GLKN Herpetofauna Inventories

Abstract: The National Park Service, Great Lakes Network Office, commissioned a herpetological inventory of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in 2004. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore covers approximately 29,542 hectares along the south shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in Alger County (Figure 1). Objectives of the study were to supplement existing inventory data for amphibians and reptiles in the park, and better assess the status of species listed as “Unconfirmed” or “Probably Present” in the species lists produced in 2003 for each Great Lakes Network park. Based on the 2003 list status, and additional review of regional status, 14 species were targeted for surveys (Table 1). Results confirmed the presence of 17 species in the park, and another four species are probably present but remain unconfirmed. Records for 163 museum specimens from Alger County were reviewed, as well as frog and toad survey data, and published and unpublished literature. One-hundred fifty new voucher specimens were collected from the park. The first record for the star-nosed mole from the park was obtained incidental to snake surveys. Recommendations are made regarding monitoring and management of amphibians and reptiles in the park.

Project Status: Complete

Final Report

Status of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Gary Glowacki and Ralph Grundel, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Porter, Indiana

Abstract: The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is listed as threatened or endangered in ten of the eleven states and provinces in which it occurs. At Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the status of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake resembles that of the species’ rangewide decline. Massasauga sightings within the East Unit of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Indiana Dunes State Park, and from other sites in northwest Indiana have been purported, however, none of these confirmed sightings were within the official boundary of the park. To determine the status of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, both active searching and passive collection were used. A three-phase survey process, including visual searching, drift fencing, and the use of artificial cover objects, was employed to improve the likelihood of survey success. The objective of the surveys was to document presence of massasaugas at those sites within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore where the snakes were thought most likely to occur. Visual searching, drift fencing, and artificial cover objects yielded 23 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among these were 9 frog and toad, 5 salamander, 2 turtle, 1 lizard, and 6 snake species, including one (possibly two) accounts of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. A combination of fire suppression in upland areas and the draining of the Great Marsh has led to an influx of woody vegetation in both upland and wetland areas. This has significantly limited open habitats within the East Unit of the park. While the surveys have established that a population of S. c. catenatus exists within the boundary of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, further monitoring is needed to determine the snake’s status, to further identify critical habitat, and to provide park managers the information necessary to properly insure the long-term survival of the species.

Project Status: Complete

Final Report