2016 NAFHA National Field Trip - Mena, Arkansas - Final Report
By Kory Roberts (
webmaster@herpsofarkansas.com
)
ABSTRACT
The North American Field Herping Association and Arkansas Herpetological Society held a joint herpetological field trip at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, just northwest of Mena, Arkansas, Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2016. Anyone with an interest in searching for amphibians and reptiles in the wild was invited to attend. For a report documenting the field trip, please view the final report (https://goo.gl/QMUufA).
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
OVERVIEW
A few early arrivers met at a local establishment in Mena Thursday night. We had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting new acquaintances.
A heavy, flooding rain soaked the entire region overnight. Having bailed out of camping through the rough weather, Brad, Kelly, and I woke up early Friday in our hotel rooms in Mena to head up the mountain and establish our first morning meeting. Best laid plans gone to waste when my truck alternator gave up the ghost pulling out of the hotel parking lot and I was left scrambling around frantically trying to get it to the nearest repair shop about 0.5 miles away. After a rescue by Brad, we actually arrived close to our originally scheduled meeting time. It was still pretty much pouring down rain and a small core group of about 15 people had gathered.
After introductions and logistics, the rains began to break up and wouldn’t be too problematic (people-wise) the rest of the day. At our first stop, we turned up Rich Mountain Salamanders (Plethodon ouachitae) in spades. Moving along to a couple of other easy-to-access stops, we turned up some common species, such as Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus), Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), Western Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae elegans), and others.
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Rich Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Southern Red-backed Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Rich Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Eastern Copperhead by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Common Five-lined Skink, Male by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Prairie Racerunner, Juvenile by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
About lunchtime, we met at the Rich Mountain store, which was just a great source of enjoyment in itself. The store owner is as much entertainer as he is cook and you must stop in if you are ever traveling through!
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
After lunch, we hit one Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis) site without success, then, after much effort at a second site, finally turned one up.
Western Slimy Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Ouachita Dusky Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Fourche Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
The larger group then splintered for dinner, some headed for road cruising atop the mountain afterward. Some of us ate in town and then took a bit longer drive, with the rains gathering back up to a torrent, to a special locality which did not disappoint! Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis) were surface active and out in force. Over 50 were observed in just a short time.
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Fourche Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Fourche Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Fourche Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Fourche Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Southern Red-backed Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
On Saturday morning, I had more unexpected difficulties getting my truck problems resolved with the repair shop, but arrived at the gathering place to see our numbers had doubled. The skies were clearing and hopes were high.
After more introductions and logistics, the larger group splintered up quite a bit. One group headed to a locality for “surefire” Milksnakes. I went with a group around Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Along the way, we found three Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki), one flipped and two basking.
Speckled Kingsnake by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Speckled Kingsnake by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
A few of us then headed off to a site for Kiamichi Slimy Salamander (Plethodon kiamichi). In a short time, we had turned up 2, along with a Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and Western Wormsnake (Carphophis vermis).
Northern Cottonmouth by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Western Wormsnake by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Kiamichi Slimy Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Kiamichi Slimy Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
While some took off for dinner and then made preparations for an educational program at the state park, I went with a couple of others on a mad dash to get Caddo Mountain Salamander (Plethodon caddoensis). After a little drive and some concerted flipping, we turned up one subadult. We even made it back to town in time to eat dinner with some others!
Caddo Mountain Salamander by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
As darkness approached, some were at the educational program, while others split off in various directions. I went with a couple of others south to Pond Creek NWR in hopes of lowland herps. While results were not quite as spectacular as I had hoped, we did hear a few Western Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca avivoca), saw a DOR Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata confluens), and splashed up to bank a small Three-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum).
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Eastern Copperhead by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
Three-toed Amphiuma, Subadult by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
After dragging in about 2am, Sunday morning came bright, early, and cold! After a short meeting with the remaining group, smaller units splintered off again. A small number of us opted to stay close, while a larger contingent headed off to a hillside that had been recently burned by the forest service.
The group I was with hit a site for Milksnakes, but came up empty. Then, with the sun coming out in full force, we tried our hand at a site for basking rattlesnakes. It was a much farther, rugged, briar-smothered hike than I had expected. By the time we drug ourselves back up the slope, I was near to exhaustion!
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
The other group fared much better at the burned site, turning up a Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), Eastern Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum flagellum), Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum), and another Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis).
As I was literally packing up to head for home, a car from my group whipped back into camp and Alex popped out with a large AOR Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster) in hand! Not a bad way at all to finish!
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
AHS-NAFHA National Field Trip by Kory Roberts, on Flickr
…
While the rains should have been good for herping success, they were just too much and the herping and attendance was definitely affected. Even some “sure thing” herps never manifested, even at otherwise reliable sites and habitats. With the efforts put to flipping by so many people, not a single Milksnake!!! Wow! Even some of the salamander species seemed to be more difficult to get than they should have been. The sun didn’t really come out much until Sunday, so not so good on basking turtles and other herps trying to dry out.
With a lot of effort, we did manage to get all the key salamander endemics. Even a couple of Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum) were found, which was great as these are almost never seen out of season.
Some new to the hobby seemed to take right to it, several life-listers added to their herp (and bird) lists, and everyone all around just went with the flow, got along great, and had a grand time! All in all--despite my personal stress with the meeting, weather, and truck repairs--it was a great meeting with great people! Would love to do it again down the road!
SUMMARY NUMBERS
Total number of participants: 30
Total number of herp species: 50
Frogs: 14, Salamanders: 10
Snakes: 16, Lizards: 5, Turtles: 5
SPECIES LISTS
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Frogs
Bufonidae
Dwarf American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi)...1
Unidentified Anaxyrus...2
Hylidae
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)...1
Ranidae
Unidentified Lithobates...TMTC
Salamanders
Plethodontidae
Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon albagula complex)...1
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae)...43+
Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus)...2
Snakes
Crotalidae
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)...6, 1 DOR
Colubridae
North American Racer (Coluber constrictor ssp.)...1
Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster)...1
Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)...3
Dipsadidae
Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus ssp.)...9
Lizards
Phrynosomatidae
Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus)...1
Scincidae
Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)...10
Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis complex)
Ouachita National Forest, Mena-Oden Ranger District
Frogs
Bufonidae
Dwarf American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi)...TMTC
Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)...1
Unidentified Anaxyrus...TMTC
Hylidae
Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi)...11+, calling
Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)...TMTC, calling
Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)...3
Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)...3, calling?
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)...TMTC, calling
Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei)...TMTC, calling
Microhylidae
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)
Ranidae
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)...4
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)...4
Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)...2
Coastal Plains Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius)...11+
Unidentified Lithobates...TMTC
Salamanders
Ambystomatidae
Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum)...3
Plethodontidae
Ouachita Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus brimleyorum)...11
Many-ribbed Salamander, Western Clade (Eurycea multiplicata)...5
Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon albagula complex)...12
Caddo Mountain Salamander (Plethodon caddoensis)...8
Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis)...53+
Kiamichi Slimy Salamander (Plethodon kiamichi)...2
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae)...TMTC
Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus)...75+
Snakes
Crotalidae
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)...17, 5 DOR
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)...7
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)...1, 1 DOR
Colubridae
Eastern Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum flagellum)...1
Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster)...1 DOR
Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)...1
Northern Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus)...3, 1 DOR
Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)...2
Dipsadidae
Western Wormsnake (Carphophis vermis)...11
Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus ssp.)...9
Natricidae
Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)...3, 3 DOR
Midland Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis)...3
Orange-striped Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus proximus)...2
Western Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae elegans)...1
Lizards
Phrynosomatidae
Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus)...23
Scincidae
Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)...18
Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)...1
Unidentified Plestiodon...2
Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis complex)...11
Teiidae
Prairie Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis)...4
Turtles
Emydidae
Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna)...2
Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene triunguis)...5
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)...1
Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Frogs
Bufonidae
Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)...~10, calling
Hylidae
Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi)...TMTC, calling
Western Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca avivoca)...~10, calling
Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)...TMTC, calling
Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)...1, calling
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)...TMTC, calling
Ranidae
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)...4, calling
Salamanders
Amphiumidae
Three-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum)...1
Snakes
Crotalidae
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)...2
Colubridae
Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)...1
Natricidae
Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)...1
Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata confluens)...1 DOR
Northern Diamond-backed Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer)...1 DOR
Other Localities
Frogs
Ranidae
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)...2
Snakes
Crotalidae
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)...2, 3 from OK
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)...1
Colubridae
Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster)...3
Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)...2, 1 from OK
Dipsadidae
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)...1 from OK
Natricidae
Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)...4, 1 DOR, 1 from OK
Lizards
Phrynosomatidae
Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus)...2 from OK
Turtles
Chelydridae
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)...2
Emydidae
Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna)...2
Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene triunguis)...1
Kinosternidae
Mississippi Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis)...2
DOR = Dead on road
TMTC = Too many to count
Statistics: Posted by kaptainkory — May 27th, 2016, 10:19 am