Yakushima
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2018 —
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A significant discovery on Yakushima Island, Japan, reveals evidence of a massive tsunami occurring around 7.3 thousand years ago during the Kikai caldera eruption. The study identifies Unit TG, a gravel bed on the Koseda coast, as a tsunami deposit, characterized by its poor sorting and thickness, overlying a wave-cut bench and underlying a Koya pyroclastic flow deposit. Radiocarbon dating of wood fragments within Unit TG suggests deposition between 7416–7167 cal year BP, aligning with the timing of the Kikai eruption. The gravel clasts in Unit TG match modern beach and river deposits along the coast, while pumice clasts indicate a link to the 7.3 ka eruption. The study proposes that Unit TG was deposited by a landward-travelling high-particle-concentration flow, likely from a tsunami run-up during the eruption, just before the arrival of the Koya pyroclastic flow. While the exact cause of the tsunami—whether volcanic or seismic—remains uncertain, this finding underscores the immediate impact of the eruption on the island's geology.
Stevns Klint
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2018 —
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Late Cretaceous bottom currents shaped the southern Baltic Sea's seafloor, creating two major contourite systems along the Tornquist Zone. Seismic and well data reveal that Turonian to Campanian tectonic uplift formed obstacles influencing these currents. A shallow, south-east directed flow generated contourite channels and drifts, including the system offshore Stevns Klint. A deeper, north-west current emerged later, forming a drift-moat system linked to the Alnarp Valley in Scania. This study integrates findings from the Kattegat and Stevns Klint, linking them to these inferred currents.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2018 —
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Hahoe mask dance and Hahoe Byulsingut Mask Play, originating from Hahoe-dong in Andong, Korea, have emerged as significant cultural assets, generating continuous value and establishing themselves as representative brands of both Andong City and Korea. This study identifies the factors contributing to their prominence through an analysis of cultural activities conducted in the region. The research employs a qualitative approach, examining the evolution and impact of these traditional dance forms on local and national cultural landscapes.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of the Marquesas Islands' terrestrial biota reveals that its evolutionary patterns closely resemble those of the Hawaiian Islands more than the Society Islands. Most Marquesan lineages trace their closest relatives to other Pacific archipelagos, with monophyletic radiations being common and diversification often paralleling the archipelago's formation, which is less than 5.5 million years old. The study, based on a review of 37 phylogenetic studies, also identifies limited evidence for within-island diversification but suggests some radiations may follow a weak progression rule, with younger lineages found on younger islands. This research sheds light on the biogeographic dynamics of one of the world's most remote archipelagos.
San Antonio Missions
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2018 —
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Stakeholders' differing perspectives on cultural resources significantly shape their interactions with urban historical national parks and influence attitudes toward park management. This study highlights how diverse community views, when organized using the Progress Triangle conflict management framework—focusing on substance, procedure, and relationship—can both create tension and offer pathways for collaboration. Through 32 interviews analyzed via content analysis, researchers identified that reconciling these divergent perspectives through participatory approaches could enhance park management effectiveness, particularly in contexts like San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where urban and rural dynamics intersect.
Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent
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2018 —
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Archaeological excavations at the Derbent settlement, conducted in 2016, revealed a complex of residential structures and outbuildings dating from the first half to the middle of the 5th century AD. This discovery sheds light on the city-fortress Chor/Chol, an important administrative, political, and religious center in the Eastern Caucasus, known to ancient Armenian, Georgian, Syrian, early Byzantine, and Arab authors. The settlement predated the construction of Derbent's defensive complex in the late 560s and was gradually abandoned after the establishment of a new city. The research, supported by the Russian Humanitarian Scientific Foundation, utilized cultural layers, construction remains (rooms 6, 7, 8), and economic remains to characterize the population's culture and life. Chronological indicators such as bronze belt buckles and Sasanian pottery were employed to date the complex, which is believed to have ceased existence during turbulent military-political events in the mid-450s, including an anti-Sasanian insurrection and a ruinous invasion by the Huns.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2018 —
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A steady, near-bed dense water outflow from Shark Bay’s northern Geographe Channel was observed for the first time, persisting through all tidal stages and exhibiting velocities 2–3 times stronger than previously recorded outflows in Naturaliste Channel. This outflow, driven by longitudinal density gradients, proved more resistant to tidal mixing, with turbulence peaking during flow reversals. The study identified tidal seabed flow as the primary source of turbulence, using bottom current speed cubed (|Ub³|) as a proxy for predicting dense water outflows. The Geographe Channel’s orientation and depth along the main density gradient axis explained its predominant outflow role, suggesting potential impacts on marine life recruitment, including commercially fished scallops and prawns.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2018 —
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In the mid-19th century, looted artifacts from China's Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) were strategically exhibited and auctioned in London to boost their market value. James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, and Captain Jean-Louis de Negroni, both involved in the Anglo-French armies, showcased their collections at prestigious venues like the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A) and the Crystal Palace. This study reveals how museum exhibitions and auction houses collaborated to enhance the perceived worth of these looted objects, demonstrating a deliberate interplay between cultural display and commercial transaction during this period.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the N4 library, the largest Neo-Assyrian private collection, reveals intricate kinship and professional networks among exorcists and physicians at Assur. The study, leveraging colophons and texts from within and beyond Assur, highlights how these figures were educated and their roles intertwined with temple and court functions. This research deepens our understanding of the social and religious dynamics in Neo-Assyrian society, particularly the interplay between exorcists' familial ties and their professional activities.
Upper Svaneti
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2018 —
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Low population motivation for self-organization is the primary barrier to expanding local revenues for self-government bodies in the economically less developed Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti region of Georgia. A survey across nine municipalities revealed that while there is potential for increasing municipal income through taxes and fees, residents' engagement in self-governance processes remains hindered by systemic issues. The study highlights a disconnect between policy recommendations and practical implementation, identifying key challenges that prevent local populations from contributing effectively to their own governance. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions to foster civic participation and strengthen local financial autonomy.
Medina of Fez
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2018 —
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A prototype Android mobile application leveraging visual augmented reality (AR) was successfully developed to enhance the tourist experience at the Medina of Fez. The application serves as an interactive pocket guide, overlaying digital information onto the physical environment to provide richer historical context for visitors. By integrating multiple software and hardware technologies, AR transforms the way users perceive and engage with historical monuments. The prototype's adaptability—achieved by simply replacing its database—demonstrates potential for broader application across other cities, making it a scalable solution for heritage tourism. This study highlights the transformative impact of AR in cultural preservation and visitor engagement.
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
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2018 —
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Mining centers played a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscapes of Latin America during colonial times. Research highlights that while Mexico's mining regions, such as Zacatecas and Guanajuato, became vital sources of wealth for the Spanish Empire due to their rich deposits of silver, gold, platinum, iron, and copper, Colombia experienced more moderate growth driven by its Antioquia province's gold reserves. Ouro Preto, a once rough mining town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, evolved into a significant hub of Baroque culture and architecture by the late 18th century. Unlike Mexico, Colombia's economic history is characterized by gradual growth rather than boom-bust cycles typical of regions with massive mineral deposits.
City of Verona
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of city image perceptions between residents and tourists in Verona, Italy, reveals striking similarities in their views on services, leisure, security, and entertainment. The only notable divergence lies in municipal facilities, where residents exhibit greater criticism than tourists. This study, conducted through questionnaires addressing four dimensions of city image, addresses a significant gap in the literature by comparing perceptions in a medium-sized destination—a rarity in urban studies. It also enhances a previously used scale to include both resident and tourist perspectives, providing a robust tool for future research. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and destination management organizations, highlighting Verona's strengths while identifying areas for improvement.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2018 —
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A study on recycling behavior in Melaka reveals that household recycling is strongly influenced by attitudes toward recycling, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and commitment to the environment. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework, researchers found that incorporating environmental commitment significantly improved the model's explanatory power, achieving an R² value of 66.7%. The findings suggest that policies aimed at promoting sustainable recycling behavior should focus on fostering positive attitudes and strengthening individuals' sense of responsibility toward the environment. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers in heritage cities seeking to enhance household sustainability practices.
Danube Delta
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2018 —
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A first-of-its-kind study identifies 27 antioxidant and mineral compounds, including rutin and p-coumaric acid, in Nymphaea alba from the Danube Delta Biosphere. The research highlights significant variations in polyphenol (19.42 mg EqGA/100 mg extract) and flavonoid (0.97 mg EqQ/100 mg extract) content across plant parts, with fruit and flower extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. Using ultrasonic extraction, the study also reveals that macroelement and microelement concentrations vary by anatomical part, contributing novel insights into the phytochemistry of Nymphaeaceae family plants in Romania.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2018 —
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Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), renowned for its wildlife and natural heritage, harbors significant cultural heritage that has remained underrecognized. A collaborative study involving Cree and Chipewyan knowledge holders and a Parks Canada archaeologist reveals the profound cultural significance of traditional trails within the park, such as the Lake One Trail. This research demonstrates that Aboriginal cultural landscapes are equally vital to WBNP's identity as its natural values. By documenting the trail's cultural meanings and stories, the study proposes a framework for revising UNESCO's commemorative statement to better reflect this dual heritage.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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2018 —
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Tourists' positive emotional response to soundscape significantly enhances their pro-environmental behavior, highlighting the pivotal role of acoustic environments in promoting sustainable tourism development. This finding underscores a critical link between human-environmental interactions and conservation efforts, particularly in destinations rich with diverse auditory experiences like Kulangsu, a historic international settlement. The study employed empirical analysis to demonstrate that positive soundscape emotions amplify the significance of determinants driving pro-environmental actions, contrasting starkly with negative emotional responses. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders aiming to leverage soundscape design for ecological sustainability.
Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939
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2018 —
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Expressionism played a pivotal role in shaping modernist art in Lithuania, emerging as a defining element of the national school of art during Kaunas' interwar period (1919-1939). This study reveals that Lithuanian expressionism was not an isolated movement but was deeply influenced by German expressionism, particularly through Marianne Werefkin's connections to Vilnius and Kaunas. Despite its significance, Lithuanian expressionism has been historically understudied, with nationalist art discourses until the late 20th century failing to contextualize or analyze its manifestations comprehensively. The research employs a critical analysis of Lithuanian art history, challenging traditional narratives by examining how expressionism was understood and integrated into the broader modernist narrative across the 20th century.
Chitwan National Park
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2018 —
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Chitwan National Park's ungulate populations exhibit significant variation in group sizes and social organization, primarily influenced by habitat structure, predation pressure, and human disturbances. Chital form the largest groups (13.76 in winter, 11.01 in summer), while sambar and muntjac tend to be more solitary or in smaller groups (1.86–2.45 for sambar). Female-biased age and sex ratios were observed across all species, with wild boar showing the highest proportion of young individuals and gaur the lowest. Larger groups are predominantly found in less disturbed open areas with high predatory pressure, whereas smaller groups or solitary individuals dominate highly disturbed forest regions. These findings underscore the critical role of habitat management and monitoring human disturbances to enhance long-term conservation strategies for ungulate populations in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
Macquarie Island
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2018 —
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Research on sympatric albatrosses from Macquarie Island reveals that black-browed albatrosses are more vulnerable to climate-driven changes due to their shorter breeding cycle and morphological traits, which limit flight efficiency. The study tracked 47 albatrosses—black-browed (Thalassarche melanophris), grey-headed (T. chrysostoma), light-mantled (Phoebetria palpebrata), and wandering (Diomedea exulans)—over 1994–2009, finding that habitat overlap was greatest near the island during breeding but varied widely in nonbreeding periods. All species utilized productive frontal regions and mesoscale eddies, with optimal residence times linked to moderate wind speeds, enhancing aerodynamic performance. These findings highlight potential risks for black-browed albatrosses as climate shifts alter Southern Ocean wind patterns and Subantarctic Front dynamics.
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.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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A significant majority of farmers in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, are willing to cultivate traditional rice over improved varieties, with 67% of male farmers and 65.6% of families affected by non-communicable diseases showing a preference for traditional cultivation. This shift is driven by awareness of the medicinal and nutritional benefits of traditional rice, alongside factors such as land extent, farm gate price, farmer age, education level, farming experience, and system. The study, which surveyed 100 traditional and 100 non-traditional rice growers using stratified sampling, also found that varietal attributes, personal factors (including presence of diseases), market conditions, and production systems significantly influence the selection of traditional rice varieties. These findings suggest a growing recognition among farmers of the health advantages and adaptability of traditional rice, particularly in response to environmental and health challenges.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2018 —
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A study of Dolichopodidae (Diptera) on Wrangel Island, conducted during 2006 and 2015 surveys, reveals the presence of five species, with one, <em>Dolichopus humilis</em>, being the only circum-Arctic representative. The research highlights that <em>Chrysotus komovi</em> and <em>Dolichopus terminasianae</em> are newly recorded for Chukotka, while <em>Hydrophorus alpinus</em> and <em>Rhamphium beringiense</em> exhibit hypoarctic distribution patterns. Notably, the abundance of these flies in 2015 is linked to favorable summer weather conditions, suggesting climate warming's impact on Arctic ecosystems. The study employed net sweeping and yellow pan traps, with the latter yielding most specimens (650 out of 780). Photographs of species and habitats are included.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2018 —
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A study at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, reveals that red foxes adjust their foraging behavior significantly in response to olfactory cues from apex predators like gray wolves. Specifically, foxes increased the amount of food left uneaten (giving-up density) by 34% and reduced time spent foraging per day by 29% when exposed to wolf urine. This adaptive behavior suggests that mesopredators use olfaction to assess risk and balance foraging efficiency with fitness costs, potentially facilitating coexistence between competing predators. The research highlights the ecological importance of large carnivores and underscores the need for understanding these processes to manage land sustainably amid growing human impact.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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2018 —
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Ritualized feasting events best explain the distinctive archaeological record of Poverty Point. This study identifies key signatures of feasting—such as vast artifact diversity, well-designed earthworks, and millions of baked-clay objects (Poverty Point Objects)—as integral to understanding the site's cultural practices. The research draws on archaeological and anthropological frameworks to argue that these features were central to periodic communal gatherings, with Poverty Point Objects playing a specific role in the feasts.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2018 —
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Brazil's federal conservation units (FCUs) cover 9.06% of the national territory, protecting diverse ecosystems but with significant disparities across biomes and regions. Notably, while the Amazônia biome has 14.57% of its area under FCU protection, the Pantanal Conservation Area lags behind with only 0.98%. The study analyzed public data on FCUs, revealing that the Northern Region hosts 84.8% of resident households and 79.2% of the area under FCU management, highlighting regional and biome-specific inequalities in conservation efforts. Public agent concentration is higher in the Southeastern region and Mata Atlântica biome, underscoring the need for better data organization to enhance public management efficiency.
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital
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2018 —
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Bronze Age urban societies in Western Asia relied on low-input, low variance farming systems that exhibited significant agricultural variation to sustain their populations. A comparative study of Hattusha in Central Anatolia and Tell Brak in north-eastern Syria revealed distinct crop management strategies tailored to environmental conditions. At Hattusha, cereals were grown under multiple regimes, suggesting resource pooling from diverse rural areas, while at Tell Brak, different cultivars were likely cultivated in specific landscape zones to maximize yields in marginal environments. The research, based on archaeobotanical analysis of stored charred macro-remains and stable isotope analysis, demonstrates that agriculture was a dynamic system adapted to social and environmental challenges, playing a crucial role in supporting urban populations.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
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2018 —
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The study 'Feeling Stone' challenges anthropocentric perspectives by highlighting the profound temporal and existential gap between human existence and geological time. It reveals that stone, enduring for billions of years, serves as a stark reminder of humanity's brief tenure on Earth, contrasting our fleeting history with the Hadean epoch's inhuman span. The research explores how human hands interact with stone, creating art and tools, while also questioning whether stone itself possesses agency or memory beyond its role as a passive material shaped by human intervention. Through philosophical inquiry and archaeological examples like Cueva de las Manos in Argentina, the study examines the universal impulse to engage with lithic substances, suggesting that both humans and stones may share creative and narrative qualities. This approach blends geology, anthropology, and phenomenology to redefine our relationship with stone, moving beyond its symbolic representation of endurance or silence.
Sangha Trinational
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2018 —
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A comprehensive inventory of Ficus species in the Sangha Trinational, Central Africa, reveals 27 distinct species and two subspecies. This study provides a detailed identification key, illustrations, descriptions, and habitat information for these fig species, contributing significantly to our understanding of their diversity within tropical forests. The research employs thorough field surveys and morphological analysis, offering valuable insights into the rich botanical composition of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
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2018 —
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Ancient petroglyphs in Saryarka, Kazakhstan's vast steppes, serve as both sacred landmarks and navigational guides for nomadic herders. These figurative monuments, found on rocky outcrops and riverbanks, act as 'lighthouses' in the open landscape, marking key pastures and directions. The study identifies 27 such sites within the Karaganda region, highlighting their cultural significance through myths and legends. Research focuses on integrated analysis, classification, and documentation of these petroglyphs, which reflect pre-literate societies' knowledge and communication methods. The findings underscore their role in preserving historical narratives and navigational traditions.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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Mongolia's Final Middle Paleolithic era is marked by distinct flint industries, characterized by Levallois cores and a diverse toolkit including scrapers, denticulate tools, notched items, and rare bifacial tools. These complexes, found across Western Mongolia, the Arts-Bogdo ridge, Flint Valley, Tsagaan-Agui Cave, and the Orkhon Valley's Orokh-Nor-1 and 2 sites, among others, laid the foundation for Early Upper Paleolithic culture. The research highlights a unique industrial base, with minimal radial splitting and a predominance of flaky industries, suggesting sophisticated stone-working techniques. This study, based on archaeological findings from stratified sites like Orkhon-1 and Tolbor group in Khangai Mountains, provides insight into the technological advancements and cultural transitions during this pivotal period.
Nyungwe National Park
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2018 —
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A novel analysis reveals that enhancing tourism experiences at Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park yields greater economic benefits for park management and regional well-being compared to mere adjustments in visitation fees. The study integrates stated preference techniques with regional computable general equilibrium modeling, capturing multisectoral impacts—direct, indirect, and induced—to assess revenue generation strategies. This approach demonstrates significant potential for improving sustainable park operations while addressing budget constraints, offering a scalable model for other protected areas facing similar financial challenges.
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.
Serengeti National Park
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2018 —
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Fire significantly reduces the abundance of alien plant species in the Serengeti National Park, contrary to findings in other African savannahs. The study identified 15 alien species with an 80% probability of occurrence within 50 meters of roads or settlements. While no difference was found between road and settlement proximity, alien species presence declined with distance from these sources. Cumulative fire frequency over the past 13 years was the most critical factor in limiting alien plant cover, though some species like <em>Tagetes minuta</em> thrived with more frequent fires. This research highlights the complex interaction of alien plants with fire, suggesting that traditional fire management may not be effective and advocating for alternative approaches such as physical removal or biological control.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2018 —
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A significant portion of the UNESCO-listed Historic Villages of Korea, particularly those with timber-framed houses and thatched or shingled roofs, face substantial fire risk from forest fires. Research on Yangdong Village revealed that approximately 10% of its structures are directly exposed to high heat flux during forest fires, while another 5% may experience indirect effects due to the spread of initial blazes. The study employed GIS analysis to map house locations and construction materials, combined with numerical modeling of heat flux, to assess vulnerability. Findings underscore the critical need for targeted fire prevention strategies, including fuel elimination, increased separation distances between structures, and improved waterproof facilities to mitigate risks.
Namib Sand Sea
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking algorithm has been developed to detect fog and low clouds (FLCs) over land using only infrared geostationary satellite data, marking the first fully diurnal detection method capable of revealing detailed diurnal and spatial patterns. Applied to the Namib Sand Sea this approach achieved high accuracy with a 94% probability of detection and a 97% overall correctness rate. The study found that FLC timing and persistence vary with proximity to the coast, indicating advection-driven processes dominate the region. This novel method not only advances our understanding of Namibian FLCs but is also transferable for long-term data retrieval in other regions.
Monte San Giorgio
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2018 —
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Paleontologists have uncovered the first fossil evidence of a coelacanth fish, specifically from the genus Heptanema, in the Middle Triassic Meride Limestone Formation at Monte San Giorgio. This discovery marks the first recorded occurrence of an actinistian (a lobe-finned fish) in this formation, offering new insights into the evolutionary history of these ancient vertebrates. The specimen, identified as Heptanema sp., shares key anatomical features with the previously described H. paradoxum from Northern Italy but exhibits differences likely attributable to ontogenetic stages. The study also attempts to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Heptanema, contributing to our understanding of coelacanth evolution during the Triassic period.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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2018 —
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Researchers have documented the first occurrence of the invasive Asian date mussel, Arcuatula senhousia, in West Africa. A single live specimen was discovered on a mudflat near Bubaque Island in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago, marking an expansion of this species' range beyond its previously recorded distributions in North America, Oceania, and the Mediterranean. The finding raises concerns due to the ecological significance of the region, which serves as a critical wintering ground for shorebirds and supports local fisheries. Given the invasive nature of A. senhousia, further monitoring is recommended to determine if a self-sustaining population has established in the area.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2018 —
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Researchers have documented the first occurrence of the Phoenix Islands damselfish, <em>Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis</em>, within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), a region renowned for its high levels of endemism and biogeographical ties to Johnston Atoll. Nine individuals were observed at French Frigate Shoals in September 2017, extending the known range of this species into the north central Pacific. The discovery was made through skin diving surveys in shallow, surgy rocky subtidal habitats, which are under-sampled yet critical for this species. Notably, no individuals were found at nearby Nihoa or Mokumanamana, suggesting habitat specificity. Given the lack of a reproducing population in Hawai’i, Johnston Atoll likely serves as the primary source of propagules for <em>P. phoenixensis</em>. This finding sheds light on the species' distribution and habitat preferences while highlighting the importance of targeted surveys in understudied environments.
Sundarbans National Park
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2018 —
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A critical threat to Nepal's tiger conservation efforts is the increasing human-tiger conflict, which could hinder the country's goal of doubling its Bengal tiger population by 2022. Despite a successful zero-poaching strategy for rhinos, similar measures have failed to reduce tiger attacks on humans. Between 2009 and 2015, tigers killed 29 people in Nepal, while only two tigers were killed by humans. This imbalance highlights the need for a 'zero-human-casualty' strategy to protect both tigers and local communities. The study suggests mitigating conflicts through habitat restoration, spatial zoning of grazing areas, alternative livelihoods, and tiger translocation as a last resort. Effective conservation requires political commitment, legal enforcement, and collaborative efforts between governments and conservation partners.
Chitwan National Park
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2018 —
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A rare glimpse into the elusive Fishing Cat's (Prionailurus viverrinus) presence in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals its limited distribution and specialized habitat preferences. Through systematic camera-trap surveys spanning 868 days across four blocks of the park, researchers documented only five individuals at three locations, primarily in tall grasslands near oxbow lakes and riverbanks. This study highlights critical threats to the species, including wetland shrinkage, prey depletion, and human persecution, while emphasizing the urgent need for conservation actions such as wetland restoration, reduced human pressure, and increased fish densities. The findings underscore the importance of targeted research, such as genetic diversity studies and radio-tagging, to better understand and protect this threatened felid within UNESCO-listed Chitwan National Park.
Maya Site of Copan
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking archaeoacoustic study reveals that ancient Maya flutes from Jaina and Copán, Honduras, emitted a diverse range of sounds, offering new insights into the role of acoustics in Maya communication. The research analyzed two triple-hole flutes—one from Jaina and another from an burial site at Copán—to explore their sonic potential, manufacturing techniques, and cultural significance. By examining these artifacts, the study provides evidence that sound was a vital medium for social interaction among pre-Hispanic Maya societies, marking a significant advancement in understanding non-verbal communication in Mesoamerican cultures.
Los Alerces National Park
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2018 —
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Researchers document the first record of two flea species, Plocopsylla (Schrammapsylla) diana and Chiliopsylla allophyla allophyla, infesting Dromiciops gliroides—an endangered marsupial—in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. This extends the known range of these parasites to Patagonia and provides new insights into the biodiversity and ecology of the monito del monte, the sole surviving member of the order Microbiotheria. The study contributes critical data on parasite-host dynamics in one of South America’s most threatened temperate forests.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2018 —
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The second edition of the Festa Literária de Paraty (FLIP), held from July 7 to 11, 2004, in the historic city of Paraty, Brazil, revealed how cultural heritage sites can both preserve their colonial-era architectural legacy and adapt to modern economic pressures. Despite the decline of its gold and coffee booms, Paraty retained enough of its original structure to be designated a national historical monument, illustrating the resilience of heritage conservation amid economic shifts. The study analyzes this paradox through the lens of commodity fetishism, examining how market forces interact with cultural preservation efforts in UNESCO-recognized sites.
Maya Site of Copan
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2018 —
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A comprehensive study of the flora within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán, Honduras, reveals 94 plant species, with eudicotyledons dominating at 76%, followed by monocotyledons (16%) and basal angiosperms (10%). The Fabaceae family emerged as the most diverse, hosting 10 species. Through nine linear transects of 0.1 km, researchers identified 57 arboreal and shrub species, counting a total of 605 individuals, with Brosimum alicastrum being the most abundant. Notably, two species—Cedrela odorata L. and Swietenia macrophylla—are categorized as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and listed under Appendix III of CITES. The study underscores the significant potential of these species for medicinal, industrial, and forestry applications, highlighting their ecological and economic importance.
Santiniketan
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A survey of the Bolpur-Santiniketan region in West Bengal, India, identified sixteen grass species belonging to the Poaceae and Cyperaceae families. This study contributes to the documentation of local floristic diversity by systematically collecting, drying, mounting, and identifying each plant species on herbarium sheets. The research provides a baseline for understanding the indigenous uses and ecological significance of these grasses in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering valuable insights into the region's botanical richness.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2018 —
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A comprehensive documentation of the floristic diversity in Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Indian Himalayas, reveals 614 plant taxa, including 31 threatened species, five endemics, and one invasive species. This study significantly expands the known flora of the region by recording 72 new plant species for the first time. The research highlights the rich biodiversity of this high-altitude ecosystem and underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its unique plant life. The findings contribute valuable data for understanding the ecological significance and conservation priorities of this globally recognized site.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2018 —
WHE3294558C23
A ban on human activities in Nanda Devi National Park since 1983 has led to significant positive changes in plant diversity, forest composition, and ecological conditions. The study documented 409 plant taxa across 71 families, with dominant forests comprising Betula utilis along the timberline and mixed Abies spectabilis-B. utilis communities. Alpine meadows like Dibrugheta exhibited the highest species richness (128 taxa). Population structure analysis revealed variations in seedling, sapling, and tree layers across different communities. Comparison with earlier studies from 1993 and 2003 highlights the ecological recovery post-prohibition, providing a baseline for future assessments and informing conservation strategies within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2018 —
WHE65F534C1F7
A re-naturalization project for the Spree River, centered around Berlin's Museum Island, demonstrates how urban regeneration can integrate ecological sustainability with historic preservation. The Flussbad Berlin initiative treats the river as a public space and resource, addressing contemporary challenges like environmental stewardship, community engagement, and public-private collaboration. By conceptualizing Berlin as a 'dialogic city,' the project fosters diverse interactions that promote sustainable development while revitalizing a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This approach offers a model for balancing urban renewal with ecological restoration in historic contexts.
