Overlap Zone Research Articles

Contrasting patterns of genetic structure and phylogeography in the marine agarophytes Gelidiophycus divaricatus and G. freshwateri (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) from East Asia.

The evolutionary and population demographic history of marine red algae in East Asia is poorly understood. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeographies of two upper intertidal species endemic to East Asia, Gelidiophycus divaricatus and G. freshwateri. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic inferences of 393 mitochondrial cox1, 128 plastid rbcL, and 342 nuclear ITS2 sequences were complemented with ecological niche models. Gelidiophycus divaricatus, a southern species adapted to warm water, is characterized by a high genetic diversity and a strong geographical population structure, characteristic of stable population sizes and sudden reduction to recent expansion. In contrast, G. freshwateri, a northern species adapted to cold temperate conditions, is genetically relatively homogeneous with a shallow population structure resulting from steady population growth and recent equilibrium. The overlap zone of the two species roughly matches summer and winter isotherms, indicating that surface seawater temperature is a key feature influencing species range. Unidirectional genetic introgression was detected at two sites on Jeju Island where G. divaricatus was rare while G. freshwateri was common, suggesting the occurrence of asymmetric natural hybrids, a rarely reported event for rhodophytes. Our results illustrate that Quaternary climate oscillations have left strong imprints on the current day genetic structure and highlight the importance of seawater temperature and sea level change in driving speciation in upper intertidal seaweed species.

30 kW-level laser welding characteristics of 5A06 aluminum alloy thick plate under subatmospheric pressure

In order to explore ultra-high fiber laser welding characteristics of 5A06 aluminum alloy, bead-on-plate welding was performed under atmospheric and subatmospheric pressure with the maximum laser power of 30 kW. The results showed that it was very difficult to carry out a defect-free weld joint with a satisfactory penetration depth under atmospheric pressure. Then, the effects of ambient pressure and defocus distance on weld appearance and penetration depth were investigated. The optimum process window of ultra-high laser power was found. Moreover, the existence of a critical ambient pressure of 104 Pa was found. When the ambient pressure was below 104 Pa, the weld penetration changed less. Mass of porosities were detected while the ambient pressure was above 102 Pa. When the ambient pressure was below 102 Pa, the porosity in the joints were invisible. Finally, 130 mm thick 5A06 aluminum alloy butt joint without defects was obtained from both sides of the plate in only two passes. The relationship between mechanical properties, microstructure and element Mg distribution was revealed. Tensile strength in the overlap zone was the highest and the fracture occurred at the base metal, while other zones were at the weld bead. Microstructure observations and EDS tests showed that the content of element Mg made a greater contribution to the tensile strength of the joint than grain size.

Effect of Multi Pass Friction Stir Processing on Surface Modification and Properties of Aluminum Alloy 6061

In the present investigation, friction stir processing (FSP) is carried out with multi pass processing having 100 % overlap zone on the workpiece material of aluminum alloy 6061 with constant FSP parameters and varying multi pass processing conditions. Novel processing concept of multi pass FSP was performed with different rotation directions (such as clock wise and anti-clock wise directions) and processing directions (such as forward, reverse and revert directions). Surface inspection, macrographs and microstructures of the processed regions are evaluated and compared with each other. Multi-pass FSP with 100 % overlapping of two passes caused intense dynamic recrystallization and resulted in reduced grain size. Hardness of processed zone was found increased in case of two pass FSP. Minimum tensile strength was reported with double sided FSP compare to single pass and two pass FSPs. No major variations in tensile strength were reported in case of single pass and two pass FSPs.

On the Methodology of Studying Palimpsests in Rock Art: The Case of the Shalabolino Rock Art Site, Krasnoyarsk Territory

This paper addresses the main problems in assessing the stratigraphy of superimpositions in rock art. When a petroglyph is overlain by one or several others, this may provide important information not only about single images but also about entire stylistic traditions. Existing methods used for evaluating the relative chronology of the parts of petroglyphic palimpsests are discussed, and a new approach is proposed, combining high-resolution three-dimensional visualization at the macro-level with traceological analysis. We focus on the characteristics of the pecked surface in the area outside the palimpsest and that in the overlap zone. The comparison of these parts makes it possible to reveal the traceologically informative features in the palimpsest areas, indicating the sequence of superimposed petroglyphs. This approach is instantiated by the analysis of one of the palimpsests in the Shalabolino rock gallery, the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Images representing various stylistic traditions are found in complicated stratigraphic relations. The sequence of three main fi gures (bear, bull, and elk) in this multilayered composition has been reconstructed. The results of the analysis cannot be used as an argument for attributing these petroglyphs to vastly different chronological periods. Rather, they provide new information relevant to the debate around the age of the Angara and Minusinsk petroglyphic styles in the Minusinsk Basin.

The importance of insect sperm: Sperm ultrastructure of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly)

Sperm structure and ultrastructure of Hermetia illucens was determined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The main sperm components were similar as for other Dipteran subspecies, while the ultrastructure revealed distinguishing features in the zone of overlap and anterior flagellar region. Sperm varied in size indicating sperm polymorphism. The head region is lacking an acrosome. The zone of overlap consisted of uniquely organized centriolar adjunct material, partly forming electron dense areas to finally form an outer ring separating the mitochondrial derivatives from the 9 + 9 + 2 axoneme. Accessory bodies arising from the zone of overlap are flanked by smaller to large mitochondrial derivatives into the anterior flagellum. This study confirms sperm structure diversity between brachyceran subspecies and support its relationship with nematoceran subspecies.

Optimal scanning strategy for on-machine inspection with laser-plane sensor

The purpose of this paper is to propose a scan path planning method for on-machine measurement (OMM) in a 5-axis machine-tool. Sensor accessibility can be enhanced using the 5 degrees of freedom and the spindle rotation. The laser-plane sensor replacing the cutting tool in the spindle enables to reduce the measurement time and thus allows for rapid decision-making concerning the geometrical conformity of manufactured parts and potential machining corrections. The scan path planning is based on the control of the overlap between two consecutive passes by managing the orientations and the coverage rate of laser beam. Therefore, both scanning quality and scanning time can be controlled by optimizing the overlap zones. In this paper, we adapt the method previously developed for 6-axis robots to a 5-axis machine-tool.

Сryodestruсtion of m8lign8nt liver lesions: MRI monitoring of trestment, preliminsry results

Aim : to аББевв dranges in liver pаrenсhymа in the еаг1у, tate аnd remote postoperative periods аfter сryodestruсtion (CD) of foсаl lesions by MRI with diffusion-weighted images (DWI). Mаteriаls аnd methods . Postoperative MRI monitoring wаs саrried out in 15 pаtients with mаlignаnt liver lesions. All pаtients were divided into two groups: with сomplete аnd inсumplete CD. All pаtients underwent MRI with dWi before surgery аnd in the postoperative period on the 1st dаy, 3 months, 6 аnd 12 months. Results. In group 1 - 100% “overlаp” of the pаthologiсаl foсus агеа of postoperative edemra ассording to T1WI аnd T2WI. Before surgery ~ ADC in the foсus wаs 0.86 mm 2 /s, in the 1st dаy - 1.00 mm 2 /s, 3 months - 1.03 mm 2 /s, 6 months - 1.30 mm 2 /s, 12 months - 1.30 mm 2 /s. Before surgery, the average size of the focus - 46 mm, in the 1st day - 57 mm, 3 months - 46 mm, 6 months - 45 mm, after 12 months - 39 mm. By the 12th month in group 1 ~ ADC in the focus increased by 51.20%, and the average size of the focus decreased by 16.00%. In group 2 - incomplete overlapping of the focus area of postoperative edema. Before surgery ~ ADC in the focus was 0.80 mm 2 /s, in the 1st day - 0.79 mm 2 / s, in 3 months -0.75 mm 2 /s, in 6 months - 0.66 mm 2 /s, in 12 months -0.55 mm 2 /s. Before surgery, the average size of the focus -44 mm, in the 1st day - 47 mm, in 3 months - 55 mm, in 6 months - 78 mm, after 12 months - 112 mm. 12 months after CD group 2 ~ ADC in the focus decreased by 31.30%, and the average size of the focus increased by 155.20% due to the continued growth of the tumor. Conclusion. MRI with DWI allows to assess changes in the liver and CD zone in the early, late and remote postoperative periods, to assess the completeness of the overlap zone of the CD focus and the dynamics of the continued growth of the tumor after incomplete CD.

A rearranged homoploid hybrid species of Origanum (Lamiaceae): O. ×munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger

ABSTRACTOriganum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger (Sect. Brevifilamentum Ietsw.) was described by Kit Tan & Sorger in 1984, and it is an accepted species related to O. acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietsw. belonging to sect. Brevifilamentum. It is morphologically intermediate between O. acutidens and O. vulgare L. subsp. gracile (K.Koch) Ietsw., and its type locality lies in the overlap zone between the geographic distributions of these two taxa. We hypothesized that O. munzurense is in fact a hybrid between the two aforementioned taxa and we tested this hypothesis with the general morphology, chromosome features, and nuclear (ITS1–ITS2) and chloroplast (rpl32) DNA sequences of specimens of O. munzurense and its putative parental species, O. vulgare subsp. gracile and O. acutidens. The somatic chromosome number of O. munzurense, O. vulgare subsp. gracile and O. acutidens were counted as 2n = 30. Origanum munzurense presented polymorphic sites in the nuclear ITS region, but the chloroplast markers did not allow us to identify the putative maternal of O. munzurense. Our results suggest that O. munzurense is indeed a hybrid, and its rearrangement as a new homoploid hybrid (O. ×munzurense) would be more accurate. These present results support previous reports for the speciation of Origanum members via hybridization.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair by Combining Different Endografts: the Zenith Body and Endurant Limbs.

PurposeThere are several commercially approved stent grafts in Korea for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Each device has its advantages and disadvantages based on the patient’s anatomy and the clinical situation. The Zenith device allows accurate and precise endograft placement, whereas the Endurant device has improved flexibility and trackability. We reviewed 5 cases in which a combination of the Zenith main body and the Endurant iliac limb was used.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2010 to February 2015, 90 patients with AAA underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Zenith body at Daegu Catholic University Hospital. Among them, 5 patients who underwent EVAR with the Zenith body and Endurant iliac limb were included in this study.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 74.20±3.35 years. All patients were men. The main reason for use of the Endurant iliac limb was aortoiliac angulation. Type III endoleak, stent migration, and stent kinking were not noted. Comparing 85 patients who received a Zenith endograft with 5 patients who received the hybrid endograft, there were no statistical differences in clinical characteristics, intraoperative details and post procedural complications. The mean admission duration was 19.00±13.60 days, and the mean follow-up duration was 1,018.11±925.34 days. In the hybrid endograft group, there was no mortality during the follow-up duration.ConclusionAlthough the material, radial force, diameter, and length of the overlap zone differ between the two devices, EVAR with the hybrid endograft is safe and effective.

Towards a Solution of the A-B-Z Question using Z-Disks Isolated from the Flight Muscle of Lethocerus Indicus

The recent publication of a 3-D image of isolated Z-disks from Apis mellifera, flight muscle[Rusu et al., J. Muscle Res Cell Motil (2017)], the first of its kind utilizing isolated Z-disks, confirmed many details of the previously 3-D image obtained from plastic sections[Cheng and Deatherage, J. Cell Biol. (1989)]. However, they used relatively harsh treatment of high KCl/KI to isolate Z-disks. Here we combine 1.4M NaCl and 10mM pyrophosphate applied to Lethocerus indicus flight muscle to remove the thick filaments and 4.5min exposure to calcium insensitive gelsolin to remove the thin filaments from the remaining of the I-Z-I-brushes. We are improving the resolution by adding more tilt-series to our previous analysis. By comparing the Fourier transforms and subvolume averages, we conclude that Z-disks from honey-bee and Lethocerus indicus are similar but not identical. The large solvent channel that characterizes the honey-bee Z-disk is less prominent in Lethocerus, which is reflected in a much weaker to nearly absent 1,0 spot intensity in transforms of Lethocerus Z-disks, whereas the corresponding spots in the honey-bee transform are strong. There is ample evidence that the actin filaments in the overlap zone of both bee and waterbug flight muscle present a helical array of target zones around each thick filament. However, Squire[J. Molec. Biol. 72, (1972)] has pointed out that the P312 symmetry assumed for the honey-bee Z-disk reconstruction from plastic sections when extrapolated into the A-band, implies rings rather than helices of target zones surrounding the thick filament. This discrepancy might be resolved if there are three-fold screw axes instead of three-fold rotation axes at the lattice and trigonal positions of the flight muscle Z-band; corresponding more to space group symmetry P3121.

Gerstmann's Syndrome

The propose of this paper, is to tested the performing in-depth functional and structural neuroimaging in a series of Gerstmann's syndrome. Additional, to avoid spurious overlap from blurring and inter-subject brain variability we conducted our experiment at high spatial resolution and sensitivity and analyzed our findings as a series of single cases. In a mainphase, we documented brain activation in answer to experimental and management conditions that were interpreted to identify cortical candidate areas where harm would putatively outcome in one of the four indications of Gerstmann's tetrad, and after that, we verified for overlap of all four corticalshapes. In a subsequent phase, established on diffusion tensor imaging data, we operated the functional outcomes to describe seeding facts for following the white-matter associates of the activated corticalareas, and after that we were again inspected whether there was an zone of overlap among all four categorizes of whitematterpamphlets. Sex Gerstmann's syndrome volunteers (2 female, 4 male, mean age 21 years) gave penned notified agreement to contribute in the case, which was accepted by the native ethicsagency. This taster size is acceptable for the reason as well as the resources active in this case, which complicated in-depth examines in a series of particular subjects relatively to relying on collection averaging. FMRI which shortcut for (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) where twelve pictures were developed on a Dell inspiration 3T all-body scanner with an echo pictures sequence (angle 80o, TE 35 ms). To assess the statistical importance of these maps, we have addressed the issue of multiple comparisons in the following way, voluntary compromise. Since Gerstmann's syndrome is associated with the damage of the dominant parietal lobe, we have corrected the levels of importance of activation only in size within the left parietal mask. By applying the threshold corrected, we could not identify any signal of domain linked to any subjects. There was no statistical association between Gerstmann's symptoms and above that, with other signs of damage to the parietal lobe. In particular, he referred to (i) Incomplete cases and thus disintegration within the syndrome and (ii) Exclusion from a oligarchic fellowship Symptoms are often associated with loss of speech and apraxia.

Estimating snow leopard density using fecal DNA in a large landscape in north-central Nepal

Although abundance estimates have a strong bearing on the conservation status of a species, less than 2% of the global snow leopard distribution range has been sampled systematically, mostly in small survey areas. In order to estimate snow leopard density across a large landscape, we collected 347 putative snow leopard scats from 246 transects (490 km) in twenty-six 5 × 5km sized sampling grid cells within 4393 km2 in Annapurna-Manaslu, Nepal. From 182 confirmed snow leopard scats, 81 were identified as belonging to 34 individuals; the remaining were discarded for their low (<0.625) quality index. Using maximum likelihood based spatial capture recapture analysis, we developed candidate model sets to test effects of various covariates on density and detection of scats on transects. The best models described the variation in density as a quadratic function of elevation and detection as a linear function of topography. The average density estimate of snow leopards for the area of interest within Nepal was 0.95 (SE 0.19) animals per 100 km2 (0.66–1.41 95% CL) with predicted densities varying between 0.1 and 1.9 in different parts, thus highlighting the heterogeneity in densities as a function of habitat types. Our density estimate was low compared to previous estimates from smaller study areas. Probably, estimates from some of these areas were inflated due to locally high abundances in overlap zones (hotspots) of neighboring individuals, whose territories probably range far beyond study area borders. Our results highlight the need for a large-scale approach in snow leopard monitoring, and we recommend that methodological problems related to spatial scale are taken into account in future snow leopard research.

Combined processes of environmentally friendly technology for magnetic-pulse welding

Various techniques for producing fixed joints in solid using electromagnetic fields are considered; basic diagrams, physics, features, and technical capabilities of each method are described. It is shown that thin-walled tubular irregular structures can be obtained under the magnetic-pulse moulding welding that joins the combined actions of induced currents passing through the overlap zone and magnetic pressure for apposing the weldable edges and for shaping in accordance with the matrix configuration. Obtaining joints from dissimilar materials and structures of different thicknesses is implemented due to shock pulse capacitor welding with magnetic pulse drive. The series connection of the weldable parts enables to synchronize the current flow and force impact on the weld junction. Depending on the combination of the weldable products, three techniques of shock pulse capacitor welding with magnetic pulse drive are proposed. To intensify the quality improvement of the female connectors obtained, it is proposed to use the magnetic-pulse welding in vacuum instead of the diffusion welding. Preheating of the complete unit in vacuum allows for the pre-activation of the connectable surfaces. A unique feature of the implemented diagram is a remote action on the telescopic joints of dissimilar alloys heated in vacuum to the pre-melting temperatures through a quartz glass.

Wire-arc additive manufacturing H13 part: 3D pore distribution, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performances

The crack-free H13 block was deposited through additive manufacturing with the cold metal transfer technology. The internal 3D pore distribution, the microstructural evolution, and the mechanical performances were explored. A negligible porosity with dispersive-distribution and spherical-shape below 0.001% guaranteed a sound metallurgical bonding within the as-deposited part. The martensite laths growth direction varied dramatically with a very short position variation, as well as the block-like size-inconsistent δ-ferrite presence in the overlap zone, which were mainly generated by the thermal flux direction from the center to margin within a single arc track. Massive second-phase particles with morphology-diversity and size-nonuniformity were precipitated, indicating a strong dependency with the intrinsic heating treatment. The enhanced microhardness in the body zone was attributed to the martensite strengthening mechanism, while slightly low hardness was produced due to the soft δ-ferrite formation. When compared with the other zones, the enhanced ultimate tensile strength was obtained in the body zone at the expense of tensile ductility, revealing a positive relationship with the rise of hard martensite percentage. This work demonstrated that a crack-free H13 block with limited porosity and desirable mechanical properties was deposited using the present technology, despite the nonhomogeneous microstructures.

Softening mechanism of P91 steel weldments using heat treatments

The tungsten inert gas welded P91 steel welded joints were subjected to the two different type of heat treatments including the postweld direct tempering (PWDT) and re-austenitizing based tempering (PWNT) treatment. The microstructure of weld fusion and heat affected zone (HAZ) were characterized in different heat treatment conditions using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. For as-welded joint, a great heterogeneity was observed in microstructure and mechanical properties across the weldments. The Charpy toughness of the as-welded joint was measured much lower than the minimum recommended value of 47J and it was measured 8±5J. The PWHTs have found a beneficial effect in decreasing the microstructure heterogeneity across the welded joint and improving the mechanical properties. The PWDT resulted in a drastic improvement in the Charpy impact toughness of the welded joint and it was measured 59±5J which was higher than the minimum required value of 47J but still inferior than the base metal. The δ ferrite still remained in overlap zone of the weld fusion zone. The PWNT treatment resulted in homogeneous microstructure and hardness variation across the welded joint in transverse direction and Charpy impact toughness (149±6J) exceeded than that achieved in base metal.

Influence of Island Scanning Strategy on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Direct Laser-Deposited Ti–6Al–4V Structures

To investigate the influence of island scanning on the microstructures and mechanical properties of direct laser-deposited Ti–6Al–4V structures, two samples are prepared using island scanning and orthogonal successive scanning, respectively. The microstructures, relative density, and mechanical properties of the samples prepared using these two scanning strategies are compared. Each sample exhibits columnar β-grain morphology and basket-weave microstructure characterization. The grains of the sample prepared using island scanning are significantly finer than that prepared by orthogonal successive scanning due to faster cooling during deposition. However, the relative density of the sample prepared using island scanning was slightly smaller due to the concentration of lack-of-fusion pores at the overlap zone of the island. Tensile testing at room temperature indicates that the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the sample prepared using island scanning is enhanced due to finer grains, while the ductility of the sample is weakened due to defects.

Colocalization of Tectal Inputs With Amygdala-Projecting Neurons in the Macaque Pulvinar.

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have suggested the presence of a fast, subcortical route for the processing of emotionally-salient visual information in the primate brain. This putative pathway consists of the superior colliculus (SC), pulvinar and amygdala. While the presence of such a pathway has been confirmed in sub-primate species, it has yet to be documented in the primate brain using conventional anatomical methods. We injected retrograde tracers into the amygdala and anterograde tracers into the colliculus, and examined regions of colocalization of these signals within the pulvinar of the macaque. Anterograde tracers injected into the SC labeled axonal projections within the pulvinar, primarily within the oral, lateral and medial subdivisions. These axonal projections from the colliculus colocalized with cell bodies within the pulvinar that were labeled by retrograde tracer injected into the lateral amygdala. This zone of overlap was most notable in the medial portions of the medial (PM), oral (PO) and inferior pulvinar (PI), and was often densely concentrated in the vicinity of the brachium of the SC. These data provide an anatomical basis for the previously suggested pathway mediating fast processing of emotionally salient information.

Adaptive introgression and maintenance of a trispecies hybrid complex in range-edge populations of Populus.

In hybrid zones occurring in marginal environments, adaptive introgression from one species into the genomic background of another may constitute a mechanism facilitating adaptation at range limits. Although recent studies have improved our understanding of adaptive introgression in widely distributed tree species, little is known about the dynamics of this process in populations at the margins of species ranges. We investigated the extent of introgression between three species of the genus Populus sect. Tacamahaca (P.balsamifera, P.angustifolia and P.trichocarpa) at the margins of their distributions in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and Canada. Using genotyping by sequencing (GBS), we analysed ~83,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in 296 individuals from 29 allopatric and sympatric populations of the three species. We found a trispecies hybrid complex present throughout the zone of range overlap, including early as well as advanced generation backcross hybrids, indicating recurrent gene flow in this hybrid complex. Using genomic cline analysis, we found evidence of non-neutral patterns of introgression at 23% of loci in hybrids, of which 47% and 8% represented excess ancestry from P.angustifolia and P.balsamifera, respectively. Gene ontology analysis suggested these genomic regions were enriched for genes associated with photoperiodic regulation, metal ion transport, maintenance of redox homeostasis and cell wall metabolites involved in regulation of seasonal dormancy. Our study demonstrates the role of adaptive introgression in a multispecies hybrid complex in range-edge populations and has implications for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of adaptation in hybrid zones, especially at the margins of species distributions.

Effect of overlap distance on the microstructure and mechanical properties of in situ welded parts built by electron beam melting process

Electron Beam Melting (EBM), one of the powder bed-based additive manufacturing processes that is able to produce complex geometrical metal parts directly, has many application possibilities in various fields. However, an issue has been raised when we apply the EBM technology to fabricate medium volume components. Lack of energy when the scanning line is longer than 100 mm results in the lack-of-fusion pores, which degrades the mechanical properties of the printed part dramatically. Therefore, we propose an in situ welding process to overcome the issue. In order to further understand the microstructure and mechanical properties resulting from the in situ welded process with various overlap distances, we evaluate a series of overlap distances and successfully fabricate a big plate with dimensions of 200 × 200 × 4 mm3. It is suggested that the defects and microstructure vary according to the overlap distance. Optimized overlap distances are 0.25–0.75 mm for Ti-6Al-4V. Within this range, no microstructural variation is observed which results in constant microhardness and superior mechanical properties of the EBM-built component. An overlap distance ≥1.5 mm results in microstructure coarsening and mechanical property degradation in the overlap zone. Furthermore, the localized deformation mechanism is discussed based on the findings of the tensile properties and digital image correlation analysis.

The butterfly fauna of the Pilliga Forest, a large woodland remnant in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion in northern inland New South Wales, Australia

Sixty-three butterfly species representing five families have been recorded from the Pilliga Forest in northern inland New South Wales – the largest surviving remnant of native forest on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. This is one of the richest recorded butterfly faunas of any location on the New South Wales western slopes and adjacent plains, reflecting the location of the Pilliga Forest in a biogeographic overlap zone between northern and southern faunal assemblages with proximity to both the western plains and outliers of the mesic eastern highlands. No narrow-range endemic species or species of state or national conservation concern were recorded; however, half of the species recorded have patchy, discontinuous distributions within their broad range due to specific habitat requirements. Some minor western range extensions are recorded and two hilltopping sites are documented. This study highlights the significant biodiversity conservation value of the Pilliga Forest in the predominantly cleared western slopes bioregions.