This book shows numerous methodologies for collecting, processing and analyzing data from natural area, illustrating it in applications to Mexico's Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park. The book is written for ecologists, geographers, graduate biology students and natural resource managers. It therefore responds directly and primarily to their viewpoints and objectives. However, since ecosystem management and decisions about natural-area preservation take place within socioeconomic and political environments that are dynamic and plural, conflicts with those objectives are sure to arise. Therefore, the last chapter goes beyond managers' objectives and viewpoints per se to explore and respond to potential conflicts. CD-Rom is included in the book.