former CIQRO biologists, for introducing me to the Maya at X-Hazil Sur and sharing their experiences 

 about how to conduct fieldwork in Mexico. Their friendship was a source of inspiration during many 

 trying times. 



Several Mexican counterparts assisted in the identification of scientific specimens. For the 

 classification of soil samples, I wish to thank Pedro Macario Mendoza. For the identification of plants, 

 I wish to thank Edgar Cabrera Cano and Javier Chavelas Polito. For the identification of animal 

 specimens, I wish to thank Hector Arita Watanabe, J. Enrique Escobedo Cabrera, Elsa M. Figueroa, 

 Hector Flores, Livia Leon Paniagua, Adolfo G. Navarro Sigiienza, and Carmen Pozo de la Tijera. For 

 assistance with Maya soil and vegetation type terminology, I wish to thank Francisco J. Rosado May. 



Several Mexican collaborators provided valuable information about the study area and state of 

 Quintana Roo. For sharing their vegetation maps and information about forest inventories, I thank 

 Marcelo Carre6n Mundo and Victoria Santos Jimenez. I thank Juan Bezaury Creel and Pedro Ramirez 

 Guillen for numerous acts of kindness and for obtaining for me historical information about the area 

 after I returned to the United States. 



My introduction to the Maya of Quintana Roo was greatly facilitated by having met Don 

 Margar Tuz, his wife Dona Mila Novelo, and two of their sons, Alejandro and Margarito. They 

 welcomed me into their home at Rancho Las Palmas, shared with me their knowledge of the forest, and 

 made my stay in Quintana Roo much more enjoyable. I will treasure their friendship always. 



My stay at X-Hazil Sur was greatly enhanced by the cooperation and generosity of many 

 people. I would especially like to thank Modesto Cab Cohuo and his wife, Martha Tuz Novelo, for 

 receiving me in their home, introducing me to the other village residents, and explaining many 

 important aspects of Maya culture to me. My stay also was enriched by the special attention afforded 

 my wife and myself by several families. I especially thank Mauro Cab Cohuo and Rosa Pool Tun, 

 Julio Poot Ake and Gudelia Uc Puc, Graciliano Gomez Puc, Fernando Balam Can, Joaquin Humberto 

 Balam Xiu, Celestino Chan Cante, their families for their hospitality. 



Fieldwork at X-Hazil Sur was greatly improved by the cooperation and insight offered by 



iv 



