Sunny Areas Research Articles

Influence of the Orientation of Nest Entrance, Shading, and Substrate on Sampling Trap-Nesting Bees and Wasps

The use of trap nests supplies important biological information concerning the biology of bees and wasps. However, the knowledge about the factors that influence the management of these groups is still scarce. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of the orientation of nest entrance, shading, and block material (wood or vermiculite) on the frequency, richness, and composition of trap-nesting species at two agricultural areas in the Atlantic Forest region of the state of Paraiba. Both sites showed similar species richness and composition. However, a higher number of nests was found at the Alhandra site, mainly of the species Trypoxylon aurifrons Shuckard and Centris analis (F.). Regarding the orientation, the number of nest entrances oriented to prevailing wind direction was significantly smaller. Most species nested more frequently in shaded areas than in sunny areas and the wood blocks were more attractive than the vermiculite blocks, especially for bees.

1P1-R06 植物ロボット化研究の提案(バイオロボティクス)

Plants are different from animals because they have no ability to move around except for generations. This paper proposes robotization of plants. The concept of the paper is to investigate what would happen by letting plants having ability to move around and to sense various information. This paper discusses the effects and tests preliminary simulation based on artificial potential field method. The robotized plants autonomously moving based on sensory information could gather a sunny area. One of them could move to a specific independently when it suffers from a disease.

Four Periodical Natural Big Disasters of the Planet Earth during Each Precession Cycle, Caused By Its Motion (New Theory)

Gyroscope moment rotates Earth inner core vertically because of its unstable “egg” shape. The rest ellipsoidal part of the planet has opposite vertical motion. That is the polar shift. The Sun appears on the west. New angular velocity direction of the core and no homogeneous gravity field of the Sun cause acceleration of the core self-rotation with corresponding increasing of the Earth magnetic field, pushing the planet away from the Sun during millenniums. Sinus law of the core rotation makes significant jump in acceleration 6,500 years after causing new centrifugal redistribution of the planet water more concentrated around the equator area, followed by big earthquakes and volcano eruptions. It is a big flood. Planet with accelerating self-rotation of the inner core continues to leave sunny area approaching to the ice period. The shape of the core is ellipsoidal then, giving the chance to the “sunny” moment to rotate it vertically again 13,000 years after. The Sun appears on the east. It is another polar shift. New conditions cause mild slowing down of the core self-rotation pushing the planet toward the Sun. Magnetic field is slowly decreasing. 6,500 years after the same sinus law influences sharp decreasing of the angular velocity of the inner core. New redistribution of the planet water from the equator to the north and south appears, followed by big earthquakes and strong winds. It is famous big flood we “remember” it. The planet is approaching to the Sun losing angular velocity of its core and good shape for good stability. 6,500 new years and new global warming with new polar shift are in front of it, 26,000 years later.

Ecological Preferences of the East European Vole Microtus levis (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in the West Mediterranean Region at Eleven New Localities

In this study, from July to September 2007, habitat type and characteristics of Microtus levis was investigated. O f the caught 98 samples, 76 (52 ?? +24 SS ) were dead individuals and 22 (13 ??+9 SS ) were alive from eleven localities (Seki, Yazir, Korkuteli, Bozova, Kizilkaya, Kozan, Kocaaliler, Bozdogan, Gebiz, Kasimlar and Derebucak). Also all o f this localities are first records for species. There were statisticaly significant between sexes for snaptrapping but no differences for livetrapping ( 2snaptrapping—5.34, df—1, p —0.02 and 3C2livetrapping—0.37, df— 1, p —0.54). On the other hand, there were strong positive correlations between the capture frequencies in traps (snap and livetrap), also population density and the altitude o f localities (rsnaptrapping—a75°; n —11 p —°.°31, rlivetrapping—°.918; n —11 p —°.°41 and rdensity—a912; n —11 p — 0.001). M. levis lives in wet places and near the brook and river at colonies. In the areas, observed that nesting in with slopes of 31-60° at sunny south-facing areas. 64 of 76 dead and 20 of 22 alive individuals were caught on the south-facing (south, southeast, and southwest) exposures. Also 94.05% of population density in South-facing areas.

Butterfly behavioural responses to natural Bornean tropical rain-forest canopy gaps

Abstract:Natural tree canopy gaps allow sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor, a major environmental component and resource for many tropical rain-forest species. We compare here how butterflies use sunny areas created by the natural gaps in canopies in comparison with adjacent closed-canopy areas. We chose butterflies as our focal organisms as they are taxonomically tractable and mobile, yet habitat sensitive. Previous studies have shown that butterfly diversity in tropical forests responds to varying degrees of canopy openness. Here we assess butterfly behavioural responses to gaps and equivalent sized closed-canopy patches. Butterfly occupancy time and behaviour were simultaneously observed 61 times in gaps and 61 times in equivalent sized closed-canopy patches across four sites in a tropical rain forest in northern Borneo. Out of the 20 most frequently recorded species, 12 were more frequently recorded or spent more time in gaps, four occurred more frequently in closed-canopy areas, and four showed no significant differences. Overall agonistic, basking, patrolling and resting were more common in gaps compared with the closed canopy. Many butterfly species have complex behavioural requirements for both gaps and closed canopies, with some species using these different areas for different behaviours. Each butterfly species had particular habitat requirements, and needed both canopy gaps and closed canopy areas for ecological and behavioural reasons, emphasizing the need for natural light heterogeneity within these systems.

Bir Anadolu Endemiği; Anadolu Tarla Faresi Microtus anatolicus'nin Ekolojik Tercihleri

In this study, from June to July 2007, habitat type and characteristics of Microtus anatolicus an endemic species of the Anatolia was investigated. Of the caught 79 samples, 63 (29 were dead individuals and 16 (7 +9 ) were alive from four localities (Kozan, Bozdogan, Cevizli and Derekoy). Also Cevizli and erekoy are first records for species. There were no differences between sexes for snaptrapping and livetrapping (y 2snaptrapping- a 2°; d f- 1 p- a 66 ve / S t r a p p i n g - a 13; d f- 1 p- a 72). On the other hand, there were strong positive correlations between the capture frequencies in traps (snap and livetrap), also population density and the altitude of localities (rsnaptrapping- 0.742; n - 4; p - 0.023, rsnaptrapping - 0.785; n - 4; p - 0.037 ve rdensity - 0.933; n - 6; p - 0.009). M. anatolicus lives in dry and narrow nesting areas at small colonies. In the areas, observed that nesting in with slopes of 0-20° at sunny south-facing areas. All of 63 dead and all of 16 alive individuals were caught on the south-facing (south, southeast, and southwest) exposures, but not north-facing areas. Also 98.94% of population density in South-facing areas.

Who Takes the Blame? The Strategic Effects of Collateral Damage

Can civilians caught in civil wars reward and punish armed actors for their behavior? If so, do armed actors reap strategic benefits from treating civilians well and pay for treating them poorly? Using precise geo‐coded data on violence in Iraq from 2004 through 2009, we show that both sides are punished for the collateral damage they inflict. Coalition killings of civilians predict higher levels of insurgent violence and insurgent killings predict less violence in subsequent periods. This symmetric reaction is tempered by preexisting political preferences; the anti‐insurgent reaction is not present in Sunni areas, where the insurgency was most popular, and the anti‐Coalition reaction is not present in mixed areas. Our findings have strong policy implications, provide support for the argument that information civilians share with government forces and their allies is a key constraint on insurgent violence, and suggest theories of intrastate violence must account for civilian agency.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in early autumn to ensure vitamin D sufficiency in mid-winter in professional football players

There is growing awareness that vitamin D sufficiency is required for overall optimal health. Most experts agree that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of at least 75nmol/L, as sufficient vitamin D status. Our aim was to investigate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration required in mid-October to ensure vitamin D sufficiency in early February, and to assess the rate of vitamin D insufficiency in both seasons. We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone, and other related biochemical parameters, in a sample of 28 professional football players homogeneous in factors influencing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in a sunny area of southern Spain. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of 122.7nmol/L was required; 14.3% reached this level. Ninety-three percent had levels ≥75nmol/L in mid-October, and 64% had levels <75nmol/l in early February (χ(2) test, ρ=0.001). Despite the homogeneity in sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake few football players reached the level ensuring vitamin D sufficiency in mid-winter, and two thirds had vitamin D insufficiency in early February. Given our findings, it would be advisable to assess the vitamin D levels in early autumn, although additional studies are necessary.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and sun exposure as predisposing factors for age related cataract

Age-related cataract is a leading cause of blindness throughout the world. Regular exposure to sunlight increases the risk of cataract development. Ultraviolet light causes oxidative stress which induces DNA damage in the lens epithelium and the development of opacities. The existence of DNA repair in lens epithelial cells has been reported, and polymorphisms of DNA repair genes may affect repair efficiency. This work aims to study the frequency of polymorphisms of two DNA repair genes, xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) codon751 and X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) codon399, in cataract in the sunny weather of Egypt. Forty-two Egyptian patients with maturity onset cataract were compared to 41 control subjects using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. There was a significant increase in frequency of XRCC1-399 Arg/Arg genotype in cataract patients (42.8%) compared to healthy controls (22%) (p = 0.042).This increase remained significant after redistribution according to occupational exposure. No significant difference was found for the genotypic and allelic distributions of the polymorphisms in XPD-751 gene (p > 0.05) between groups. There was a significant increase in cataract development in subjects with high exposure risk to sunlight more than those with low risk, either due to their occupation (p = 0.034) or to residence in sunny areas of upper Egypt (p = 0.037). Findings suggest that polymorphism in XRCC1 codon399 may predispose to the development of maturity-onset cataract and support the hypothesis that sun exposure is a leading factor for cataract development.

Changing environmental characteristics of European cropland

The spatial configuration of agricultural systems is continuously changing in response to changes in demand for agricultural goods, changes in the level of competition between different land use activities, and progress in agricultural technology. This may lead to a change in the location of agricultural systems and consequently to a change in their average environmental characteristics. This paper explores the change in environmental characteristics of cropland (horticulture and field crops) over the years 1950, 1990 and 2000, for Western and Eastern Europe, using basic descriptive statistics. Underlying mechanisms are explored with logistic (interaction) regression analysis. We find that in both Eastern and Western Europe, crop cultivation shifted away from cities. In Western Europe cropland became situated on shallower soils, steeper slopes, and drier and less accessible areas. Probable reasons are that technical progress reduced the importance of traditional constraints such as drought, poor soils, and distance from markets, so that crop farmers were allowed to move to warm and sunny areas where potential productivity is highest. In addition, cropland probably lost some of its competitive power to grassland and nature. In Eastern Europe cropland concentrated on deeper soils and flatter terrain from 1990 onward. Here, the abandonment of the central planning system and a more flexible land market must have allowed a shift of cropland towards more suitable locations.

High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Background: Several studies show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asia. Data regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in southeast Iran are inadequate. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Zahedan, a sunny area in southeast Iran. Subjects and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed on 993 apparently healthy subjects. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vit D), parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. Results: Inadequate vitamin D status was diagnosed in 94.7% of the subjects (25-OH vit D <30 ng/ml). The frequencies of deficiency (<20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20–30 ng/ml), sufficiency (30–150 ng/ml), and toxicity (>150 ng/ml) were 85.2, 9.5, 5.3, and 0.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that vitamin D deficiency is common in the population of Zahedan. Based on our results, fortification of milk and the use of supplements is suggested in this region.

Palaeoecology of Neanderthals during Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles in northeastern Iberia (Abric Romaní): From regional to global scale

The sequence from Abric Romaní has provided several palaeoecological studies. This paper presents a synthesis of the results yielded by palynology, including the data from the entire non-excavated deposits, and the data obtained through the study of large mammals, micromammals, herpetofauna, and anthracology from the excavated layers. The palaeobotanical studies show that the sequence is mainly related to pine forests, and near or within these dominant forests there were smaller plant formations and/or secondary species with a Mediterranean and/or Atlantic character. Nevertheless, continuous forest did not dominate the entire region. The fauna occupying the territory indicate open spaces in which seasonal grasslands proliferated, dry assemblages in sunny areas and humid ones in mountain shadows. The non-excavated archaeological layers correspond to MIS 4, initially characterized by temperate and humid conditions, and thereafter cool and humid until HS 6 and MIS 3. Afterwards, at the beginning of the MIS 3, the Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles, ∼1500 yr rapid and abrupt climatic changes, occurred during the deposition of the archaeological levels O, N, M, L, K and J. Later, these events were interrupted by a cold and dry phase, between ca 49 and 47 ka BP, which affected levels Ja, I and H, culminating with HS 5. Finally, this cold episode was followed by the Hengelo interstadial or DO 12, characterized by a temperate and humid climate identified in levels E and D.

Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) activity in sun exposed and shaded carrion in Portugal

The first forensic entomological study performed in Portugal is presented. Two piglet (Sus scrofa L.) carcasses were used to determine adult Calliphoridae activity on carrion over a period of 121 days, all along the end of spring and the summer, both in a shaded and a sunny site. Five decomposition stages were observed and a total of 10723 adult Calliphoridae, belonging to 11 species, were collected. Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia caesar were the dominant species in this study. Decomposition was faster on the carcass exposed to the sun and the number of Calliphoridae specimens was higher there than in the shaded site. It was found a significant effect of the decomposition stage in the number of specimens attracted to the carcass, as well as a significant effect of the interaction between the decomposition stage and insolation regime. Calliphora and Lucilia species did not show preference for sunny or shaded areas. Important differences in the Calliphoridae community structure were found compared to other regions of the Iberian Peninsula, reinforcing the need of further studies in different environments and regions of this geographical area in order to collect information about the local necrophagous fauna used in forensic practice.

Aspectos estruturais de folhas de indivíduos de &lt;I&gt;Guapira opposita&lt;/I&gt; (Vell) Reitz (Nyctaginaceae) ocorrentes em Restinga e na Floresta Ombrófila Densa&lt;p&gt;doi: 10.5007/2178-4574.2010v39p59

Guapira opposita is a tree species that occurs in the shaded and humid environment of the Floresta Ombrofila Densa and in sunny and dry sandbank areas. This work had as objective to compare the anatomical characteristics of the leaves from forest and sandbank, looking for differences that can favor the survival of the species in such different environments. The results showed that the variation of some characteristics between forest and sandbank leaves help to explain the adaptation of the species to these environments, as leaf area, stomatal density, chlorophyll contents and thickness of epidermal cells, cuticle membrane and leaf blade. The form of leaves, the guard cell dimensions and stomatal pore size, on the other hand, did not show clear behaviour related to the variation in the light intensity.

Commentary

Vitamin D Links Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis The risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) is well known to be co-defined by genetic and environmental factors. Possession of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele HLA-DRB1*1501 represents by far the strongest genetic risk factor, while much smaller contributions are made by a range of other genes. Still, even this HLA-DRB1*1501 gene explains only a small part of the MS risk. Environmental factors are also relevant to the MS risk, and these factors notably include vitamin D levels, which are influenced both by diet and sunlight exposure. Low levels of vitamin D increase the MS risk. It now emerges that vitamin D levels and MHC are more intimately linked that previously appreciated. Not only does this start to explain much more of the MS risk, it also brings new life to the idea of using vitamin D as a therapeutic compound in MS. Epidemiological evidence for an effect of sunlight and vitamin D levels on the MS risk has been accumulating for many years. The geographical distribution of MS, being more prevalent in less sunny areas, is consistent with a protective effect of sunlight-induced vitamin D. Migrant studies tell the same tale. The more recently established effect of birth month points in the same direction. In the northern hemisphere people born in spring have a somewhat higher risk to develop MS than people born in autumn. Seasonal fluctuations in maternal levels of vitamin D during pregnancy could well account for this bias. Direct assessment of serum levels of vitamin D in relapsing-remitting MS patients confirms that they are generally lower than in healthy control subjects, with the most prominent difference occurring at the time of a clinical relapse. These apparently protective effects of vitamin D may in part relate to its anti-inflammatory effects. In animal models of neuroinflammation, vitamin D mitigates clinical disease. In cell culture models, it stimulates production of the anti-inflammatory mediator interleukin-10, and the development of regulatory T cells which control autoimmune responses. This even appears to be a self-amplifying effect, since vitamin D promotes expression of the vitamin D receptor itself. Now, as it turns out, vitamin D also influences the expression of HLA-DRB1*15, the major genetic risk factor in MS. While it remains to be established what exactly the mechanisms might be by which altered expression of the HLA-DRB1*1501 haplotype exerts an effect on the development of MS, the mere fact that its expression is linked to vitamin D levels uncovers a critical link between environmental factors and genetic risk factors. Such a link may well explain the somewhat confusing data that have accumulated on the MS risks in twins. While the concordance rate of MS among identical twins in Canada is close to 30%, it is only around 14% in Italy. Not only has it remained puzzling why these twin data would be so different in different geographical areas, it has also remained obscure why concordance rates between identical twins are so much higher than between non-identical twins, or other family members for that matter. The idea that co-operative effects by multiple genes would account for this has not found support from genome-wide association studies, which have revealed only very weak genetic effects by any other gene than HLA-DRB1*1501. A co-operative effect between this gene and maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and the first years of life, on the other hand, now becomes a more attractive explanation. After all, identical twins share this factor, while non-identical twins do not. The effects of vitamin D, and its link with the genetic MS risk, clearly raise the question whether or not vitamin D could be used as a therapeutic compound to control MS, or even more intriguing, to prevent it. Studies of vitamin D levels in young children have suggested that in the years before MS starts to become apparent, vitamin D levels are markedly lower in those children that go on to develop MS. Along with the month-of-birth effect, this makes a strong case to stimulate anyone to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, especially early in life. This may not just help reduce the incidence of MS, but of other disorders as well. The question whether vitamin D can be used to slow down MS once it has already started, is another. Some evidence suggests that it might, and the option to do so is too attractive to ignore. Yet, high levels of vitamin D pose well-known risks to calcium metabolism. Caution is therefore required in exploring the use of high doses of vitamin D as a disease-modifying strategy in MS. More is not always better. At this point in time, however, all the evidence argues in favor of at least trying.

Production of volatile phenols by Pichia manshurica and Pichia membranifaciens isolated from spoiled wines and cellar environment in Patagonia

In order to detect spoilage yeast species in wines showing off-odors, different yeast isolation protocols were evaluated. Independently of the isolation method, only Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia manshurica were detected. The spoilage capacity of P. manshurica regional isolates was evaluated in red wine and the production of volatile phenols was evidenced. To evaluate the possible source of contamination, yeasts from both grapes and cellar surfaces were obtained. Hanseniaspora uvarum and Zygoascus hellenicus were detected in both sound and damaged grapes from sunny areas. The most frequent species in cellar surfaces was Candida boidinii, Pichia membranifaciens and P. manshurica were detected in filters. The intra-specific genetic characterization of the P. manshurica isolates by mtDNA-RFLP demonstrated that the same strain was detected in both wine and filter. Most P. membranifaciens isolates produced 4-EP (maximum level of 1.895 mg/L) and particularly high levels of 4-EG (maximum level of 10.260 mg/L) were produced by P. manshurica isolates in synthetic wine-like medium. In this work the capacity of P. manshurica and P. membranifaciens species to produce volatile phenols was shown for the first time.

Performance characteristics of a perforated shadow band under clear sky conditions

A perforated, non-rotating shadow band is described for separating global solar irradiance into its diffuse and direct normal components using a single pyranometer. Whereas shadow bands are normally solid so as to occult the sensor of a pyranometer throughout the day, the proposed band has apertures cut from its circumference to intermittently expose the instrument sensor at preset intervals. Under clear sky conditions the device produces a saw tooth waveform of irradiance data from which it is possible to reconstruct separate global and diffuse curves. The direct normal irradiance may then be calculated giving a complete breakdown of the irradiance curves without need of a second instrument or rotating shadow band. This paper describes the principle of operation of the band and gives a mathematical model of its shading mask based on the results of an optical ray tracing study. An algorithm for processing the data from the perforated band system is described and evaluated. In an extended trial conducted at NREL’s Solar Radiation Research Laboratory, the band coupled with a thermally corrected Eppley PSP produced independent curves for diffuse, global and direct normal irradiance with low mean bias errors of 5.6 W/m 2, 0.3 W/m 2 and −2.6 W/m 2 respectively, relative to collocated reference instruments. Random uncertainties were 9.7 W/m 2 (diffuse), 17.3 W/m 2 (global) and 19.0 W/m 2 (direct). When the data processing algorithm was modified to include the ray trace model of sensor exposure, uncertainties increased only marginally, confirming the effectiveness of the model. Deployment of the perforated band system can potentially increase the accuracy of data from ground stations in predominantly sunny areas where instrumentation is limited to a single pyranometer.

Microalgal biomass production: challenges and realities

The maximum quantum yield (Φ (max)), calculated from the maximum chlorophyll a specific photosynthetic rate divided by the quantum absorption per unit chlorophyll a, is 8 photons or 0.125 mol C per mol Quanta light energy. For the average solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface this relates to a photosynthetic yield of 1.79 g(dw) m(-2) day(-1) per percentage photosynthetic efficiency and it could be doubled for sunny, dry and hot areas. Many factors determine volumetric yields of mass algal cultures and it is not simply a question of extrapolating controlled laboratory rates to large scale outdoor production systems. This is an obvious mistake many algal biotechnology start-up companies make. Closed photobioreactors should be able to outperform open raceway pond cultures because of the synergistic enhancement of a reduced boundary layer and short light/dark fluctuations at high turbulences. However, this has not been shown on any large scale and to date the industrial norm for very large production systems is open raceway production ponds. Microalgal biomass production offers real opportunities for addressing issues such as CO(2) sequestration, biofuel production and wastewater treatment, and it should be the preferred research emphasis.

The population ecology of Muscina stabulans (Fallén) (Diptera: Muscidae), along an Urban-Rural Gradient of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The false stable fly, Muscina stabulans (Fallén), was surveyed along an urban-rural gradient at Almirante Brown, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Samples were taken at monthly intervals from May 2005 to April 2007. Hourly captures of adult flies (10:00 am-04:00 pm) were taken at each sampling date with a hand net. The baits used were 250 g of rotten cow liver and 250 g of fresh dog faeces exposed in shaded and sunny areas. The entire sample accumulated 358 specimens. The number of specimens captured during the second year was higher than in the fi rst year. Muscina stabulans was more abundant at urban-suburban sites. Females showed significant preferences for cow liver. We caught more specimens in shaded areas. The hourly activity increased toward the afternoon at the three sites. The present work was the first ecological study related to a muscid species in Argentina.

Habitat relationships and presence of the threatened heath frog Litoria littlejohni (Anura: Hylidae) in central New South Wales, Australia

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 11:271-278 (2010) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00277 Habitat relationships and presence of the threatened heath frog Litoria littlejohni (Anura: Hylidae) in central New South Wales, Australia Francis Lemckert1,2,* 1School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia 2Present address: Forest Science Centre, Science and Research Directorate, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 100, Beecroft, New South Wales 2119, Australia *Email: frankl@industry.nsw.gov.au ABSTRACT: The heath frog Litoria littlejohni has been recorded from only scattered locations in south-eastern Australia, and habitat specificity may determine this rarity. I tested for relationships between the presence/absence of this species and habitat at 2 scales. A logistic regression was used to compare 10 presence and 36 absence sites to habitat variables at ponds located in central New South Wales. Habitat information derived from Geographic Information System (GIS) datalayers was compared to 51 known presence and 13000 absence (null) sites located within 220 km of Sydney. A predictive regression tree was also created using the 51 presence and 1000 of the absence sites. In the Watagan Mountains, heath frog presence showed a significant negative relationship with the percentage of grass cover in the surrounding forest. Heath frog presence sites in the Sydney region were positively associated with moist environments (Prescott Index) and negatively associated with terrain roughness. The regression tree indicated a 94% probability of presence where the Prescott Index was >1.2 and the solar radiation index was >13.4. These results indicate that heath frogs are present in moist, sunny areas that are relatively flat. However, these variables are too broad to accurately predict heath frog presence at a specific water body. Based on this information, the heath frog is absent from many apparently suitable sites. Thus, its patchy distribution, if habitat related, results from a yet to be measured variable. KEY WORDS: Habitat relationships · Litoria littlejohni · GIS · Presence Full text in pdf format PreviousCite this article as: Lemckert F (2010) Habitat relationships and presence of the threatened heath frog Litoria littlejohni (Anura: Hylidae) in central New South Wales, Australia. Endang Species Res 11:271-278. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00277 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 11, No. 3. Online publication date: June 01, 2010 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2010 Inter-Research.