Abandoned Mine Fauna of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas: Vertebrate Taxa

Numerous visits, over the past four years, of 27 abandoned mines in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas revealed that the mines are serving as hibernacula, breeding sites, and permanent or temporary habitats for numerous vertebrates. The following species were observed either directly or by sign: Class Amphibia, Order Urodela — Eurycea multiplicata, Desmognathus brimleyorum, Plethodon caddoensis, P. glutinosus. Order Anura — Gastrophyrne carolinensis, Rana palustris, R. catesbeiana. Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Suborder Serpentes — Thamnophis proximus, Diadophis punctatus, Elaphe obsoleta, Nerodia erythrogaster, Agkistrodon contortrix. Class Aves, Order Passeriformes--Sayornis phoebe. Order Strigiformes — Otus asio. Class Mammalia, Order Marsupialia —Didelphis virginiana. order Chiroptera — Lasiurus borealis, L seminolis, Myotis lucifugus, M. keenii, M. austroriparius, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Pipistrellus subflavus. Order Rodentia—Neotoma floridana, Peromyscus attwateri. Order Carnivora—Procyon lotor, Ursus americanus