Soltaniyeh
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2019 —
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A new phylogenetic model of water voles (genus Arvicola) reveals four recognized species and a deeply divergent lineage from West Iran, with genetic divergence exceeding interspecies distances. The Iranian lineage, named <em>Arvicola persicus</em>, diverged in the Early Pleistocene (~2.545 Ma), while other species radiated between 1.535 Ma (<em>A. sapidus</em>) and 0.671 Ma. Molecular data confirm monophyly of known species and suggest an ancestral aquatic lifestyle retained in <em>A. sapidus</em> and <em>A. persicus</em>, contrasting with fossorial adaptations in terminal lineages. Habitat-dependent plasticity in <em>Arvicola amphibius</em> may have driven its range expansion, making it one of the largest among arvicolines.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2019 —
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Prescribed burning in Waterton Lakes National Park did not significantly reduce aspen stand area, though an observational decline in canopy cover was noted. The study, conducted using geospatial techniques including UAS imagery and ground-truthing, aimed to assess the impact of prescribed burns on aspen expansion in native fescue grasslands—a critical ecosystem for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Despite efforts to suppress woody vegetation through controlled fires, aspen regeneration persisted, influenced by elk browse and wolf predation dynamics. This research highlights the complex interplay between fire management, herbivory, and ecological restoration in maintaining grassland ecosystems.
Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars
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2019 —
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Recent excavations at Ban Ang, or site 1 of the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang, Laos, have uncovered significant new evidence dating interments to the ninth to thirteenth centuries AD. The study revealed diverse mortuary practices and high rates of infant and child mortality, building on earlier research while providing deeper insights into this poorly understood archaeological landscape. Using systematic excavation methods, researchers confirmed previous findings and expanded our understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these sites.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2019 —
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Excavations at Teotihuacan's Compound 17 confirm the presence of a large-scale obsidian craft production workshop during the Classic period, validating surface-based identifications as reliable indicators of craft activity. This study, conducted by the Teotihuacan Mapping Project (TMP), addresses skepticism raised by Clark (1986b) regarding the accuracy of such surface remains. Through subsurface testing, researchers uncovered significant lithic technology debris, providing direct evidence of in situ obsidian craft production. While this is a single test case, the findings suggest that surface concentrations can be effectively used to identify craft production areas when substantiated by further excavation.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2019 —
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A significant trade network linked the Northern Black Sea region and the Eastern Mediterranean during the 3rd millennium BC, with Troy serving as a key intermediary hub. The study reveals that settlements like Matviyivske (Ingul culture) and Liventsivsky I (Don River delta) were strategically positioned near coastal regions, facilitating maritime trade routes. Evidence includes artifacts such as dolphin bones in Matviyivka 1, Egyptian scarabs near Melitopol, and a treasure trove from Sadove, Crimea, containing items of Anatolian, Trojan, and Northern Black Sea origin. The research employs space geography theory, system approaches, and comparative historical methods to demonstrate that Troy played a pivotal role in supplying goods from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Black Sea region, fostering close exchange relations between these areas.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2019 —
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Expanding the Soy Moratorium (SoyM) to Brazil's Cerrado biome could prevent the conversion of 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation to soy cultivation by 2050, equivalent to a 2% reduction in national soybean area. This quantitative analysis highlights the potential for such an agreement to mitigate biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation in this critical global hotspot. The study identifies key drivers of future conversion risks, including Brazil's domestic market, China, and the European Union, emphasizing the urgency for zero native vegetation conversion policies like the SoyM.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2019 —
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Approximately 63% of Okinawa Island's coastline, totaling 431.8 km, has been altered by human-made structures such as seawalls and land reclamation over the past four decades, with habitat fragmentation breaking the remaining natural coastline into 239 distinct tracts. The west coast has been most affected, while the northern part of the east coast retains relatively pristine conditions. This study quantified coastline alterations using GIS vector data from OpenStreetMap, satellite imagery, and aerial photography, revealing significant environmental impacts that necessitate urgent conservation efforts to protect remaining natural coastlines.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2019 —
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A pioneering concrete thin-shell structure, the Paraboloide of Casale Monferrato, demonstrates remarkable resilience after nearly a century. Built in 1922 as Italy's first clinker warehouse, its parabolic roofing system has withstood time and industrial use. Recent dynamic testing reveals its structural integrity, providing critical data for preservation efforts. The study employed mechanical and dynamic tests to assess the building's current state, offering insights that will guide restoration strategies for this historic structure. This research serves as a foundation for conserving similar architectural marvels, ensuring their longevity while honoring their industrial heritage.
Baalbek
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2019 —
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A novel approach to predicting the seismic response of Baalbek's iconic columns has emerged from combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations. Researchers found that reduced-scale models (1/20 and 1/40) subjected to harmonic excitations closely mirrored the rocking and overturning behavior of full-sized columns under earthquake-like conditions. This similitude allows for accurate predictions of seismic impacts on these ancient structures using simplified numerical simulations and critical impulse theory. The study further reveals that the mode of column overturning and the number of blocks involved can serve as indicators to estimate the period and peak acceleration of critical impulses within earthquake signals, offering a new tool for assessing structural vulnerability in World Heritage Sites.
Sceilg Mhichíl
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2019 —
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Ireland's potential as a film tourism destination is significantly heightened by the influence of high-profile productions such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Research indicates strong fan engagement with these franchises, particularly their Irish filming locations like Skellig Michael, translating into growing interest in visiting these sites. Netnography and social media analysis revealed high awareness and enthusiasm among fans, suggesting substantial opportunities for Ireland to expand its appeal as a film-induced tourism hub.
Mount Taishan
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2019 —
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A novel feature selection method using support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) significantly enhances the accuracy of estimating aboveground forest biomass on Mount Taishan, outperforming traditional stepwise regression techniques. This approach leverages Landsat-8 imagery to identify optimal parameter subsets for biomass estimation, addressing critical challenges in global carbon monitoring under the United Nations' REDD+ mechanism. The study demonstrates that integrating single-band information, vegetation indices, texture features, and terrain factors can improve AGB estimation precision, offering a robust tool for environmental protection and climate stabilization efforts.
Namhansanseong
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2019 —
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A linked tour package combining four culturally significant sites—Kim Jung-jung Lecture Hall at Namhansanseong, historic house Jong-taek, Chil-eun Valley (first ginseng cultivation site), and Hwadong School—demonstrates strong business feasibility with potential to generate 25,000 jobs nationwide. The study reveals that storytelling-driven tourism not only enhances visitor engagement but also delivers robust financial returns, including a payback period of under two years, high internal rate of return (IRR), and positive net present value (NPV). This approach leverages narrative-based tourism to create synergy among sites while addressing employment and income generation. The research validates the economic viability of integrating heritage storytelling into tourism products, offering a scalable model for similar cultural destinations.
Keoladeo National Park
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2019 —
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Sentinel-2's red-edge bands (705μm, 750μm) prove crucial for vegetation health/stress mapping, offering higher accuracy than traditional indices. The study, conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Indiademonstrates their significance in assessing leaf water content, carotenoid pigment levels, and chlorophyll. By comparing multiple vegetation parameters, researchers derived a health scale from 1 (unhealthy) to 9 (healthy). The findings highlight Sentinel-2's potential for monitoring biodiversity-rich ecosystems like KNP, where diverse habitats necessitate precise remote-sensing tools.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2019 —
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Urban fringe-belts, once peripheral zones of historic cities, have undergone significant transformation into central business districts (CBDs) due to urban growth cycles. This study highlights how such areas in Istanbul, initially characterized by loose textures and potential for public spaces like green areas and industrial heritage sites, now reflect CBD characteristics while retaining their role as ecological corridors and buffer zones against urban sprawl. The research employs detailed land-use analysis to trace these changes within the broader urban development pattern of Istanbul, emphasizing the importance of understanding fringe-belts' dynamics for urban memory, heritage preservation, and future city planning.
Mount Etna
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2019 —
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A probabilistic hazard assessment at Mount Etna reveals that large-clast fallout from plume margins poses significant threats to visitors and infrastructure, extending risks beyond the typical 5 km proximity to vents. The study, using a calibrated particle sedimentation model, identified a 72 km² hazard zone encompassing 125 km of paths/roads and 15 buildings. Evacuation times could be reduced from nearly 4 hours to under 3 hours with two shelters, underscoring the need for integrated risk management strategies in volcanic areas with summit access.
Yosemite National Park
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2019 —
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During the Last Glacial Maximum (Tioga glaciation), glaciers and ice fields covered most areas above 2,700 meters elevation in Yosemite National Park, sculpting iconic granite monoliths and influencing geological, hydrological, and ecological features. This study maps the extent of alpine icefields and valley glaciers during this period, identifying at least two major glacial advances between approximately 27,000 and 15,000 years ago, with the largest occurring from around 21,000 to 18,000 years ago. The research assumes simultaneous maximum extents for glaciers in the study area, though brief occupation is possible. Field evidence, including polished granite and linear scratches, provides abundant and well-preserved data, revealing the profound impact of Tioga glaciation on Yosemite's landscape.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified and tracked glacier surges and complex ice flow dynamics in the Saint Elias, Kluane, and Wrangell mountain ranges using a novel method to analyze short-term glacier velocity changes. By compiling a multi-temporal stack of velocity data from Landsat imagery with 32-day intervals, they captured within-season variations over a vast area (150,000 km²). The study's fuzzy voting scheme effectively filtered outliers, enabling the detection of surges and their propagation characteristics without improving accuracy or precision. This fully automatic approach is adaptable to any geographical region or satellite system, offering a robust tool for studying short-term glacier dynamics on a regional scale.
Masada
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2019 —
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Research on Ezekiel manuscripts from Qumran and Masada reveals that the texts closely align with the proto-Masoretic Text (protoMT) in both content and sequence, particularly in chapters 36-39. The study also finds that the Masada text precisely reflects the protoMT, while the epexegetical text Pseudo-Ezekiel, though containing unique idioms and textual additions, follows the MT's sequence. Additionally, the Ezekiel reception in the Revelation of St. John primarily adheres to the masoretical tradition. The analysis concludes that there is no evidence supporting the textual sequence of Papyrus 967 during the BCE period or the 1st century CE. This study employs text-critical and redaction-critical methods to examine these manuscripts, quotations, allusions, and their reception in epexegetical texts.
Chitwan National Park
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2019 —
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Human disturbance significantly reduces the diversity and abundance of globally threatened birds in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The study found that proximity to human settlements, livestock presence, and distance from roads and villages negatively impact bird species richness. Among five study blocks, Block E exhibited the highest diversity (H=2.108), while Blocks A and D, closer to human activity, showed lower diversity (H=1.744 and H=1.69) and higher dominance indices (D=0.2407 and 0.2361). Researchers recorded 437 individuals from 19 threatened species across 17 birding routes, highlighting the park's importance for migratory and endangered birds while emphasizing the need to mitigate human-induced impacts.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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A nuanced understanding of justice perceptions can significantly enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. This study reveals that feelings of injustice among farmers and ranchers regarding jaguar management are primarily influenced by intra- and inter-group relationships, rather than the experience of depredation. Through a pioneering statistical analysis (BTLLasso) and 235 interviews, researchers identified key factors such as collective responsibility and group coherence as critical determinants of justice perceptions. The findings suggest that building relationships and enabling debate over ecological responsibilities are more effective strategies for conservation than financial compensation alone. This research highlights the importance of integrating social dimensions into biodiversity conflict management to achieve fairer and more effective outcomes.
Chitwan National Park
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2019 —
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Research reveals that habitat segregation among four cervid species—chital, sambar deer, hog deer, and northern red muntjac—in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, is significantly influenced by seasonal changes. The study found higher niche overlap during the summer compared to winter, with chital and muntjac showing unstable competition due to their generalist nature. Discriminant analysis and canonical correlation analysis were used to assess habitat partitioning across four key dimensions: habitat type, human disturbance, predator presence, and season. Data was collected via line transects spanning diverse habitats. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining habitat heterogeneity and minimizing human disturbances for the coexistence of these herbivores, offering insights applicable to similar lowland regions in Nepal.
Heard and McDonald Islands
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2019 —
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Despite high natural iron fertilization from glacial and volcanic sources near Heard and McDonald Islands, phytoplankton biomass remains unexpectedly low compared to the central Kerguelen Plateau. This paradoxical 'high nutrient, high iron, low chlorophyll' (HNHFeLC) phenomenon was investigated using ocean color data and in situ samples collected during the HEOBI voyage in 2016. Researchers found that deep mixing, shading by re-suspended sediment particles, and dilution with surrounding low-chlorophyll waters in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current played significant roles in limiting phytoplankton growth. Additionally, a shift from microphytoplankton to nanophytoplankton dominance was observed, highlighting the complex dynamics of short-term responses to climate change and cryospheric processes.
Fagus Factory in Alfeld
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2019 —
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The Fagus Factory in Alfeld, Germany, stands as a seminal work of modern architecture, embodying the 'objective' (sachlich) principles of the 1920s Modern Movement. Built between 1911 and 1914 by Walter Gropius—with contributions from Adolf Meyer—it is recognized as a pioneer in architectural realism. This study reinterprets its historical significance by scrutinizing its planning stages, design process, and the influences shaping its development. It also addresses potential challenges arising from the assimilation of architectural history, offering a nuanced perspective on its enduring impact on modern architecture.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2019 —
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Faience objects from the Heraion of Samos reveal significant cultural exchanges between Archaic Greece and Egypt/Near East during the Orientalizing period (7th century BCE). These imported artifacts—rare in Greece—suggest new trade routes and technological transfers, with Egyptian influences dominating but Near Eastern elements also present. The study, led by Virginia Webb, analyzes faience figurines, amulets, and perfume vessels, complementing prior research on Cypriot limestones, terracottas, and Egyptian bronzes from the site. While exact pathways of influence remain unclear, the findings expand understanding of foreign dedications in the Heraion, offering insights into transregional connectivity during this pivotal era.
City of Bath
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2019 —
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A novel form of experiential authenticity emerges when tourists engage with medieval heritage through the lens of fairytales, particularly modern fantasy franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. This 'heritage marvellous' enhances the imaginative authentication of historic cities by blending magical-historical elements in their streetscapes—such as wizarding shops—and monumental architecture. The study employed visual methodology to analyze 14 medieval cities, including Bath, Oxford, and York, revealing how tourists serendipitously encounter a medieval-fairytalesque experience, unlocking narratives of mythology within the ordinary-extraordinary urban landscape. This research suggests that the rising popularity of fantasy genres could redefine how heritage tourism perceives authenticity.
Xinjiang Tianshan
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2019 —
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Ancient agro-pastoralists in the arid foothills of China's Tianshan Mountains ingeniously adapted to extreme conditions by constructing stone-built irrigation systems that trapped floodwater and sediment, enabling crop cultivation. This study reveals their ability to accumulate up to 40 cm of fine-grained sediment over just 200 years, creating deeper, fertile soils in an otherwise barren landscape. However, high soil salinization (>2 dSm-1) suggests this strategy may have limited long-term sustainability. The research combines geoarchaeological analysis with macrobotanical identification to uncover these farming innovations and the labor specialization required to balance irrigation and herding demands.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2019 —
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Archaeological research at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site reveals that early agriculture played a pivotal role in sustaining the pre-Columbian city, challenging previous assumptions about its subsistence strategies. The study identifies a shift from foraging to intensive maize cultivation around 1050 CE, coinciding with Cahokia's expansion and population growth. Using sediment core analysis and radiocarbon dating, researchers traced the introduction of agricultural practices, including earthworks and soil amendments, which enhanced productivity. These findings highlight the sophistication of Cahokia's agricultural system, contributing to its status as a major urban center in North America.
Anjar
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2019 —
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Fifty Early Medieval Things challenges conventional perceptions of the 'Dark Ages' by showcasing 50 objects—artifacts, structures, and archaeological features—from late antique and early medieval Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia (4th to 11th centuries). These objects, ranging from a German plow to the palace-city of Anjar in Jordan, reveal the cultural richness and interconnectedness of this period. The book demonstrates how material culture can serve as historical actors, illustrating technological, social, political, religious, and economic themes while bridging local conditions and broader influences. It also explores modern scholarly interpretations, providing a fresh perspective on postclassical history through tangible evidence.
Site of Palmyra
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2019 —
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A significant discovery in the study of late antique Palmyra reveals that despite its marginalized political role, the city remained a vital consumption hub. Analysis of an extensive ceramic assemblage from Polish excavations, including commercial amphorae for wine and olive oil (LRA 1–7), demonstrates Palmyra's continued importance as a trade center in the Eastern Mediterranean during the 5th–7th century AD. These amphorae, originating from Palestine, the Aegean, and Egypt, provide crucial insights into inter-regional commercial ties and fill a gap in the distribution maps of late antique Syria. The study contextualizes Palmyra's role within broader Mediterranean trade networks, offering new perspectives on its economic significance during this period.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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2019 —
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A new interpretation of hyoliths, ancient conical-shelled organisms, challenges their classification as brachiopods. Liu et al. propose that hyoliths instead belong to the Lophotrochozoa clade, which includes molluscs and annelids, by re-evaluating their feeding apparatus and shell structures. The study questions the validity of a previously described attachment stalk in Chengjiang fossils, suggesting it may be a damaged shell apex rather than a true pedicle. This reinterpretation has significant evolutionary implications, implying that the ancestral lophotrochozoan had a shell, which was later lost in annelids. The research combines morphological analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction to reshape our understanding of early animal evolution.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2019 —
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A study of the seamount Mokumanamana in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument reveals high beta-diversity in benthic megafaunal assemblages, driven by species substitution along depth gradients and between different sides of the seamount. The research, conducted using the AUV Sentry across 200–700 m depths, identified nine distinct megafaunal assemblages dominated by sponges, corallimorpharians, cup corals, and benthic ctenophores, with abundance and diversity increasing with depth. Environmental factors such as sediment composition, oxygen levels, substrate variability, and surface currents were found to correlate with these assemblage differences, suggesting that microhabitat heterogeneity on seamounts promotes unique biodiversity patterns often overlooked in broader-scale studies. These findings underscore the importance of fine-scale sampling for conservation management and ecological understanding of seamount ecosystems.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2019 —
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Increasing lightning-ignited fires are causing significant demographic decline in the Tasmanian palaeoendemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides, with a 2016 fire killing 68% of stems and exacerbating poor regeneration rates. Research across its range revealed that burnt stands had higher grass cover, greater exposure to hot winds, and lower juvenile presence compared to unburnt areas. While island populations showed less fire impact but also poorer seedling survival, suggesting other factors limit regeneration. The study highlights the vulnerability of this iconic species despite protection under the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, emphasizing the need for proactive management strategies such as seed banking, restoration planting, and fuel load reduction to mitigate climate-driven fire risks.
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
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2019 —
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A first-of-its-kind camera survey in Burkina Faso and Niger reveals that human activities, particularly livestock grazing and resource gathering, significantly impact mammal behavior within the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, the largest protected area in West Africa. While these pressures did not affect species richness or composition, they notably reduced mammal activity, with wild ungulates showing the greatest sensitivity to livestock presence. The study highlights the complex interplay between human and natural systems, shifting the WAP's conservation mandate from nature protection alone to a dynamic coupled ecosystem approach.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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2019 —
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Researchers have uncovered evidence of subglacial megalineations from the late Paleozoic ice age (LPIA) in the Twyfelfontein area of northern Namibia, providing new insights into ancient glacial dynamics. These asymmetric megawhalebacks, ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 km in length, suggest a paleo-ice flow directed northwestward, indicating the presence of an ice stream within the proto-Huab River valley. This discovery supports the existence of major terrestrial glacial outlet systems during the LPIA, comparable to modern Antarctic ice streams, and aligns with sedimentary records from southern Brazil. The study employed field observations and geospatial imagery analysis, followed by a geomorphometric assessment, to reconstruct the paleo-ice flow patterns and infer the extent of glacial activity in southern Africa.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2019 —
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Researchers report the first molecular characterization of Linguatula recurvata (Pentastomida) and its record as a parasite in Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) from Calakmul, Mexico. The discovery highlights a rare host-parasite interaction, with nymphs found in the liver, mesentery, and small intestine of an adult male tapir. This is only the second documented case of pentastomid parasitism in tapirs. The study used morphological and molecular analyses, including mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequencing, to confirm the species identification. These findings contribute to understanding the parasitic dynamics in tropical ecosystems and the conservation biology of endangered species like Baird's tapir.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified Pseudotherium argentinus, a new basal mammaliamorph cynodont from the early Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation in Argentina. This discovery provides critical insights into the evolutionary path leading to mammals and Mammaliaformes. The study utilized high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) to analyze the well-preserved skull of Pseudotherium, revealing unique features such as an elongated but uncoiled cochlea and turbinal-like bones in the nasopharyngeal passage. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Pseudotherium may be closely related to Tritylodontidae or lie within Mammaliamorpha, though relationships remain uncertain due to limited fossil data. The study highlights the need for more complete specimens and broader CT datasets to clarify these evolutionary relationships. The CT dataset of Pseudotherium argentinus is publicly available under a Creative Commons license.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2019 —
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Researchers document the first confirmed presence of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, marking its initial record in the state of Maranhão. This invasive species, known for its destructive impact on ecosystems, poses significant threats to native biodiversity, particularly through predation of endangered turtle nests. The study employed field observations and data collection within the park's boundaries to establish this novel occurrence, highlighting the urgent need for ecological monitoring and conservation efforts in protected areas.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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Researchers document the first confirmed presence of the Cozumel fruit-eating bat (Mimon cozumelae) within the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras. This discovery extends the species' known range by over 500 km northeastward, providing critical data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest. The study employed field surveys and digital treatment of taxonomic records to validate the identification, contributing to a broader understanding of bat diversity in Mesoamerica's lowland forests.
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
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2019 —
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A preliminary survey conducted near the Democratic Republic of Congo border in northern Angola, specifically in Zaire province and Mbanza Kongo territory, has confirmed for the first time the presence of cassava root necrosis similar to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD). This discovery extends the known range of CBSD, which has been spreading across Africa since 2012. The study involved field surveys in multiple localities, identifying symptoms consistent with CBSD, despite prior attempts to isolate the pathogen in western DRC failing. The findings suggest a potential threat to cassava production in Angola, a critical staple food for millions.
Trang An Landscape Complex
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2019 —
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A comprehensive survey of lepidopteran insects in the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, reveals 167 species, including 62 butterflies and 105 moths. Among these, two species—<em>Celerena signata</em> and <em>Nygmia plana</em>—are documented for the first time in Vietnam, expanding the country's lepidopteran biodiversity record. The findings are based on field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2018, providing a foundational dataset for future ecological studies in this ecologically significant region.
Iguaçu National Park
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking camera trap study in Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, has documented the presence of two previously unreported xenarthran species: the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the greater naked-tailed armadillo (Cabassous tatouay). This long-term monitoring effort, conducted across the park and its buffer zone, confirms the occurrence of four xenarthran species in this critical southern Brazilian refuge. The findings significantly expand knowledge on giant anteaters' habits within INP while providing the first photographic evidence for both species in the region. Such data are crucial for understanding biodiversity patterns and informing conservation strategies at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified three new species of Sphaeroceridae (Diptera) endemic to Madeira, namely Spelobia polymorpha sp. nov., Pullimosina (Pullimosina) kesoni sp. nov., and P. (P.) dorae sp. nov. These terricolous species are inhabitants of the leaf-litter stratum in the original Madeiran laurel forests (Laurisilva), distinguished by their poor flying ability, which confines them to the island. Notably, these species exhibit no close relatives among endemic Sphaeroceridae in other Macaronesian archipelagos, such as the Canary Islands and Azores, where endemic genera differ significantly. The study describes both sexes of these new species, provides illustrations, and discusses their relationships, biology, and distribution. This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of Madeira's laurisilva ecosystems.
Mount Wuyi
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2019 —
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A comprehensive survey of fish species in the Wuyi Mountains, China, revealed 126 freshwater fish species, with Cypriniformes dominating at nearly 70% and Cyprinidae accounting for over half. Notably, 57% of these species are endemic to China. The study found higher diversity on the east slope and in the northern section of the mountains. Cluster analysis divided reserves into two geographical regions and four river-type regions, providing insights for targeted conservation. Threats to fish biodiversity were also identified, along with potential management solutions.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2019 —
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Archaeology on K'gari (Fraser Island) demonstrates how Indigenous communities, specifically the Butchulla people, can leverage modern media to assert their custodial and cultural rights while challenging colonial narratives. This study highlights the power of inclusive archaeological discourse in amplifying First Nations voices and fostering shared values between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By partnering with archaeologists, the Butchulla people have innovatively communicated their heritage, ensuring intellectual property protection and promoting positive social change. The research underscores the importance of collaborative approaches to cultural heritage management in a post-truth world.
Aldabra Atoll
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2019 —
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Four out of five invasive bird eradication programs conducted by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) between 2011 and 2017 were successful, marking significant advancements in avian invasive species management. Targeting red-whiskered bulbuls (Pycnonotus jocosus), Madagascar fodies (Foudia madagascariensis), and ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) on Assumption Island, Mahé, and Aldabra Atoll respectively, the programs prioritized species threatening native biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A combination of mist-netting and shooting was employed, with intensive eradication phases lasting three years or less, followed by 1–2 years of monitoring to confirm success. Over 9,000 birds were culled across the five programs, including 5,279 red-whiskered bulbuls and 3,291 Madagascar fodies on Assumption Island alone. These eradications represent the first large-scale removals of these species from other islands, offering valuable insights and learning opportunities for future invasive avian control efforts.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
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2019 —
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A unique theatre production in Asmara, Eritrea, challenged conventional narratives of Eritrean drama by embracing intellectual flânerie—a concept that invites audience participation without didacticism or clear messaging. The study examines the 2008 production <em>Weg’i Libi (Heart-to-Heart Talk)</em>, performed by amateurs and situated in the UNESCO-listed modernist cityscape, which drew large crowds despite its unconventional approach. By analyzing the play’s process and metaphorical potential, the research suggests that such works may reflect prospective futures for Eritrea, particularly through their lack of overt political or cultural messaging. The study combines critical reading with spatial analysis to explore how theatre can function as a site of intellectual exploration in post-colonial contexts.
Angkor
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2019 —
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A new flood hazard index (FHI) model identifies nine Angkor monuments at risk from potential flooding, with the highest threats concentrated near the West Baray but not directly impacting core archaeological zones. Moderate-to-high hazard areas, covering 19.4 km² or 9.13% of the core zone, pose significant risks to sites along the Siem Reap and Roluos rivers and Tonle Sap Lake's flooded regions. The study combined GIS with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to analyze historical floods (2007–2013), using four key indices weighted via the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Delphi method. While the buffer zone remains low-risk, this approach offers a scalable framework for assessing flood threats at other Southeast Asian heritage sites.
Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve
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A remarkable biodiversity, including several rare or endemic species, thrives on the small islands and islets of the Scandola Reserve along Corsica's western coast. This unique micro-insular ecosystem, preserved within the Natural Reserve, showcases outstanding plant diversity. The study provides a comprehensive inventory of vascular flora in this region, with a detailed synthesis on Gargalu island (22 ha), exploring its environmental and human histories. Proposals for enhanced knowledge and conservation are also outlined to safeguard this original biodiversity.
The Sundarbans
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2019 —
WHE8465B3EE69
A significant flow reorganization has been observed in the anthropogenically modified tidal channel network of the southwestern Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Delta, with the Shibsa channel widening and deepening while the Pussur channel experiences rapid shoaling. This counterintuitive pattern is driven by the Shibsa's capture of a large portion of the Pussur's basin through transverse channels, enhancing its tidal prism despite embankment-driven reductions in basin volume. The study highlights previously unrecognized interactions within interconnected multichannel tidal networks, emphasizing the importance of flow reorganization in response to anthropogenic perturbations.
Studenica Monastery
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2019 —
WHEB8F04A3E51
Archaeozoological evidence from the medieval Studenica Monastery in Serbia reveals that large sturgeon species, likely transported over 200 km from the Danube region, were consumed at the site during the 14th and early 15th centuries. The presence of these high-value fish, including beluga and Russian sturgeon, suggests sophisticated long-distance trade networks and their significance in monastic dietary practices, particularly during religious observances like Lent and celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary and monastery founder. Skeletal analysis indicates that large specimens were brought whole, possibly dried or salted, reinforcing historical records of monasteries as key consumers of premium fish alongside royalty and nobility.
