Taï National Park
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the gut microbiomes of nine sympatric non-human primate species in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, are shaped by host species, social group dynamics, and parentage, rather than direct social relationships. Surprisingly, chimpanzees exhibited unique phylogenetic overdispersion patterns, contrasting with the expected clustering seen in other monkey species. This suggests distinct ecological or physiological factors influencing their microbiome composition. The research employed a comparative approach to analyze microbiome data across species, providing insights into the complex dispersal routes and evolutionary pressures shaping these microbial communities.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2018 —
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A survey of farmers in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo revealed that primates, including species of guenons and baboons, along with elephants, cause significant crop damage during the maturation and fructification stages of maize, cassava, and bananas. Farmers primarily rely on guarding their fields to mitigate this damage. The study, conducted between June and August 2010, interviewed 210 farmers from seven tribes using probabilistic surveys and structured interviews. It highlights the severe impact of wild mammals on agricultural productivity in the region, emphasizing the need for effective control strategies to protect both crops and wildlife.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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2018 —
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A comprehensive study predicts that giant panda habitats in Ya’an, China, will expand under climate change alone but shrink significantly (58.56%) when human disturbance is factored in, with suitable habitat shifting westward, northward, and eastward. Unlike previous research showing habitat loss due to climate change, this study found potential increases, emphasizing the critical role of human activity in shaping conservation outcomes. The research used MaxEnt modeling under two scenarios—climate change alone and coupled with human disturbance—to identify priority regions for expansion within the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries UNESCO World Heritage site. It also highlighted gaps in current conservation networks, suggesting two specific areas for future protection based on high-resolution remote-sensing data and field investigations.
Kinabalu Park
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2018 —
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Research on the ultramafic flora of Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia, reveals significant hyperaccumulator behavior in numerous plant species. The study identified 38 species accumulating aluminum (Al) at concentrations exceeding 1000 μg g⁻¹, along with notable accumulators of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). Specifically, 24 species exhibited extreme Ni accumulation (>1000 μg g⁻¹), with a striking phylogenetic pattern where 75% of these Ni hyperaccumulators belonged to the order Malpighiales. This discovery underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Kinabalu's flora, particularly in ultramafic soils. The study analyzed foliar elemental profiles of 594 plant species (1710 samples), comparing ultramafic and non-ultramafic soil types to elucidate element-specific uptake patterns, including exclusion of phytotoxic elements like Ni and Mn.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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2018 —
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A robust forecasting model, ARIMA (1,0,1) (1,1,2)6, has been identified as highly effective for predicting foreign guest nights in Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed ancient cities, including Polonnaruwa. This model, validated through rigorous statistical tests, demonstrates minimal error and accurately captures the seasonal patterns of tourism occupancy. The study highlights the significance of such forecasting in optimizing hotel operations, influencing pricing, staffing, maintenance, and security strategies. While the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model performs well, future research is recommended to explore the Circular Model for potentially improved forecasting accuracy by accounting for both seasonal and cyclical variations.
Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland
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2018 —
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A multidisciplinary investigation combining forensic art history and scientific analysis has resolved an 180-year-old dispute over the pigments used by 19th-century Swedish painter Anders Erik Ädel. The study, which analyzed judicial protocols alongside non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectroscopic methods, revealed that Ädel indeed used more costly pigments than agreed upon in his contract with client Erik Olofsson. This finding not only validates Ädel's claim from 1839 but also provides unprecedented insights into his painting techniques and materials, contributing to a deeper understanding of his artistic practice. The research underscores the value of integrating historical records with advanced scientific methods to reinterpret art history, particularly for UNESCO-listed sites like Hälsingland's decorated farmhouses.
Iguaçu National Park
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2018 —
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A phytosociological survey of Iguaçu National Park's arboreal vegetation reveals a rich biodiversity with 218 species across 54 families and 135 genera, highlighting the park's advanced ecological succession. Euterpe edulis Mart. emerged as the most frequent species, alongside Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., defining seasonal forests in central and southern regions. In contrast, the northern region, at 700 meters above sea level, showcased a transitional environment with Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze and Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., blending seasonal and ombrophillous forest characteristics. This study addresses a significant gap in scientific knowledge by characterizing the park's forest ecology after seven and a half decades, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.
Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery
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2018 —
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A novel interpretation of the 1502 fresco 'Saint Mary of Blachernae with Archangels' from Ferapontov Monastery, attributed to Dionisy, reveals it as a representation of the 'Synaxis of the Archangel Michael.' This study provides the first iconographic analysis linking the inscription on the icon to the liturgical text of the 'Lifting of the Panagia' rite, offering insights into its symbolic significance. The research suggests that this interpretation influenced Russian iconographic tradition, both during Dionisy's time and in earlier periods.
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia
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2018 —
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The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC) exemplifies how heritage can sustain broader societal wellbeing and benefits, moving beyond traditional conservation models. This study highlights the site's exceptional status as a living, productive agricultural landscape with robust legal protections, including land use management and denomination of origin instruments. The Management Plan is structured around values that contribute to Outstanding Universal Value, addressing sustainability challenges through a cultural landscape model. Risk-related changes in agricultural land use are mitigated by integrating conservation agriculture into national food security policies, such as CONPES. This approach demonstrates the potential for heritage sites to drive societal benefits while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
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2018 —
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Eighteenth-century European gardens, particularly those incorporating Chinese-Gothic architectural elements, served as political symbols reflecting royal power and governance ideals. The study reveals that the 'Chinese-Gothic style,' popularized by architect Sir William Chambers, was not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate representation of empire and sublimity, contrasting with the strict geometric designs of French Renaissance gardens. This style was contentious, as evidenced by contemporary critiques such as William Mason's satirical poem, which highlighted its discordant elements. The research explores how garden design in sites like Kew Gardens (London) and Dessau-Wörlitz (Germany) mirrored broader political ideologies, with the irregular 'landscape garden' style being championed as a reflection of constitutional governance over despotic rule.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2018 —
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Jeju Island, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010 and revalidated in 2014, showcases diverse volcanic geosites that include cinder cones, tuff cones, lava domes, and lava tube caves. Additionally, it features a Pleistocene fossil site and a Holocene carbonate beach composed of algal nodules. The study highlights the conservation efforts, monitoring practices, and sustainable development programs implemented within the geopark to protect these unique geological formations while promoting education and geotourism. These initiatives aim to balance preservation with visitor engagement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Jeju Island's natural heritage.
Rock Carvings in Tanum
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2018 —
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A collection of scholarly essays celebrates Dr. Gerhard Milstreu's 40-year contribution to rock art research and documentation, highlighting his pioneering work in promoting the significance of images in archaeology, fostering international collaboration, and engaging the public with prehistoric art. The volume brings together contributions from Europe, addressing themes such as rock art interpretation, technological advancements in recording, and public involvement. It reflects Milstreu's emphasis on giving the past a future by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Longmen Grottoes
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2018 —
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A grey incidence analysis of environmental monitoring data from the Longmen Grottoes reveals critical relationships between environmental factors and the deterioration processes affecting its cultural relics. The study identifies seepage water and fracture displacement as key contributors to weathering, organism growth, and other diseases threatening the site's preservation. By analyzing temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, light intensity, soil moisture, and rock surface temperatures—both regionally and within experimental caves—the research establishes a relational order of environmental impacts on structural degradation. The findings support targeted disease prevention measures based on the formation mechanisms of these deteriorative processes.
Stari Ras and Sopoćani
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2018 —
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Heritage practices in the Novi Pazar district of Serbia reveal complex intersections of Americanism, Europeanism, and Neo-Ottomanism, challenging traditional narratives centered on Christian identities and medieval Raška. The study demonstrates that UNESCO's World Heritage approach, while committed to preserving legacies like Imperial Rome and medieval Raška, overlooks the region's hyper-connectivity—driven by transnational interests from Europe, Turkey, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East—that reshapes physical landscapes, Islamic identities, and diplomatic spheres. By analyzing these processes, the research highlights the need for heritage frameworks to account for multidimensional influences that transcend historical silos.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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2018 —
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Heritage management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHSs) is significantly influenced by postmodernism and globalization, shaping both conservation approaches and responsibilities. This study examines the complexities of heritage management through philosophical perspectives, duty frameworks, tourism impacts, and cultural differences between Eastern and Western views. Using 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' as a case study, it highlights how these global phenomena interact with local conservation efforts, revealing nuanced challenges in preserving cultural heritage while balancing tourism and community engagement.
Vatican City
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2018 —
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Researchers identified three prominent sets of values that drive religious tourism to Vatican City: religious and pious, spiritual, and tourism-related responsibility. The most significant connection found was between exploring the traditions and history of religious sites, leading to a genuine religious experience, which ultimately enhanced faith and spirituality. This insight was derived using means-end chain theory, analyzing foreign tourists' perceptions of Catholic religious sites when their primary purpose was religious tourism.
Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes
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2018 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Bandafassi Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) reveals significant changes in settlement patterns and defensive architecture in the Upper Gambia River region, highlighting the local impacts of Atlantic-era slavery. These material manifestations contrast with narratives used in UNESCO World Heritage applications, which emphasize interethnic ecological complementarities, and local tour guides' narratives, which focus on intercommunity politics and militarism. BRAP's approach analyzes historiographical silences and acknowledgments to uncover the complexities of slavery's role in shaping this multiethnic landscape, offering a nuanced perspective that complements broader regional studies.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
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2018 —
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A new analysis of painted hunting scenes in Cueva de las Manos, Argentina, reveals that the earliest depictions (dated ca. 9400–6800 bp) are uniquely preserved within this site, while later tonal series exhibit broader spatial dispersion, suggesting seasonal mobility circuits between highlands and steppe regions. Researchers examined tonal groups, superimpositions, design patterns, composition, panel locations, and micro-stratigraphy to link Cueva de las Manos with Cerro Casa de Piedra, proposing a dynamic cultural landscape during the late Pleistocene.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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Anuradhapura's hydraulic system, comprising perennial and seasonal tanks, played a pivotal role in its development as a significant Indian Ocean urban center. The city's layout included three distinct zones: the Citadel, the monumental Sacred City, and the hinterland. The Nuvaraveva, Tissaveva, and Basavak Kulam tanks were central to this system, with extensive restorations conducted by the British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study sheds light on the hydraulic complexities that sustained Anuradhapura's urban core, while also addressing historical narratives, such as the Culavamsa's account of the 11th-century Chola conquest, which depicted it as a violent event leading to widespread destruction and plundering.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2018 —
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A shift from arson to lightning as the primary cause of fire in Tasmania since 1980 threatens unique ecosystems and Aboriginal cultural landscapes within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Lightning-caused fires endanger highly fire-sensitive species, organosols, and palaeoendemic plants, while simultaneously reducing burning in fire-dependent vegetation types. The study highlights the need for increased planned burning of fire-tolerant and fire-requiring vegetation, alongside improved ignition suppression, rapid response capabilities, and lightning fire detection to preserve World Heritage values.
East Rennell
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2018 —
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East Rennell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Solomon Islands, faces significant threats from resource development, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting. A study by Price (2018) explores how the Solomon Islands' Protected Areas Act of 2010 can be leveraged to mitigate these risks while respecting customary land tenure and local livelihoods. The research argues that integrating legal frameworks with traditional practices is crucial for effective conservation, particularly in managing landowner consent, crafting management plans, and selecting management committees. While the Act offers some protection, its implementation must balance heritage preservation with the improvement of local communities' lives to ensure long-term sustainability.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2018 —
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Combining Sentinel-2A optical imagery with ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 radar data significantly improves the accuracy of estimating forest aboveground biomass (AGB) compared to using either dataset alone. A case study in Iran’s Hyrcanian Forest demonstrated that Support Vector Regression (SVR) models, when trained on combined Sentinel-ALOS datasets, achieved the highest prediction accuracy (R² = 0.73, RMSE = 38.68), outperforming Gaussian Processes (GP), Random Forests (RF), and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MPL). While Sentinel-2A alone provided reasonable results, ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data yielded poor performance when used independently. This study highlights the potential of integrating multi-sensor remote sensing with machine learning to enhance biomass estimation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Hyrcanian Forests.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2018 —
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A collaborative project between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities (MoA) has successfully implemented a filtered-air supply and exhaust ventilation system in Tutankhamen’s tomb, significantly stabilizing its interior microclimate and reducing dust levels. This intervention addresses critical issues caused by mass tourism—such as increased humidity, elevated carbon dioxide, and natural ventilation—which previously exacerbated damage to wall paintings and artifacts while creating discomfort for visitors. By mitigating dust deposition on uneven surfaces, the system preserves the legibility of paintings and reduces the need for frequent cleaning, which further damaged them. The approach balances visitor comfort with long-term conservation, offering a scalable model for managing environmental challenges in high-traffic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2018 —
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A study on the Historic Centre of Kraków reveals that achieving optimal microclimate control for preserving historic collections can significantly impact energy consumption. The research, conducted using hygrothermal simulations and in situ measurements with WUFI®PLUS software, analyzed various scenarios for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art located in the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Findings indicate that balancing strict microclimate control—crucial for preventing damage to artifacts—with energy efficiency is complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, supported by the HERIVERDE project, highlights the need for guidelines based on ASHRAE and ICOM-IIC recommendations to minimize energy use while ensuring optimal conditions for conservation.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2018 —
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A study integrating the Sangiran Early Man Site Museum with project-based learning (PBL) in a science course on earth materials demonstrated that PBL effectively enhances research skills, teamwork, and group discussions among junior high school students. However, challenges were noted in independent learning, scientific approach adoption, and project report presentation. The research used mixed methods, including questionnaires and interviews, to assess student responses. Conducted with 28 seventh-grade students in Karanganyar, Central Java, the study also highlighted PBL's potential as a tool for teaching local wisdom, offering insights into educational strategies that balance engagement with skill development.
Old City of Sana'a
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2018 —
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Traditional urban layouts, exemplified by the Old City of Sana'a, demonstrate superior sustainability compared to modern designs. A study applying principles of form and density, walkability and connectivity, and building energy found that traditional cities excel in compactness, intersection rates, and solar access. Using GIS, ECOTECT, and Space Syntax modeling, researchers confirmed that older urban forms provide higher integration, fewer angular changes, and optimal solar exposure year-round. These findings underscore the potential of historical urban planning as a model for sustainable development.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2018 —
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Following the 1948 war, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan, with East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. This division left Jewish Jerusalem yearning for the Old City and Western Wall, while Palestinians in Jordanian Jerusalem felt their city was incomplete without the lost neighborhoods in West Jerusalem. The 1967 war dramatically altered the city's landscape under Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, leading to significant changes that reshaped the city's geopolitical and cultural dynamics.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2018 —
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Israeli settlements in Hebron's Old City have severely disrupted its historical and architectural integrity since 1967. The study reveals that systematic land confiscation, forced closures, and military restrictions have transformed the area into a 'ghost town,' with most streets deserted and shops shuttered. These actions, aimed at Judaizing Palestinian areas, have led to mass deportations and economic collapse, while shifting commercial activity to areas beyond checkpoints. The research underscores the urgent need for preservation efforts that address both architectural heritage and the political pressures hindering rehabilitation.
Srebarna Nature Reserve
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2018 —
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A study on the Srebarna Nature Reserve, a wetland of significant conservation value, reveals that aquatic bugs, particularly Corixidae (water boatmen), exhibit peak dispersal activity during the first hour after sunset. The research, conducted over 11 nights using UV light traps, collected 4589 individuals, including 13 species not previously recorded in the reserve. This finding sheds light on the dispersal behavior of these insects, with female dominance observed in the most abundant species. Environmental factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed were found to influence the dispersal activity of Sigara striata, a common species. The study provides critical data for future research on the phenology and fauna of aquatic bugs in this unique ecosystem.
Maya Site of Copan
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2018 —
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A new analysis of stable isotope data from the Maya site of Copán, Honduras (A.D. 426–822), reveals that jaguars and pumas were systematically managed through captivity and trade for ritual purposes. Two distinct dietary regimes—one enriched with C4 plant inputs indicative of artificial feeding, the other dominated by natural C3 signatures—were identified among felid remains from public and private rituals, including those in Altar Q and Motmot caches. This pattern, combined with species-specific oxygen isotope variations, suggests an extensive faunal trade network operating across the Copán Valley. The findings demonstrate that wild animals were intentionally brought into human settlements to be processed into secondary goods or used ritually, providing direct evidence for the Maya's sophisticated animal management practices during the Classic period.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2018 —
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Santo Domingo, the 'first city of the New World,' undergoes significant socio-spatial transformations driven by tourism development and gentrification. The study reveals that the city's rich colonial heritage—marked by landmarks like the first convent and university—attracts substantial international tourism, which in turn fuels investment and gentrification, particularly in its historic core. This process reshapes the urban landscape while preserving its cultural significance. The research links tourism growth to these changes, employing a qualitative approach to analyze spatial and social dynamics.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2018 —
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Between 2000 and 2017, Ambergris Caye, Belize—a key tourist destination within the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System—experienced a significant 10.85% decline in vegetation cover, alongside a 39% increase in urban and barren land, driven by rapid, unregulated development. Using Landsat satellite imagery and unsupervised classification methods, researchers quantified these changes, revealing an annual forest loss rate of 0.67%. This baseline study highlights the environmental impacts of tourism-driven growth on tropical ecosystems, offering critical data for conservation and sustainable planning efforts in the region.
Saloum Delta
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2018 —
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Between the late 1970s and mid-2010s, wooded areas along the West African coastline from Senegal's Saloum Delta to Guinea-Bissau's Rio Geba expanded by 2% in mangroves and 3.5% on dry land, driven primarily by mangrove growth—particularly pronounced in recent decades. This net increase masks significant regressions offset by even greater progressions, with dynamic sectors outpacing stable ones. The study employed LANDSAT TM imagery and undirected classification techniques, enhanced by Principal Component Analysis to refine radiometric contrasts and reclassify misallocated pixels, revealing complex land cover dynamics over 36 years.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A study on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wachau, Austria, reveals that while co-management involving civil society, market forces, and authorities can drive cultural sustainability, it also risks reinforcing existing power structures. The research finds that active citizenship contributes significantly to landscape sustainability, yet new governance platforms often mirror old power dynamics, limiting their potential for transformative change. Pluralistic perspectives and tensions, though beneficial, struggle to disrupt entrenched power constellations.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2018 —
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Female northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) in Mammoth Cave National Park, USA, predominantly select roost sites within 2000 meters of known hibernacula, favoring higher elevations in mesic upland deciduous forests near water sources and road corridors. This landscape-scale pattern, identified through mist-netting and radiotelemetry from 2015 to 2016, challenges traditional microhabitat-focused conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of broader spatial considerations for effective maternity habitat management. The study underscores the need for empirically-based, large-scale assessments to inform policies aimed at conserving this declining species.
City of Quito
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2018 —
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A landslide susceptibility map for Quito, Ecuador, reveals that 5% of the study area faces critical risk, with 19% high, 58% average, and 18% low sensitivity. The research leveraged fuzzy logic and multi-criteria evaluation techniques in GIS to model susceptibility based on historical and field-validated landslide data. Key factors such as topography, geology, precipitation, and vegetation were standardized using a sinusoidal function to assess their correlation with landslides. Validation confirmed the model's accuracy with a 78.4% adjustment rate and a standard error of 0.216, underscoring its reliability for infrastructure planning in high-risk zones like Simón Bolívar Avenue.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking discovery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra da Capivara National Park, Piauí, Brazil, reveals the presence of two deer species during the Late Pleistocene epoch. Fossil analysis from the Lagoa dos Porcos deposit identified a small deer (genus Mazama) and a larger, previously unrecorded species in the region, Morenelaphus sp. This marks the first documentation of Morenelaphus in Piauí State, significantly expanding its known paleogeographic distribution. The study also highlights ecological distinctions between cervid fauna in the park's karstic areas and the alluvial plain of Lagoa dos Porcos, offering new insights into Pleistocene biodiversity patterns in northeastern Brazil.
Historic City of Yazd
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2018 —
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Yazd's urban heritage conservation offers valuable lessons for preserving Iranian cities, highlighting the significance of open public spaces as catalysts for historic city recovery. The study identifies key challenges and achievements, including the high costs and uncertain outcomes of private interventions, community involvement, transportation systems, and the underutilized potential of religious endowments. By analyzing local authorities' roles, development plans, conservation methods in public and private spaces, and social engagement, the research provides insights into effective strategies for urban heritage preservation. It underscores the transition from generic objectives to specialized planning, emphasizing the importance of balancing central functions and soft mobility solutions.
Białowieża Forest
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2018 —
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Białowieża Forest's brown bear (Ursus arctos) reintroduction in 1937 marked the world's first large carnivore reintroduction driven by conservation goals, offering critical lessons for modern wildlife conservation. The study reveals that bears were once revered and protected as noble game until the 18th century, but persecution due to hunting and bounties led to their extirpation in 1879. The reintroduction project demonstrated success with soft release of cubs born in captivity, achieving wild reproduction for eight years and bear presence for 13. However, challenges included the release of human-habituated bears, reliance on feeding, and lack of local community involvement. This historical analysis underscores the importance of integrating scientific game management, humane treatment, and community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of large carnivores in ecosystems.
Sangay National Park
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2018 —
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Extensive cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo grasslands of Ecuador's Andes significantly influences the trophic status of tropical mountain lakes, with cattle abundance emerging as a key predictor of chlorophyll-a concentrations. A survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park revealed that higher cattle presence correlates with increased phytoplankton biomass and shifts in community composition, favoring diatoms and dinoflagellates over chlorophytes. Notably, Lake Culibrillas in Sangay National Park, where livestock farming is more intensive, exhibited chlorophyll-a levels more than double those observed in Cajas NP lakes, marked by a pronounced dinoflagellate bloom. Despite these increases, water quality remained low in eutrophication terms (0.02–1.8 µg/L), suggesting that while current grazing practices do not cause severe degradation, further intensification could deteriorate lake conditions. The study highlights the potential ecological risks of expanding livestock farming in páramo ecosystems.
Selous Game Reserve
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2018 —
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Lion densities in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, were found to be significantly lower than previously estimated, with an average of 1.2 lions per 100 km², highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. This study utilized camera trapping and lion scent marking surveys across different habitats within the reserve to assess population density and distribution. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring lion populations in large, protected areas to inform conservation strategies and ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.
Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
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2018 —
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Kernavė, known as the 'Troy of Lithuania,' stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich archaeological and historical significance, spanning from the Final Palaeolithic era to the present. This study highlights the critical importance of preserving and interpreting such sites, which not only shed light on the origins and development of modern society but also underscore the necessity for their conservation. The research focuses on Kernavė's unique cultural landscape and numerous archaeological objects, emphasizing its role as a 'Mecca for archaeologists.' By examining preservation, management, and interpretation strategies, the study provides valuable insights into safeguarding similar heritage sites globally.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2018 —
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A rare glimpse into the psychological and physiological responses of a high-ranking church official during a significant liturgical ceremony is provided by this study. Focusing on the unedited solemn ceremony of the imposition of the pallium—a distinctive band symbolizing episcopal power—on Archbishop Augustin of Jesus in 16th-century Portugal, the research reveals the profound impact of such rituals on the protagonist's identity and jurisdiction. The analysis draws from two biographical records and situates the event within the broader context of Portuguese Church hierarchies and political ceremonies during the Habsburg dynasty. By examining the unusual stop at the Convent of Christ in Tomar for this ceremony, the study sheds light on the interplay between liturgical dramaturgy, power dynamics, and episcopal authority.
Old Rauma
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2018 —
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Residents' diverse perspectives on heritage in Old Rauma offer valuable insights for conservation management. The study identifies three distinct community groups with varying frames of reference and values about heritage, highlighting the importance of understanding local perceptions to effectively govern privately owned properties under international conventions. It suggests that fostering communication forums could enhance social learning and support practical, locally developed conservation methods. This approach would strengthen governance and advisory bodies by integrating local knowledge, needs, and community dynamics into heritage management strategies.
The Flow Country
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2018 —
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Research demonstrates the potential of the Intermittent Small BAseline Subset (ISBAS) technique to monitor long-term surface motion over peatland areas, offering a new tool for assessing peatland condition. Unlike traditional InSAR methods, ISBAS can effectively measure surface motion in vegetated and less coherent environments like peatlands. The study applied this technique to the Flow Country in Scotland using ERS C-band (1992–2000) and Sentinel-1 C-band (2015–2016) satellite data, identifying subsidence patterns linked to land cover and use. While ISBAS measurements aligned with ground data trends, uncertainties in magnitude and direction were noted. The findings suggest that ISBAS could be a valuable method for tracking peatland degradation or recovery, though further validation is required.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A new chronology for an ancient walled settlement in the Orkhon Valley, Mongolia, suggests construction around 785±80 AD, challenging earlier archaeological estimates of 906–1125 AD. Researchers used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on quartz samples, applying the post-IR OSL method to small aliquots as proxies for single-grain measurements. Statistical analysis revealed a dose distribution with a central age model (CAM) De of 5.14±0.10 Gy and over dispersion of 47.5%, while the minimum age model (MAM) De was 3.7±0.6 Gy. The fast quartz post-IR OSL component, free from suspected partial bleaching, supported the earlier construction date. However, the MAM age aligns with independent evidence for reconstruction or reuse of the settlement around 1090±80 AD. This study demonstrates the potential of luminescence dating for young samples in cultural landscapes and refines our understanding of the Orkhon Valley's historical timeline.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2018 —
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A significant decline in mammal populations, particularly red colobus, orycterope, and chimpanzee, has been observed across the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Democratic Republic of the Congo. This depletion is largely attributed to cascading effects stemming from rebellions between 1996 and 2002. The study employs an ethnozoological approach, integrating spatially explicit and temporal local ecological knowledge, to provide a cost-effective yet reliable method for tracking population trends. Notably, while species like elephants have locally disappeared and okapi and forest buffalo persist only in the northern part of the landscape, Yangambi Reserve demonstrates post-depletion sustainability with stable populations of fast-reproducing or small-sized species. The research underscores the potential for reversing depletion processes in post-conflict contexts and highlights the utility of this methodology in other regions with significant observer activity.
Fanjingshan
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2018 —
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Researchers developed a robust method to map vegetation and land use types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve (FNNR), a biodiversity hotspot in China, using Google Earth Engine. The study demonstrated that multi-seasonal Landsat image composites combined with elevation data significantly improved mapping accuracy by addressing challenges posed by steep terrain and persistent cloud cover. By leveraging spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) and shade/illumination normalization techniques, the team achieved consistent classification accuracies above 70%, even with limited training data. Advanced machine learning routines, optimized through tuning techniques, ensured reliable monitoring of forest cover and land use in FNNR and similar mountainous, cloud-prone regions.
Hegmataneh
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2018 —
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A significant revision of the chronology for Tepe Hegmataneh, Iran, establishes that its grand Parthian architectural level dates definitively to the middle-to-late Parthian period, spanning the first few centuries CE and potentially extending into the early 4th century. This conclusion was reached through precise stratigraphic analyses conducted between 2004 and 2007 by Masoud Azarnoush, complemented by thermoluminescence and radiocarbon dating of recovered materials. The study resolves earlier uncertainties by combining relative and absolute dating methods, providing a robust framework for understanding the site's historical timeline.
National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj
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2018 —
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Research at the National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj reveals that Chocolá’s hydraulic engineering, including stone conduits and canals, mirrors systems found in other ancient Maya cities like Takalik Abaj and Kaminaljuyu. This suggests a deliberate sharing of technology among these polities, indicating strong interconnections between them. Additionally, the study proposes that intensive surplus cacao production—likely through large groves—contributed significantly to Chocolá’s rise as a powerful society. The 'Shook Altar,' a notable monument from the Southern Maya Region, plays a key role in this hypothesis, supporting theories of long-distance trade and economic prosperity.
