Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2016 —
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Current riparian land in the Danube River Basin significantly reduces sediment fluxes, contributing to improved water quality and ecological conditions. The study found that despite occupying only 2% of the basin, riparian vegetation decreases sediment yields by about 8%, with a median efficiency of 50% at the hillslope scale. Sediment retention is most efficient in smaller reaches and areas with higher incoming sediment loads, while streambank protection plays a crucial role in high-stream-power regions like the Sava and Danube Rivers. Using the SWAT model, researchers quantified sediment reductions under current conditions (1995–2009) and compared them to scenarios without riparian land, revealing substantial benefits for freshwater ecosystems.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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2016 —
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Fish poisoning using Tephrosia candida significantly reduces fish diversity and abundance in streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study found that streams with active poisoning practices had 13 fewer fish species, lower Shannon-Weiner diversity indices, and 80% less fish abundance compared to control streams without poisoning. Four endemic and one native fish species became locally extinct in poisoned streams. Conducted over seven bimonthly field trips from May 2013 to June 2014, the research surveyed five streams—three with poisoning (treatment) and two without (control)—using electrofishing and nets. Physico-chemical water parameters remained consistent across streams, indicating that the observed declines were directly linked to fish poisoning. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of this practice to protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2016 —
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Zanzibar's tourism industry, particularly in Stone Town and coastal regions, has demonstrated a positive correlation with employment growth. The study, conducted through questionnaires and interviews with tourist investors, reveals that FDI significantly enhances job opportunities while reinforcing the link between foreign investment and tourism expansion. Recommendations emphasize promoting international tourism and diversifying FDI across other economic sectors to balance development. This research underscores the potential of tourism-driven FDI in developing economies, offering actionable insights for policymakers aiming to optimize labor market benefits.
Garamba National Park
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2016 —
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A study analyzing the impact of bush fires on biodiversity in four protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo—Garamba, Upemba, Kundelungu national parks, and Bombo-Lumene hunting domain—revealed significant habitat loss due to fire activity from 2000 to 2014. Over 22,000 hectares of forest cover were lost, with the highest fire intensity occurring during the long dry season. The research identified fire hotspots through thematic mapping and proposed strategies for sustainable fire management in these ecosystems, which are also threatened by poaching. By quantifying fire points across the regions (ranging from 6,509 to 59,122), the study underscores the dual pressure of bush fires and wildlife poaching on Sudanian and Zambezian savannas.
Ogasawara Islands
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2016 —
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Introduced species have disproportionately impacted native biota on oceanic islands through trophic interactions, such as predation and herbivory, rather than competitive interactions. A literature review of the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands revealed that while introduced competitors (e.g., rats, lizards) negatively affected some native plants and bees, these species were also subjected to severe predation or herbivory by other invasive organisms. Thus, trophic interactions emerged as the dominant driver of ecological disruption in this remote archipelago, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate cascading effects on island ecosystems.
Mount Wuyi
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2016 —
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Increasing nitrogen (N) availability in subtropical evergreen forests can intensify phosphorus (P) limitation, as shown by a study conducted at Mount Wuyi. Researchers found that while foliar N levels rose significantly across most species under N addition, P dynamics—rather than N—primarily drove changes in foliar N:P ratios. Herbaceous plants exhibited greater sensitivity to N addition compared to trees and shrubs, with notable increases in foliar P for herbs but a significant decrease in the moss <em>Leucobryum chlorophyllosum</em>. The study, spanning 2013–2015, revealed that mean foliar N:P ratios shifted from 18.67 to 19.72 under N addition, suggesting stronger P limitation. These findings highlight how elevated N inputs can alter nutrient cycling and stoichiometry in subtropical forests.
Wadden Sea
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2016 —
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A significant disparity exists in the implementation of ecosystem services approaches among Germany's 15 UNESCO biosphere reserves, with those along the North Sea coast leading due to better-resourced management and alignment with international agreements like the trilateral Wadden Sea pact. This study reveals that while such approaches can enhance communication, fundraising, monitoring, planning, and management in protected areas, their adoption is hindered by limited resources and administrative structures that conflict with their cross-sectoral nature.
The Dolomites
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2016 —
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The Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, stand out for their exceptional beauty and unique geological significance. A key discovery highlighted in this study is the identification of critical stratotypes that mark the Permian/Triassic boundary, a fundamental period in Earth's history. The research focuses on three notable geosites: the Bula Geotrail, which showcases one of the best-preserved sedimentary series and an important stratotype; the Siusi-Alpe di Siusi Geological Trail, known for its unique basaltic columnar formations and significant outcrops from the Lower to Middle Triassic periods; and the Bletterbach Geopark, which contains a 5 cm thick layer of dark organic matter representing the boundary stratotype, along with unique paleobotanical evidence. These sites not only contribute to scientific understanding but also promote geotourism by offering guided trails that educate tourists about the region's geological heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation and discovery of nature.
Site of Palmyra
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2016 —
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Over 1,100 distinct types of banqueting tesserae from Palmyra reveal the intricate religious and social dynamics of Roman-period Palmyrene society. These tesserae, functioning as entrance tickets to religious banquets, provide unique insights into how various religious groups interacted within extended family structures through ritual dining events. The study highlights the seamless integration of Roman iconography into Palmyrene visual culture, suggesting fluid social and religious contexts where individuals transitioned between group affiliations during specific events like banquets. This research underscores the inseparability of religious and social life in Palmyra, offering a nuanced understanding of its complex societal organization.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2016 —
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A study on the Salkantay Trail, a less-visited route to Machu Picchu, reveals significant potential for community-based tourism development while highlighting key challenges and constraints. The research compares the Salkantay Trail with the more popular Inca Trail, focusing on its historic, political, cultural, and socio-economic dimensions. It identifies opportunities for responsible tourism growth by examining a recent capacity-building program aimed at local families and operators along the trail. Findings suggest that targeted support can enhance tourism infrastructure and benefits for mountain communities without compromising sustainability or authenticity.
Western Caucasus
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2016 —
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A successful in vitro conservation protocol for the endangered relict plant Campanula sclerophylla, endemic to the Western Caucasus, was developed. The study achieved a high multiplication rate of 7.2 shoots per explant using half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Explants could be stored for up to 9 months without subculture at 7°C under low light conditions (23 lux), maintaining viability. The addition of sorbitol (3 g/l) and abscisic acid (ABA, 5 mg/l) effectively inhibited shoot growth, providing a means for slow-growth conservation. This breakthrough offers a sustainable method to preserve this critically endangered species in its natural habitat.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2016 —
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A study on the Amalfi Coast reveals that bioclimatic delineation is crucial for sustainable land management, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion. Researchers analyzed long-term climate data (1959–1999) from 28 stations, correlating rainfall and temperature patterns with topography, vegetation cover, and erosion. Using geographic information systems and multivariate statistics, they derived bioclimatic indicators and identified challenges in their methodology, proposing solutions to enhance accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate data with physical and biological factors to inform policies for complex socio-ecological systems, offering a framework for mitigating erosion risks while preserving traditional agro-forest landscapes.
St Kilda
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2016 —
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A study on the Soay sheep population of St Kilda reveals limited evidence for interactions between inbreeding depression and environmental harshness, challenging the assumption that such effects are stronger in wild populations. While all nine traits analyzed showed variation with population density and some evidence of inbreeding depression due to individual or maternal inbreeding, only two interactions were statistically significant. The research used genomic inbreeding coefficients based on 37,037 SNP loci and population density as an environmental axis, suggesting that wild populations may not always exhibit strong inbreeding-by-environment interactions due to lower observed inbreeding levels, potential overestimation of stress in experimental studies, or natural purging of deleterious alleles.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2016 —
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A masterfully planned and constructed Inca road system, spanning 24,000 miles, was uncovered around Ollantaytambo. This network, part of the UNESCO-listed Qhapaq Ñan (Andean Road System), showcased all defining features of Inca roads—walls, bridges, tambos, religious buildings, storehouses, and markers. The study, focusing on eight road segments near Ollantaytambo, revealed the system's role in unifying the Inca Empire through its extensive infrastructure. The findings highlight the advanced engineering and strategic planning behind this ancient transportation network.
Petra
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2016 —
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A sustainable tourism strategy integrating Neolithic villages into Petra's cultural heritage can enhance visitor experiences, conserve archaeological sites, and ensure long-term economic benefits for local communities. This interdisciplinary approach, combining academic archaeology with tourism research, identifies challenges to the inclusion of these rare villages within Petra's attraction system. By proposing an attraction diversification plan, the study addresses the implications of World Heritage Status for iconic destinations like Petra, aiming to attract more appreciative visitor markets while balancing conservation and community participation.
Everglades National Park
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2016 —
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A Burmese python (Python bivittatus) clutch in Everglades National Park exhibited a 77% hatching success, with the female losing 54% of her body weight during breeding. The study found that egg-mass temperature was more stable than ambient temperatures, ranging from 26.29–31.41 °C (mean = 28.07 °C), likely buffered by adjacent vegetation and shivering thermogenesis. This stability contrasted with direct sun temperatures, which fluctuated wildly between 20.81 °C and 45.70 °C (mean = 28.45 °C). Among successful hatchlings, the sex ratio was skewed, with 9 males and 8 females. The research highlights the resilience of python nests to extreme environmental conditions while also documenting the significant physiological cost for breeding females.
Taos Pueblo
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2016 —
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The book 'Indians in Color' by Norman K. Denzin highlights the stark contrast in the treatment and perception of artwork depicting Native America, created by European-trained artists versus indigenous Pueblo painters, particularly within the Taos Society of Artists movement in New Mexico. Denzin demonstrates how visual media can both reinforce or challenge racial and cultural stereotypes, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary Native American life. The work explores the historical aggrandizement of non-Native art by collectors and museums, juxtaposed with the marginalization of indigenous Pueblo painters, while introducing a radical postmodern aesthetic that disrupts traditional notions of the 'noble savage.' This interdisciplinary analysis combines cultural criticism, autoethnography, and art history to critically examine ongoing tensions between mainstream and Native artistic representations.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2016 —
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Archaeological fieldwork at Tiwanaku, Bolivia, reveals a unique hybrid form of scientific labor where indigenous Mallkus and archaeologists collaboratively negotiate job definitions, hiring, and payment, rather than archaeologists maintaining direct control. This study highlights how such negotiations lead to a labor organization that blends Aymara/indigenous and archaeological/scientific conceptualizations, challenging traditional models of scientific practice. The research approach involved ethnographic observation and analysis of labor dynamics on the site, demonstrating that the process was not inherently conflicted but instead fostered mutual understanding and cooperation.
Site of Palmyra
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2016 —
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Research at Palmyra Atoll reveals long-term social structures and leadership among grey reef sharks, with some individuals consistently guiding group movements. Using machine learning algorithms adapted for passive acoustic telemetry data, scientists analyzed six months of tracking data to infer social networks, finding that sex and duration of co-occurrences predict leadership behavior. This study provides the first evidence of spatially extensive social processes in wild sharks, offering insights into their complex social dynamics. The team also developed an improved method for analyzing directionality and duration of social events, aiming to enhance the application of these techniques across less tractable animal systems.
Teide National Park
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2016 —
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A study on Teide National Park reveals that the Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ through Fractal Dimension Maps pansharpening technique, combined with an object-based Support Vector Machine classifier, yields the highest classification accuracy for vegetation thematic maps. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the park's heterogeneous and small-scale species, offering a reliable methodology for natural resource management. The research employed WorldView-2 high-resolution imagery and evaluated seven pansharpening techniques to enhance spatial resolution, aiming to improve the quality of classified images for conservation efforts.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2016 —
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Research at the UNESCO-listed Valle dei Templi in Agrigento reveals that soil-atmosphere interactions significantly influence the collapse of sand layers beneath the site's calcarenite bench, threatening its archaeological structures. The study found that changes in water content due to evapotranspiration can rapidly induce vertical strains in a metastable sandy layer, leading to differential settlement and increased tensile stresses in overlying calcarenites. These stresses exacerbate discontinuities, potentially causing progressive failure. To quantify this phenomenon, the team used meteorological data and rainfall events to model water content changes in a one-dimensional sand model, then calibrated these results with oedometer tests to correlate water content increments with collapse magnitude. This first assessment provides critical insights into how environmental factors contribute to structural instability at this historic site.
Mount Etna
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2016 —
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Research on Mount Etna reveals that the autochthonous grape cultivars Nerello mascalese and Carricante exhibit significant differences in yield and quality under varying tillage practices, with aspect playing a crucial role. Nerello mascalese demonstrated higher yields due to its adaptability, while minimal tillage led to excessive yield reduction in Carricante. The study found that yield per vine varied significantly across cultivars, seasons, and tillage treatments, with total soluble solids increasing in Nerello mascalese under reduced tillage conditions. Linear discriminant analysis highlighted the strongest discrimination for cultivar type, with tillage showing the least impact. This research provides insights into optimizing viticultural practices on volcanic slopes to enhance grape quality and yield.
Ogasawara Islands
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2016 —
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A primary driver of ant beta diversity in East Asia is climate, particularly temperature, which significantly influences faunal composition across geographical areas. The study also reveals that historical land connectivity during periods of low sea levels, such as the Last Glacial Maximum, plays a more substantial role in shaping regional-scale biogeographical patterns than current land contiguity. This suggests that overland dispersal via transient land bridges has been more influential than overwater dispersal in structuring ant communities in this region. The research integrated species occurrence records from multiple sources alongside climatic and bathymetric data to analyze Simpson composition dissimilarity using multiple regression of distance matrices, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors governing ant diversity patterns.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2016 —
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Research reveals that the brackwater mussel <em>Brachidontes virgiliae</em>, dominant during wet phases in Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, exhibits significant grazing impact on phytoplankton biomass. Using an in situ gut fluorescence technique, scientists estimated ingestion rates of 5.78 µg pigment per individual per day during the wet season and 4.44 µg pigment per individual per day in the dry season, with higher rates likely due to increased water temperature and food availability. The study found that mussel aggregations could deplete up to 20 times the available phytoplankton biomass locally, particularly in northern reaches where densities are highest. These findings suggest that the ecological dynamics of Lake St Lucia may shift during flood events, necessitating integration into existing ecological models.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2016 —
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Urban conflicts within inhabited World Heritage Sites, such as Granada's Albayzín, reveal deep ideological tensions over heritage interpretation and urban future. The study introduces 'heritagification'—a localized process where historical narratives are weaponized to shape urban change, often favoring dominant versions of the past. Qualitative analysis shows how competing visions of Muslim and Christian heritage clash, not just over preservation but over defining Albayzín's identity and viability as a living neighborhood. This framework exposes how global heritage discourse intersects with local politics, reshaping urban spaces while erasing alternative historical truths.
Chitwan National Park
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2016 —
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Wildlife attacks on humans near Chitwan National Park, Nepal, show significant variation in injury severity based on the attacking species. Elephant attacks account for 68% of fatalities, followed by tigers (57%), rhinos (29%), and bears or wild boars (4%). Fatalities are more likely among uneducated individuals, fishermen, and forest resource collectors, with 84% occurring at incident sites due to delayed rescue. The study, spanning 2003–2013, used mixed methods—group discussions, stakeholder interviews, field observations, and household surveys—to analyze 329 cases, revealing that attacks are correlated with site environment, season, victim demographics, awareness, and activities. Annual attack rates averaged 30 incidents, with severe physical, psychological, and economic impacts on victims. The research underscores the need for species-specific behavioral awareness programs and upgraded medical trauma centers to mitigate harm.
Yakushima
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2016 —
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Island destinations, while iconic as tourism hotspots, often struggle with adaptability due to established destination images. This study highlights that innovation—through creative reimagining of representations and sustainable narratives—is crucial for enhancing attractiveness to high-yield visitors and ensuring continued growth. Using Yakushima (Japan) and Tahiti as case studies, the research identifies key innovative elements that could serve as models for other destinations, though it acknowledges the complexity of implementation. The findings suggest that sustained innovation across stakeholders is essential for tourists to justify the additional costs associated with island travel.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2016 —
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Dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari) exhibit excellent physical condition and a diverse diet, contradicting claims of starvation or poor health. Analysis of scat samples, stomach contents, and trail camera footage from 2001 to 2015 revealed that dingoes primarily consume medium-sized mammals like bandicoots, fish, and stranded marine fauna such as turtles and whales, with minimal reliance on human-sourced food. Body weights exceeded national averages, body condition scores indicated ideal-heavy physical health, and parasite loads were low. These findings challenge the need for human subsidies to improve dingo health, suggesting their diet and condition are robust and stable.
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
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2016 —
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A study of 15 traditional Dogon masks from Mali's Bandiagara cliffs reveals a strong preference for ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) wood, used in 10 masks, while marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and African grape (Lannea spec.) were less common. This finding suggests the sacred significance of ceiba in Dogon ritual practices, with implications for understanding their cultural and religious traditions. The research analyzed mask materials to uncover patterns in wood selection, guided by the Awa secret society's rules.
Vredefort Dome
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking integrated helicopter-borne geophysical survey over the UNESCO-listed Vredefort Dome in South Africa successfully demonstrated that high-quality gravity measurements can be simultaneously acquired with ZTEM (Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetics) and magnetics, offering a deep-penetrating, multi-parameter mapping tool. The 2016 survey covered 650 km² with nine flight lines, totaling 640 km, using an on-board gravimeter and towed-bird ZTEM system with a caesium magnetometer. Results from 2D and 3D inversions correlated well with existing geophysical data and geological knowledge, validating the approach's potential for mineral exploration and structural mapping. This study marks a significant advancement in multi-parameter geophysical surveying techniques.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2016 —
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Effective permeability in coquina reservoirs, critical for pre-salt exploration in Brazil and Angola, is best estimated by integrating outcrop data with modern analogues. This study combines porosity and permeability measurements from a Cretaceous coquina bed in NE Brazil with the Holocene Hamelin Coquina architecture at Shark Bay, Western Australia, to model reservoir behavior. The research reveals that effective permeability lies between geometrical and harmonic averages of plug data, with moderate flow anisotropy favoring alignment along beach ridges. This approach improves reservoir characterization by leveraging both ancient outcrops and modern environments, offering a novel method for predicting fluid flow in coquina reservoirs.
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)
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2016 —
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A key insight from this study is that decorative ironwork, when integrated with modern architecture using Art Nouveau principles, achieves high aesthetic value while remaining economically viable and applicable across social classes. The research focuses on Victor Horta's innovative use of iron in structures like the Hotel Tassel (1892–1893), demonstrating how this material could bridge technological advancement and artistic expression. By analyzing design foundations—such as stairs, balconies, and doors—the study proposes a curriculum to teach these techniques, emphasizing natural inspiration and functional luxury. It also highlights Hector Guimard's contributions, including the Paris Metro entrances (1899–1904), as exemplars of Art Nouveau’s enduring influence. The approach combines historical analysis with practical design methodology to advance both education and architectural innovation.
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that increasing tree diversity in forests can mitigate the negative impacts of forest fragmentation on plant and arthropod species richness, particularly in herb layers. Conducted in Germany's largest deciduous forest, the Hainich National Park, the research found that high tree diversity buffers edge effects, allowing forest specialist species to thrive even near edges, unlike in low-diversity beech-dominated stands where specialist species decline sharply with distance from the edge. Additionally, habitat generalist arthropods, especially smaller species, benefit from increased tree diversity, while forest specialists remain largely unaffected. The study also highlights the importance of considering forest strata, as edge effects are weaker in the canopy compared to the understory, and tree diversity has stronger, more direct impacts on beetle richness in the canopy. These findings suggest that diversifying deciduous tree species could help preserve regional biodiversity, though some forest species may still depend on old-growth pure beech forests, which are protected within UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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The Galápagos Islands face growing tensions between conservation and economic development, particularly due to tourism pressures that threaten unique species, terrestrial landscapes, and marine environments. This study uses dynamic systems models and agent-based models to analyze human-environment interactions, rooted in complexity theory. It identifies key relationships and processes linking social and ecological systems, revealing how political policies shape human responses—often with detrimental effects on sustainability. The research formalizes knowledge of coupled human-natural systems through statistical and theoretical functions, offering practical insights for policymaking.
Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape
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2016 —
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Interactive projection mapping offers a novel way to enrich the experience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by its application to Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape. This technique combines digital fabrication, videomapping, and immersive environments to create an engaging and educational exploration of heritage. By developing a representative model of the site, researchers showcased how projection mapping can integrate images, information, and interactive elements to make cultural experiences more attractive and informative. The approach highlights the potential for this method to bridge gaps between technology and heritage preservation, providing both academic and public audiences with a deeper understanding of historical landscapes.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking project has successfully addressed the limitations of traditional virtual reconstructions by creating an interactive, immersive digital environment for Avebury Henge, one of Europe's largest Neolithic stone circles and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike previous simulations, this reconstruction enables real-time user interaction with both the virtual landscape and other users, providing unprecedented personal presence in a prehistoric setting circa 2300 BCE. The study evaluates the construction phase, demonstrating how advanced virtual world technology can enhance archaeological research by bridging the gap between digital models and human experience.
Timbuktu
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2016 —
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The first International Criminal Court (ICC) judgment for attacking protected religious and historical sites was delivered in 2016, convicting Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi of war crimes related to the destruction of ten Timbuktu mausoleums and a mosque during Mali's armed conflict. The case, involving an Ansar Dine (AQIM-affiliated) attack between June and July 2012, marked a landmark in international law for its focus on religion-related considerations. Al-Mahdi was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, with the study analyzing legal elements of the war crime, sentencing criteria, and the religious-historic significance of the sites. The reconstruction of these UNESCO-listed structures concluded in mid-2015.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2016 —
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A dramatic fire in 1823 destroyed the roof of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, Rome's oldest standing basilica, marking the final chapter in a series of 21 recorded restorations spanning from the fifth to nineteenth centuries. This study reveals that these renovations, often driven by structural failures or accidents like the carpenter's neglected candle, offer valuable insights into medieval architectural practices and historical preservation efforts. By analyzing the sequence of roof reconstructions, researchers can reconstruct the basilica's evolution, uncovering details about materials, techniques, and the challenges faced during each restoration phase.
Pitons Management Area
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2016 —
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St. Lucia’s Pitons Management Area (PMA), inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, serves as a 'zone of contestation' where debates over national sovereignty, cultural and natural heritage, and economic development intersect. The study highlights that the PMA's universal significance is not universally accepted, with conflicts resurfacing due to intensified resort development in the Soufrière region. These tensions reflect broader patterns seen in World Heritage contexts, where local and global actors engage in contested mediation over history, culture, and economic strategies. The research approach involves analyzing these debates, drawing on theoretical frameworks that emphasize the socially and historically situated nature of such contestations.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2016 —
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A study on the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals that ungulates form interspecific associations at frequencies significantly different from expected, with each species showing preferences for certain partners. The research found 444 instances of such associations among five species—bohor reedbuck, common warthog, grey duiker, Menelik's bushbuck, and mountain nyala—accounting for 26.8% of the total 1657 groups observed in forest patches and open grasslands between 2009 and 2011. These associations likely serve antipredator or mutual grazing purposes, benefiting one or all species involved. Notably, group sizes increased for bohor reedbuck and mountain nyala when in interspecific associations, with larger mean group sizes also observed in open habitats compared to forests.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2016 —
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A new study reveals that sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions using coral skeletal proxies can vary significantly within the same reef system, with forereef corals providing more reliable and precise SST records than backreef corals. Researchers analyzed Sr/Ca and Li/Mg ratios in the Caribbean coral <em>Siderastrea siderea</em> from the Belize Barrier Reef, finding that these proxies are highly sensitive to temperature changes in the forereef but less so in the backreef due to additional influencing factors. The study demonstrates that combining both proxies improves SST reconstruction accuracy, though site-specific calibrations remain essential for reliable paleoclimate reconstructions.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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Lysimachia mauritiana, a coastal biennial herb, exhibits remarkable karyotypic diversity within the Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan. Across 10 islands, including Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, and Iriomote Island, researchers identified five distinct chromosome numbers (2n=16, 17, 18, 19, 20) and 13 cytotypes. Notably, Okinawajima Island showed intra- and inter-populational polymorphism in northern and western areas facing the East China Sea, while southern, eastern, and northeastern regions facing the Pacific Ocean exhibited a single cytotype per locality. Additionally, the study documented the presence of a previously unknown cytotype (20 (4m) TS), likely originating from currents in southern Taiwan or the Philippines, marking its first recorded occurrence in Japan.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef exhibit significant intraspecific variability in diet, suggesting they forage over wide and deep-ranging habitats. Using signature fatty acid (FA) analysis of subdermal tissue, researchers identified distinct dietary groups among whale sharks, indicating differences in feeding habitats rather than sex or size-class. This method revealed that whale sharks likely feed on prey from meso- and bathypelagic sources, including deeper waters beyond accessible sampling depths. The study also found year-to-year variations in dietary patterns, potentially linked to changes in primary and secondary producers. These findings imply that whale sharks inhabit patchy tropical and open ocean environments, requiring extensive foraging ranges to meet their dietary needs.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef exhibit significant intraspecific variability in diet and foraging ranges, as revealed by signature fatty acid analysis of their sub-dermal tissue. The study identified four to five distinct groups based on fatty acid profiles, suggesting diverse feeding habitats used by these animals, independent of sex or size. Temporal changes in dietary patterns were also observed, likely due to shifts in primary and secondary producers. The research demonstrates that whale sharks feed across a wide range of habitats, including deep waters, and that signature fatty acids can effectively trace broad trophic pathways and spatial-temporal dietary changes in these large, wide-ranging species.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2016 —
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A rare glimpse into the life and career of Nicolaus of Damascus, a first-century BCE scholar from Damascus, reveals his elite lineage, education, and significant role at the court of Herod the Great. Through excerpts from his autobiography and Josephus' accounts, researchers have uncovered insights into Nicolaus' relationships with key historical figures like Herod and Augustus, as well as his nuanced perspectives on political assassinations and power dynamics during this pivotal period. This study provides one of the earliest pieces of evidence for the social and cultural character of Damascus, offering a unique window into its intellectual milieu.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2016 —
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A pivotal moment in the history of Santo Domingo, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is illuminated through the symbolic destruction of the Tree of Liberty in 1864. This event marked the collapse of Dominican-Haitian unification and the reimposition of colonial rule, revealing the fragility of anticolonial struggles on Hispaniola. The study employs historical analysis to trace the tree's significance as a symbol of emancipation and independence, contrasting its celebratory origins under Jean-Pierre Boyer's administration with its violent demise amid political upheaval. By examining primary sources and poetic responses, it underscores the enduring impact of colonial power dynamics on Caribbean identity.
Pitons Management Area
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2016 —
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A new method to invert quadrangular curved sources under simultaneous pressure and shear stress changes reveals that the posteruptive eastern flank displacement of Piton de la Fournaise is likely due to compaction and slow slip on a shallow detachment fault. This finding challenges the traditional view that flank displacement is solely induced by fault slip, suggesting instead that it may be linked to lithological discontinuities or sheared sills. The study analyzed data from six Envisat orbits over 14 months post-April 2007 eruption, identifying a large (5 km by 8 km) and shallow (500 m) trapezoidal fracture parallel to the flank. It also ruled out thermal contraction or degassing of a coeruptive sill as the primary cause, given the implausible dimensions and solidification time required.
The Sundarbans
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2016 —
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Recent research in the Bangladesh Sundarbans reveals alarming poaching patterns threatening tiger survival, with an estimated 6268 snare loops and six instances of Carbofuran-laced baits used to poison tigers. Poachers strategically target areas away from guard posts but near riverbanks, avoiding protected zones. This high intensity—147 snares per 100 km²—likely contributed to a decline in tiger abundance. The study recommends stricter regulation of Carbofuran and the use of remote camera traps to identify poachers. A simple yet effective method for assessing poaching threats, this approach could be replicated globally to guide conservation efforts.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2016 —
WHE9F70246A5A
A study on mobile learning acceptance among young adults in Luang Prabang, Laos, reveals that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment directly influence their intention to adopt mobile learning for heritage site awareness. Social influence and self-efficacy indirectly impact this acceptance through perceived usefulness and ease of use, respectively. Using structural equation modeling with data from 349 higher education students, the research provides actionable insights for policy recommendations in Luang Prabang, contributing to global understanding of mobile learning adoption in least developed countries.
Kinabalu Park
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2016 —
WHE42DE0D4903
National Park Sustainability (NPSus) significantly influences tourist behavioral intentions indirectly through National Park Satisfaction (NPSat), with NPSat acting as a full mediator. While direct effects of NPSus on National Park Behavioral Intention (NPBI) were not observed, the study highlights that enhancing sustainability in national parks can foster positive tourist behavior by improving satisfaction. This finding provides actionable insights for destination sustainability efforts, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kinabalu National Park (KNP). The research employed structural equation modeling to analyze data from 600 tourists, offering a robust framework for understanding the interplay between park sustainability and visitor engagement.
