on tailed frog populations (Nussbaum et al. 1983). See also Bury and Corn (1988) and Corn and Bury (1989) for information on negative effects of timber harvest. Despite negative effects of logging, tailed frogs frequently occur in many young forests that have been harvested one or more times in the past. Sensitivity to timber harvest may depend on surface geology and harvest practices (Adams and Bury 2002, Welsh and Lind 2002). Diller and Wallace (1999) emphasized that current timber harvest practices are not as detrimental as those used in the past. Information on the responses of tailed frogs to timber harvest are based primarily on the coastal tailed frog, A. truei. Further information is needed on the responses of A. montanus.

Apparently low dispersal abilities may limit rate of recovery of depleted populations
Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Clear, cold swift-moving mountain streams with coarse substrate. Perhaps occurs primarily in older forest sites, but better information is needed; required microclimatic and microhabitat conditions are more common in older forests.
May be found on land during wet weather near water in humid forests or in more open habitat. During dry weather stays on moist stream-banks. Lays eggs in long strings under stones in water.

Reproduction

Fertilization is internal; male has a tail-like copulatory organ. Mating occurs typically in fall; females retain sperm and lay eggs in early summer. Eggs hatch ususally in late summer, but larvae may remain in nest site until the following summer. Larval period lasts a few years. Requires several additional years to attain sexual maturity.
Terrestrial Habitats
Forest - ConiferForest - Mixed
Palustrine Habitats
Riparian
Other Nations (2)
United StatesN4
ProvinceRankNative
WashingtonS2Yes
MontanaS3Yes
OregonS2Yes
IdahoS3Yes
CanadaN2
ProvinceRankNative
British ColumbiaS2Yes
Threat Assessments
ThreatScopeSeverityTiming
4 - Transportation & service corridors——High (continuing)
4.1 - Roads & railroads——High (continuing)
5 - Biological resource use——High (continuing)
5.3 - Logging & wood harvesting——High (continuing)

—

Roadless Areas (43)
Idaho (7)
AreaForestAcres
Bighorn - WeitasNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest254,845
HoodooNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest153,868
NeedlesPayette National Forest131,279
North Lochsa SlopeNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest117,662
Peace RockBoise National Forest191,734
SeceshPayette National Forest248,088
West Meadow CreekNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest115,949
Montana (28)
AreaForestAcres
Allan Mountain (01946)Bitterroot National Forest104,184
Bear - Marshall - Scapegoat - SwanLewis and Clark National Forest344,022
Bear - Marshall - Scapegoat - SwanLolo National Forest118,485
Blue Joint (mwsa) (01941)Bitterroot National Forest64,764
Bmss Ra 1485Flathead National Forest334,275
Buckhorn Ridge (MT)Kootenai National Forest34,716
Cabinet Face East #671Kootenai National Forest50,326
Deadhorse Ridge Ra 1128Flathead National Forest23,648
EmerineBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest14,282
Evans GulchLolo National Forest8,059
HoodooLolo National Forest105,162
Maple PeakLolo National Forest6,469
Mt. BushnellLolo National Forest41,798
Mt. Hefty Ra 1481Flathead National Forest12,938
North Big HoleBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest52,227
Patricks Knob - North CutoffLolo National Forest16,970
Reservation DivideLolo National Forest16,908
SapphireBitterroot National Forest43,303
SapphiresBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest66,619
Scotchman Peaks (MT)Kootenai National Forest53,909
Selway - Bitterroot (01067)Bitterroot National Forest114,953
Sheep Mountain - StatelineLolo National Forest37,844
Silver KingBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest64,289
South Siegel - South CutoffLolo National Forest13,474
Storm LakeBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest9,324
Thompson Seton RA 1483Flathead National Forest52,235
Ward EagleLolo National Forest8,556
West Big HoleBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest133,563
Oregon (8)
AreaForestAcres
Grande RondeUmatilla National Forest12,296
HellholeUmatilla National Forest65,679
Jaussaud CorralUmatilla National Forest5,535
Little SheepWallowa-Whitman National Forest5,238
LookingglassUmatilla National Forest4,859
ReservoirWallowa-Whitman National Forest13,641
Upper Catherine CreekWallowa-Whitman National Forest6,446
Walla Walla RiverUmatilla National Forest34,416
References (34)
  1. Adams, M. S., and R. B. Bury. 2002. The endemic headwater stream amphibians of the American Northwest: associations with environmental gradients in a large forested preserve. Global Ecology and Biogeography 11:169-178.
  2. Adams, S. B., and C. A. Frissell. 2001. Thermal habitat use and evidence of seasonal migration by Rocky Mountain tailed frogs, Ascaphus montanus, in Montana. Canadian Field-Naturalist 115:251-256.
  3. Behler, J. L., and F. W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society field guide to North American reptiles and amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 719 pp.
  4. Blackburn, L., P. Nanjappa, and M. J. Lannoo. 2001. An Atlas of the Distribution of U.S. Amphibians. Copyright, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA.
  5. Bury, R. B., and M. J. Adams. 1999. Variation in age at metamorphosis across a latitudinal gradient for the tailed frog, <i>Ascaphus truei</i>. Herpetologica 55:283-291.
  6. Bury, R. B., and P. S. Corn. 1988a. Responses of aquatic and streamside amphibians to timber harvest: a review. Pages 165-181 in Raedaeke, K., editor. Streamside management: riparian wildlife and forestry interactions. Univ. Washington.
  7. Corn, P. S., and R. B. Bury. 1989. Logging in western Oregon: responses of headwater habitats and stream amphibians. Forest Ecology and Management 29:39-57.
  8. Crother, B. I. (editor). 2017. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. 8th edition. SSAR Herpetological Circular 43:1-104. [Updates in SSAR North American Species Names Database at: https://ssarherps.org/cndb]
  9. Daugherty, C.H. and A.L. Sheldon. 1982a. Age-specific movement patterns of the frog <i>Ascaphus truei</i>. Herpetologica 38:468-474.
  10. Daugherty, C.H. and A.L. Sheldon. 1982b. Age-determination, growth, and life history of a Montana population of the tailed frog (<i>Ascaphus truei</i>). Herpetologica 38:461-468.
  11. Diller, L. V., and R. L. Wallace. 1999. Distribution and habitat of <i>Ascaphus truei</i> in streams in managed, young growth forests in north coastal California. Journal of Herpetology 33:71-79.
  12. Dupuis, L. 1998. Status report on the tailed frog, <i>Ascaphus truei</i>, in Canada (draft). Unpublished draft report submitted to the Commitee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, Ottawa.
  13. Dupuis, L. A., and D. Steventon. 1999. Riparian management and the tailed frog in northern coastal forests. Forest Ecology and Management 124:35-43.
  14. Dupuis, L. and P. Friele. 2005. Rocky Mountain Tailed frog - Conservation Analysis. Prepared for Ministry of Forests, Forests Practices Branch, Victoria, BC.
  15. Dvornich, K.M., K.R. McAllister, and K.B. Aubry. 1997. Amphibians and reptiles of Washington State: Location data and predicted distributions, Vol. 2 in: Washington State Gap Analysis - Final Report, (K.M. Cassidy, C.E. Grue, M.R. Smith and K.M. Dvornich, eds.), Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Washington, Seattle, 146 pp.
  16. Frost, D.R. 2020. Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA. Online: http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/index.html
  17. Jones, L.L.C., W. P. Leonard, and D. H. Olson, editors. 2005. Amphibians of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington. xii + 227 pp.
  18. Leonard, W. P., H. A. Brown, L. L. C. Jones, K. R. McAllister, and R. M. Storm. 1993. Amphibians of Washington and Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington. viii + 168 pp.
  19. Maxell, B. A., J. K. Werner, P. Hendricks, and D. L. Flath. 2003. Herpetology in Montana: a history, status summary, checklists, dichotomous keys, accounts for native, potentially native, and exotic speices, and indexed bibliography. Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, Northwest Fauna 5. viii + 138 pp.
  20. Metter, D. and R. Pauken. 1969. An analysis of the reduction of gene flow in <i>Ascaphus truei</i> in the northwest U.S. since the Pleistocene. Copeia 1969(2):301-307.
  21. Metter, D.E. 1968. Ascaphus and A. truei. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. 69:1-2.
  22. Nielson, M., K. Lohman, and J. Sullivan. 2001. Phylogeography of the tailed frog (<i>Ascaphus truei</i>): implications for the biogeography of the Pacific Northwest. Evolution 55:147-160.
  23. Nussbaum, R.A., E.D. Brodie, Jr., and R.M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. University Press of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. 332 pp.
  24. Paige, K. (technical editor). 2002. Standards for managing identified wildlife, Version 2. Draft for technical review. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Biodiversity Branch, Victoria, BC.
  25. Ritland, K., L. A. Dupuis, F. L. Bunnell, W.L.Y. Hung, and J. E. Carlson. 2000. Phylogeography of the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) in British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78:1749-1758.
  26. Species at Risk Branch. 2002. Species at risk range maps. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Online. Available: http://www.sis.ec.gc.ca/download_e.htm.
  27. Stebbins, R. C. 1985a. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Second edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. xiv + 336 pp.
  28. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Third edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.
  29. Thomas, J. W., Ward, J., Raphael, M.G., Anthony, R.G., Forsman, E.D., Gunderson, A.G., Holthausen, R.S., Marcot, B.G., Reeves, G.H., Sedell, J.R. and Solis, D.M. 1993. Viability assessments and management considerations for species associated with late-successional and old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The report of the Scientific Analysis Team. USDA Forest Service, Spotted Owl EIS Team. 530 pp. Portland, Oregon.
  30. Thomas, J. W., Ward, J., Raphael, M.G., Anthony, R.G., Forsman, E.D., Gunderson, A.G., Holthausen, R.S., Marcot, B.G., Reeves, G.H., Sedell, J.R. and Solis, D.M. 1993. Viability assessments and management considerations for species associated with late-successional and old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The report of the Scientific Analysis Team. USDA Forest Service, Spotted Owl EIS Team, Portland Oregon. 530 pp.
  31. Wallace, R. L., and L. V. Diller. 1998. Length of the larval cycle of ASCAPHUS TRUEI in coastal streams of the redwood region, northern California. Journal of Herpetology 32:404-409.
  32. Washington Herp Atlas. 2009 (map products updated March 2017). A cooperative effort of Washington Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. 250 pp.
  33. Welsh, H. H., Jr. 1990. Relictual amphibians and old-growth forests. Conservation Biology 4:309-19.
  34. Welsh, H. H., Jr., and A. S. Lind. 2002. Multiscale habitat relationships of stream amphibians in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of California and Oregon. Journal of Wildlife Management 66:581-602.