The osaka plain is surrounded by the hills of Senri, Keihanna , Senboku, Habikino, and others. These hills were once covered by coppiced woodlands and terraced paddy-fields, and had small villages scattered in the valleys. The harmony of the elements, which are important habitats for living things, was typical of 'satoyama'. But after 1960s, people changed their way of life and woodlands became economically valueless. Though many of them are now fragmented, the natural habitat of the hills still provide us with a good chance to touch nature.

• Natural history of hills
  
• Natural habitat and Human activity
  
• Present status of hills