ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A number of people and institutions deserve recognition for their contributions to this project.  Donald "Chip" Ruthven III designed and secured the funds for this study.  His guidance and participation during the data collection portion of the project was extensive and essential.  Chip also provided assistance with writing the vegetation portion of the thesis.  Dr. Steven A. Smith served as my graduate advisor and committee chairman and, in addition to providing general guidance, assistance and encouragement, helped extensively with the statistical analyses and with the editing of drafts.  Dr. Jon A. Baskin served on my committee, provided me with many important background materials and was a source of friendship, advice and encouragement throughout this project.  Dr. Alice Hempel also served on my committee and provided advice and encouragement.  

I would like to thank the Wildlife Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for funding the lion's share of this project and allowing me access, especially CWMA manager David R. Synatzske, to the housing and research facilities located on the Chaparral Wildlife

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Management Area.  Dr. Jim F. Gallagher, also at the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, provided assistance with analyzing vegetation data. 

The Biology Department of Texas A&M University Kingsville allowed me use of Sherman-traps and provided, especially Dr. James Pierce and Dr. Steven A. Smith, additional funding for this project.  Also at Texas A&M University Kingsville, Cindy Strubhart kept my administrative house in order while I was in the field.  Cindy went well out of her way to assure that all of my bureaucratic affairs were in order.  Thank You Cindy.

Texas A&I Professor Emeritus Dr. Allan Cheney allowed me to live in his house for two years and provided me with much needed advice, friendship and encouragement.  Ymelda Gonzalez also provided me with housing and encouragement during this study.

I would like to thank David R. Rios and Adan G. Gandaria for assistance with data collection in the field. Dr. Richard T. Kazmaier, as well as Chip, provided essential assistance with vegetation and small mammal identification.  Dr. Joe Moody provided, with students from Simpson College, assistance with data collection. 

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Sergeant Matt Barber and Officer Cecil Braggs with the Texas Department of Corrections, not only helped build drift-fences, but also provided me with lunch on many occasions.

Graduate students Jose-Luis Egremy, Aaron Haines, Mike McCoid, Adrian Vargas, and Chris Yee all provided me with advice, encouragement, and friendship throughout the course of my graduate career.  At the time, Tracy Smith was the Biology Lab Coordinator and I learned much in terms of teaching from her.  Finally I would like to thank Steve, Tracy, Alexandria and Jennifer Smith.  They treated me like a family member and for this I am much appreciative.

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