| dc.description.abstract | The cross timbers region of Oklahoma covers an expansive area of central and eastern Oklahoma and supports a large part of the state's livestock production. Rugged topography and thick, woody brush hinder optimum forage quality and necessitate brush control withn which to maximize economic potential. Much research has been done to improve the effectiveness, effeciency and economic feasibilty of brush control practices such as prescribed burning and herbicide application. The feasibility of using combined applications of herbicide and prescribed burning to control brush and improve livestock grazing potential on cross timbers rangeland in Oklahoma is currently being explored at the Cross Timbers Experimantal Range in Payne County, Oklahoma. This 648 ha area of north-central Oklahoma is a mosaic of oak (Quercus sp.) woodlands; mixed grass prairies dominated by big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachrium scoparium), and indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans); and shallow, sandy savannas invaded by eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianus). These woodlands, prairies and savannas provide suitable habitat for a community of small mammals (8 species) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) which coexist in this area with cattle. This community of vertebrates, as with any wildlife community, interacts with its parasitic component. This symbiotic interaction or relationship is termed host-parasite community ecology and is a poorly understood subject. This is especially true for those communities inhabiting the cross timbers region of Oklahoma. Vegetative density, composition, height, canopy cover, and availability of forage to wildlife can be affected by burning and herbicide application, therefore influencing host-parasite relationships. The purpose of this study was to determine how applications of the herbicides triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) butoxyethyl ester and tebuthiuron {N-[5-(1,1 dimethyl ethyl)-1,3,4 thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N' dimethylurea) with prescribed burning can influence host-parasite community ecology of small mammals and cottontail rabbits inhabiting the Cross Timbers Experimental Range. This thesis is comprised of five manuscripts formatted for submission to the Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The manuscripts (chapters I, II, III, IV, and V) are complete as written and do not need supporting material. | |
