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 apex populations, and to investigate potential causes of decline and deformity. The Rocky Mountain Region of ARMI encompasses Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Two USGS-Biological Resource Division Centers initiate and develop ARMI projects in this region. Investigations at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NRMSC), located in Missoula, MT are headed by Dr. Steve Corn. Investigations at the Fort Collins Science Center (FORT), Fort Collins, CO are headed by Dr. Erin Muths.

ARMI Rocky Mountain Region

The ARMI program is based on a 3-tier, pyramid approach including extensive broad scale sampling, mid-level monitoring, and intensive sampling and research at apex sites. A variety of methods are used. Information from surveys in the Rocky Mountains will be used to determine the proportion of area surveyed that is occupied by each species of amphibian. These data will be compiled at the national level where the information will be used in designing new surveys and framing hypotheses to be tested about amphibian presence and 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., NPS, USFS, BLM, and state lands) and the decline of amphibians in such areas is still largely unexplained.

FORT
In the southern Rocky Mountains researchers focus on three apex sites in Colorado, and four mid-level sites in Colorado and Wyoming. As work progresses at these sites FORT is collaborating with the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program. To meet goals of this NPS program ARMI surveys include reptiles at these National Parks and Monuments.

Mid-level sites -- Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park (ROMO)
Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve (GRSA)
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (FLFO)

Mid-level site - Wyoming

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR)

Rocky Mountain National Park. Photographs courtesy of, clockwise from top, M.K. Watry, J. Smith, J. Smith, and M.K. Watry.

NRMSC
Researchers at NRMSC have established four 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 (GNP)
National Bison Range (NBR)
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge (LTNWR)
Red Rocks Lakes (RRLNWR)

Broad-scale study area (inventory only)

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge (SRNWR)
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge (MLNWR)

Mid-level study areas -- Idaho

Grays Lake NWR (GLNWR)

Mid-level study areas -- Wyoming

Mid-level study area - North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt NP (TRNP)

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

Glacier National Park. Photographs courtesy of B. Hossack and G. Guscio.