Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2016 —
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Brocket deer (Mazama sp.) presence in the Campeche State, Mexico, is strongly influenced by landscape variables such as the percentage of preserved forest and livestock density. The study found that brocket deer are more likely to be present in areas with higher forest conservation and lower cattle density, indicating that these species thrive in pristine habitats but are negatively impacted by agricultural activities. Notably, flooded zones were rarely associated with brocket deer presence, suggesting these ecosystems may not support the species despite their inclusion in known distributional ranges. The research used a combination of track surveys along transects, principal component analysis, and logistic regression to analyze data from six study regions, revealing critical insights for the long-term conservation of brocket deer, particularly in areas where sport hunting is authorized.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2016 —
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Selective memorialization of Cambodia's violent heritage, including sites like the 'killing fields' of Choeung Ek and unmarked mass graves, undermines the lived experiences of millions of Cambodians and hinders social justice and reconciliation efforts. This study inverts the traditional focus on heritage destruction during conflict to examine how sites of 'heritage violence' are threatened by selective memorialization, offering a grounded conceptual framework for post-violence in international conflict zones. The research employs critical heritage studies and engages with war, violence, and their cultural legacies to explore the production and impact of violent heritage.
The Grand Canal
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2016 —
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A novel approach to urban planning, termed 'landsenses ecology,' integrates human sensory experiences into ecological design. This study demonstrates its application for the Xianghe Segment of China's Grand Canal (XSCGC), addressing challenges in incorporating residents' sensory data—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—into sustainable development. By leveraging mixed-marching data and IoT technologies, the research bridges traditional urban planning gaps, which often overlook environmental quality and human welfare. The framework aims to enhance ecological planning by systematically analyzing both natural and human factors, offering a blueprint for future urban forms that prioritize sensory-rich environments.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2016 —
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A significant mesospheric response to orographic waves was observed over the Auckland Islands (50.7°S) during the DEEPWAVE project, revealing deep atmospheric wave propagation with large amplitudes and momentum flux. The study, conducted using a suite of ground-based and airborne instruments, including the NSF Gulfstream V research aircraft, documented a mountain wave with a temperature amplitude of ~10 K and a horizontal wavelength of ~40 km, which exhibited instability and breaking at the OH layer (~83.5 km). The findings suggest that strong mesospheric responses can arise from small sources under suitable conditions, challenging previous assumptions about their rarity.
Great Barrier Reef
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2016 —
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Coral reef fish larvae can disperse over vast distances, up to approximately 250 kilometers, contributing to the replenishment of exploited populations. This study used genetic parentage analysis to track larval dispersal patterns for two species of groupers (Plectropomus maculatus and Plectropomus leopardus) across three clusters of reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia. The findings revealed both short- and long-distance, multidirectional larval movement, with median dispersal distances estimated at around 110 km for P. maculatus and 190 km for P. leopardus. This highlights the potential for long-distance connectivity among coral reef fish populations, underscoring the importance of well-protected marine reserves in sustaining exploited species by providing larvae that can recolonize fished areas at multiple spatial scales.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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Research conducted at the northern Galápagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf reveals the largest global shark biomass ever recorded, averaging 17.5 tons per survey site. This remarkable finding underscores the ecological significance of these islands within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR), where sharks dominate reef fish communities despite severe depletion elsewhere due to unsustainable fishing practices. Stereo-video surveys over two consecutive years provided quantitative estimates of fish abundance, highlighting the unique biodiversity and conservation value of Darwin and Wolf. Although historically unprotected from fishing until 2016, their current status offers hope for long-term preservation, benefiting both ecological integrity and the region's economically vital dive tourism industry.
Great Barrier Reef
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2016 —
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Tourists visiting the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are increasingly motivated by a 'last chance experience,' seeking to witness the reef before its potential decline, according to new research. The study, based on 235 questionnaires with on-site tourists, found that these visitors—termed 'seeking a last chance experience'—display higher environmental consciousness and greater concern for the GBR's health, particularly regarding coral bleaching/disease and climate change. While tourism was ranked as a moderate to low threat, this trend suggests shifting tourist behavior driven by perceived ecological urgency. The findings highlight the need for conservation strategies that address both environmental degradation and the growing influence of last chance tourism on vulnerable ecosystems.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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2016 —
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Research at the Kastrouli settlement in Delphi, Greece, reveals that this archaeological site was initially occupied during the Late Helladic period and subsequently reused across multiple historical phases, including the Middle Geometric, Early Archaic, and Classical periods. This discovery was made through a combination of optical luminescence dating (OSL) on ceramic samples and radiocarbon (C-14) dating of a bone sample, providing a preliminary but significant timeline for the site's occupation. The study highlights the site's continuous relevance in different historical contexts, offering new insights into the long-term use and significance of Delphi as a cultural and archaeological landscape.
Anticosti
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2016 —
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A diverse assemblage of jaw-bearing polychaetes (scolecodonts) from the Late Ordovician rocks of Anticosti Island, eastern Canada, reveals strong biogeographic connections between Laurentia and Baltoscandia during a critical period in Earth's history. The study, which analyzed 10 samples containing approximately 30 species, documents several first occurrences for Laurentia, including the family Xanioprionidae and genera such as Pistoprion, Tetraprion, and Rakvereprion. The findings suggest that the closing Iapetus Ocean did not act as a barrier to polychaete dispersal, despite some Laurentian influence indicated by hadoprionid occurrences. Distinct differences between Katian Vauréal and Hirnantian Ellis Bay assemblages likely reflect local environmental changes rather than the initial phase of the Hirnantian mass extinction. This research sheds new light on the biogeographic dynamics during a pivotal interval in the evolution of marine life.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
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2016 —
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Research reveals that gypsum caves in the northern Apennines, including some of the world's longest epigenic cave systems, began forming at least 600,000 years ago, challenging long-held assumptions about their age. The study used uranium-thorium dating of speleothems from 14 caves to determine that speleogenesis peaked during cold climate stages when surface rivers formed terraces and aggradation occurred. It also estimated that it took approximately 200,000 years for the dismantling of impervious sediments covering gypsum beds and the development of a mature surface drainage network. This finding significantly advances understanding of evaporite karst evolution in rapidly uplifting regions.
Canaima National Park
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2016 —
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A late-Holocene shift from gallery forests to savanna-dominated landscapes in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, is linked to human-induced fires and climate-driven droughts. Palynological analysis of sediment cores from Quebrada Kowana (QK) and Ariwe Fernland (AF) revealed that forest cover, dominated by taxa like Celastraceae and Moraceae/Urticaceae, declined sharply around 1800–1600 years ago due to recurrent fires—likely set by humans but exacerbated by drought. These findings confirm regional-scale gallery forest degradation during the late Holocene, with implications for conserving this culturally significant landscape.
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
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2016 —
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Le Corbusier's architectural works in Ahmedabad exemplify his innovative approach to integrating physical and sensory elements of a site, transforming them into dynamic spatial experiences. His designs, such as the Manorama Sarabhai residence and the Mill Owner's Association Building, reveal how he used architectural instruments to modulate environmental values—linking terrestrial, cosmic, and horizontal dimensions—while adhering to principles like the relative positioning of domestic spaces. These projects demonstrate his ability to blend tradition with modernist techniques, creating structures that evoke both visible and invisible presences of their surroundings. The study highlights Le Corbusier's methodical exploration of spatial relationships, rooted in perceptual synthesis and natural cycles, as a paradigm-shifting contribution to modern architecture.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
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2016 —
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A recent analysis of pottery from Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia, reveals significant insights into the site's occupation during the Iron Age (Nuragico II phase) and its later Punic-Roman use. The study identifies characteristic ceramic vessels from the 8th century BCE, aligning with known patterns in central-southern Sardinia, while also uncovering sparse but crucial evidence of activity between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE during the Punic period. This suggests continued habitation or visitation post-Iron Age, challenging earlier assumptions about the site's abandonment. The research employs comparative contextual analysis with other regional sites to classify pottery types and reconstruct chronological narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of Su Nuraxi's layered history.
New Lanark
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2016 —
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Robert Owen's industrial experiment at New Lanark (1825–1840) demonstrated that mechanization could serve as a solution to social inequality, challenging prevailing economic and societal norms. As both a critic of industrial progress and a practicing industrialist, Owen provided a unique perspective on the interplay between technological advancement and social reform during Britain's early industrialization period. His approach combined theoretical reflection with practical implementation, offering insights into the potential for industry to address social issues while driving economic development.
Choirokoitia
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking digital approach revolutionized the documentation and analysis of the Neolithic site of Khirokitia (Cyprus), transforming decades of archaeological data into an accessible, web-based resource. From 1986 onward, the French mission systematically digitized field records, enabling comprehensive management and analysis. By 2008–2009, this effort culminated in the online diffusion of archives, making Khirokitia’s extensive documentation available to global researchers. This study highlights how incremental digital integration—spanning data collection (1976–2009) to web publication—enhanced both research efficiency and scholarly collaboration, setting a precedent for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Tiwanaku culture (500–1150 CE) extensively utilized Lake Titicaca, not just its surrounding lands. Unlike previous research focusing on terrestrial areas, this project employed underwater archaeology to uncover subaqueous ritual practices, particularly ceramic offerings like incensarios, which provide direct evidence of Tiwanaku's relationship with the lake. Findings indicate that the lake was integral to their political, sociocultural, and spiritual landscapes, influencing territorial strategies, subsistence, and symbolic representations. The research highlights how the lake—perceived as a 'inner sea'—shaped mythological beliefs, iconography, and rituals, offering new insights into Tiwanaku's complex interaction with their environment.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2016 —
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A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Torre Annunziata, part of the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, identifies significant perturbative pressures affecting its urban system. By applying resilience theory to socio-urban systems, the research systematically analyzes these pressures, revealing dynamic transitions in technological landscapes that shape the built environment. The findings are crucial for defining acceptable limits of modification to preserve the structure and identity of the urban landscape while balancing conservation with socio-economic development goals. This approach provides a framework for sustainable urban planning, ensuring the integrity of historical sites amid evolving pressures.
Chartres Cathedral
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2016 —
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Late medieval lay elites in Chartres engaged in diverse charitable acts toward the Aumône Notre-Dame, the city's most significant hospital, to secure their spiritual salvation. These initiatives ranged from one-time monetary donations by bourgeois individuals to letters of protection issued by sovereigns. The study reveals that generosity was a key strategy for accessing salvation, with hospital communities and the poor serving as intermediaries through foundations like masses. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between charitable practices, religious beliefs, and social hierarchy in medieval Europe.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2016 —
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Sub-Antarctic megaherbs exhibit significant leaf and floral heating, with temperatures up to 11°C higher than ambient conditions, challenging the typical low-statured plant forms seen in cold climates. This discovery suggests thermal benefits akin to tropical alpine giants, driven by brief periods of solar radiation and enhanced by hairy, corrugated leaves and darkly pigmented inflorescences. Researchers used thermal imaging techniques on Campbell Island (52.3°S) to measure leaf and inflorescence temperatures, correlating them with environmental variables such as solar radiation, wind speed, and humidity. The findings highlight the potential adaptive significance of these plant traits in extreme environments.
Yakushima
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2016 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Lecanorchis tabugawaensis</em>, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from Yakushima Island, Japan. This discovery, published in <em>PhytoKeys</em>, highlights distinct morphological traits—such as its straight column and glabrous labellum—that set it apart from the closely related <em>L. taiwaniana</em>. The species is critically endangered (CR D1), with populations limited to two locations, each containing only dozens of mature individuals. The study employed comparative morphological analysis to distinguish this novel taxon. This finding underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Yakushima's unique biodiversity, particularly in light of its restricted distribution and mycoheterotrophic lifestyle, which relies on fungal associations.
Bourges Cathedral
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking study of Bourges Cathedral reveals that iron armatures, integral to its Gothic architecture, were not part of the original design but were introduced mid-construction to address structural instability. Analysis of 70 iron samples and 58 lead sealings, combined with archaeological observations from 2010–2011, demonstrates these reinforcements—including truss rods and chains in the triforium—were contemporary with the cathedral's early thirteenth-century construction but implemented reactively to stabilize an unfinished structure. This challenges long-held assumptions about medieval engineering practices and positions Bourges as a pivotal case study in the evolution of iron integration in Gothic masonry, highlighting a phase of experimental adaptation during its formative years.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2016 —
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The reconstruction of Strasbourg after the Franco-Prussian War (1870) introduced significant urban and architectural transformations, particularly in the city's north-western districts. Despite the severe damage inflicted during the conflict, the German authorities swiftly embarked on restoration efforts, culminating in the ambitious Neustadt extension project by 1880. This study reveals that while the reconstruction of key structures like the cathedral and municipal buildings initially appeared to maintain continuity with pre-war designs, closer examination shows notable shifts in urban planning and architectural styles, reflecting Germany's influence during its occupation of Alsace-Lorraine. The research employs a comparative analysis of historical documents, architectural plans, and visual evidence to assess how national identity and political context shaped the city's built heritage.
Fortifications of Vauban
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2016 —
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During the 17th and 18th centuries, Alsace's shifting eastern borders spurred the development of unique defensive hydrosystems—a strategic innovation distinct from Vauban's traditional fortifications. These systems, shaped by regional geography and geostrategic pressures, formed a flexible network of field fortifications to counter advancing threats. The study reveals how military planners adapted to dynamic frontiers, blending natural waterways with defensive engineering to create a resilient barrier. By analyzing historical records and spatial data, the research highlights the interplay between landscape and strategy in early modern warfare.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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A significant discovery of rodent remains, including the extinct hamster Allocricetus bursae and the steppe lemming Lagurus lagurus, was made during a survey at the Pradayrol cave in Caniac-du-Causse (Lot), part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'The Causses and the Cévennes.' The analysis suggests that the cave's sediment layers represent an ancient phase of marine isotope stage 6, characterized by severe droughts but cold winters. The biodiversity observed indicates a transitional climate between arid and more humid conditions, likely due to the cave's strategic location on the edge of a high plateau overlooking a vast irrigated valley. This finding provides valuable insights into the paleoenvironmental history of the region during the Middle Pleistocene.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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2016 —
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A rare glimpse into Roman-era glassware at Leptis Magna's Thermes du Levant reveals the coexistence of glass and selenite stone window panes within the same structure, alongside previously undocumented vessel shapes from the 3rd century. The study, based on extensive archaeological excavations (1994–2012), analyzes non-funerary glass artifacts—including tableware, lighting fixtures, gaming pieces, jewelry, and window materials—to trace imports from Egypt and local production in Proconsular Africa during Late Antiquity. This comprehensive documentation challenges assumptions about material use in Roman baths while providing insights into trade networks and craftsmanship in North African regions.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2016 —
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Sacred buildings, such as Durham Cathedral and the Jerusalem Temple, possess intrinsic religious significance that extends beyond their initial human construction. This study highlights their positive dimensions, including fostering divine experiences, promoting interfaith learning, and encouraging moral and political action. By comparing these two structures, it challenges the notion of early church indifference toward sacred spaces, demonstrating their enduring capacity to influence societal values and behaviors.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2016 —
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A new classification system for medieval administrative books used by the mayordomos (administrators) of Seville Cathedral is proposed, offering a more accurate reflection of their original roles and material characteristics. These diverse codices, primarily used for economic management, share common material traits despite serving specific purposes. The study analyzes their diplomatic and codicological features to better understand their function in managing the rich ecclesiastical heritage of Seville during the Middle Ages.
Lake Baikal
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2016 —
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Researchers using advanced lidar technology have uncovered the presence of atmospheric internal waves (AIWs) near Lake Baikal, Russia. These waves, characterized by oscillatory wind patterns, were observed six times during a two-week period in August 2015. Notably, AIWs consistently appeared alongside narrow jet streams at heights of 200 and 700 meters above ground level. The study revealed wave periods ranging from 6.5 to 18 minutes, with most lasting around 45 minutes, though one event persisted for nearly four hours. The amplitude of horizontal wind velocity oscillations reached approximately 1 meter per second, while vertical velocity oscillations were three times smaller. This discovery sheds light on the complex dynamics of atmospheric boundary layers over large water bodies like Lake Baikal.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
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2016 —
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Life at the Lahore Darbār (1799–1839) vividly reconstructs the opulence and grandeur of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Sikh court, drawing on contemporary sources to depict a lost era of Mughal-inspired splendor. The study highlights how Ranjit Singh revived the Lahore Fort's former magnificence during his 40-year reign, creating a cultural and political legacy that ended with British annexation in 1849. By analyzing historical accounts, it offers an immersive glimpse into the courtly life of this pivotal period, emphasizing its artistic, architectural, and social achievements. The research method relies on primary sources to capture the darbār's majesty, providing a unique lens through which to understand Sikh rule in Punjab.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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Research identifies Conura annulifera as a potential biological control agent for Philornis downsi, an invasive fly threatening Darwin's finches in the Galápagos Islands. The study reveals that C. annulifera is a solitary pupal ectoparasitoid with high host specificity, successfully reproducing only when exposed to P. downsi pupae and causing developmental mortality in hosts beyond successful parasitism. Field collections from Ecuador and laboratory experiments demonstrated its narrow host range, including no progeny production on non-target dipteran, lepidopteran, or hymenopteran species. This first record of C. annulifera in Ecuador provides foundational data for evaluating its efficacy as a biocontrol agent to mitigate the ecological impact of P. downsi on vulnerable finch populations.
San Antonio Missions
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2016 —
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Research reveals that colonial churches and missions in New Spain (modern-day Mexico) and Peru incorporated architectural designs to mark celestial events, such as equinoxes and solstices, through light beams projected via windows. While similar phenomena are documented in European architecture, this study highlights their presence in the Americas for the first time outside of California missions, with new evidence from Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. The findings demonstrate that these designs were not unique to Chiapas or Lima but were also employed in other colonial towns, challenging previous assumptions about regional architectural practices. The study combines archival research and astronomical analysis to trace light alignments, offering insights into the intersection of ecclesiastical iconography and celestial symbolism during the colonial period.
Island of Mozambique
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2016 —
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Heritage conservation often prioritizes curbing change, but this approach can overlook user needs and limit local acceptance. A study on the Island of Mozambique demonstrates that the 'Limits of Acceptable Change' (LAC) framework, when thoughtfully integrated into institutional planning, can positively influence heritage management in dynamic political, social, and environmental contexts. By embracing the potential of change, LAC enhances heritage conservation efforts while improving local engagement—a critical factor in governing urban Africa. The research highlights the importance of balancing preservation with adaptability to foster sustainable heritage management.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2016 —
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Linpan, a traditional rural settlement in Sichuan, China, offers a sustainable model for balancing conservation and development of rural landscapes. This study introduces the concept of 'Linpan Community,' which integrates ecological wisdom with modern community living to address challenges like environmental pollution and cultural loss. The framework emphasizes distinctive leading industries such as agriculture and tourism to support local economies while preserving landscape characteristics. By proposing a new rural landscape planning approach that merges traditional practices with contemporary living conditions, this research provides actionable insights for safeguarding and utilizing Linpan's unique heritage. The findings highlight the potential of community-based models in mitigating urbanization pressures on rural landscapes.
Kunya-Urgench
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2016 —
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A critical reassessment of the 'Turabeg Khanom' Mausoleum in Kunya-Urgench challenges its traditional attribution, questioning whether it predates or aligns with known Timurid architectural styles. The study, led by Lisa Golombek, a renowned expert on Timurid architecture, examines the mausoleum's exceptional tilework and mosaic quality to evaluate its historical placement. By analyzing stylistic elements and comparing them to other documented structures, the research aims to clarify the mausoleum's origins and significance within Central Asian architectural history.
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
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2016 —
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Kenya's Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, recognized for their high biodiversity and traditional conservation, were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites following a decade-long process initiated by the Kenya State Party. The study highlights the unique role of these forests in preserving cultural identity and natural heritage, with local communities successfully protecting them from encroachment for most of the 20th century without state involvement. Legal gazettement in 1992 marked a pivotal step, leading to their inclusion on the UNESCO candidate list in 1999. The paper meticulously documents this 'long journey,' offering firsthand insights into the nomination process and the criteria that underscored their outstanding universal value.
Putorana Plateau
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2016 —
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A comprehensive updated checklist of liverworts from the Putorana Plateau, East Siberia, reveals 118 species, with 47 recorded for the first time. Notable discoveries include Odontoschisma francisci and Saccobasis polymorpha, which exhibit amphi-oceanic distribution patterns, along with other rare taxa like Endogemma caespiticia and Marchantia romanica. The study confirms the plateau's Hemiarctic flora while debunking 26 previously reported species that could not be re-verified. This research synthesizes recent collections with historical data to refine our understanding of this unique Arctic ecosystem.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2016 —
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Archaeological excavations at the civitas Batavorum, a key settlement on the northwestern frontier of the Roman Empire, reveal significant insights into its economy, military importance, and domestic life. The study employs advanced archaeological techniques to uncover details about livestock trade, food supply for the Roman army, and town infrastructure, including religious and domestic buildings. This research provides the most comprehensive understanding yet of animal husbandry in a Roman frontier zone, offering valuable data on provincial rural economies during this period.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2016 —
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In the semi-arid Caatinga biome of Brazil, water management strategies implemented since 1994 have significantly enhanced habitat suitability (HS) for jaguars, pumas, and their prey species. A study using camera traps and Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) revealed that distance to waterholes was the most critical factor influencing HS across all species examined—including 3-banded armadillos, 9-banded armadillos, collared peccaries, and gray brocket deer. The research applied an 'edge of niche' algorithm to account for the physiological constraints faced by these species in extreme environments. By combining topographic data with waterhole locations, the study demonstrated that proactive water management in Serra da Capivara National Park (SCNP) is pivotal for maintaining biodiversity in arid ecosystems.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2016 —
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Tourists in Melaka, Malaysia, contribute modestly to the local economy through low expenditure on transportation and shopping. A study using Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) revealed that most tourists spent RM18.50 or less on transportation, often opting for walking, which limits economic benefits. Similarly, their spending in the shopping sector was generally below RM75, yet they supported local businesses, particularly along Jonker Street. This analysis highlights the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and targeted retail strategies to maximize economic returns from tourism.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2016 —
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A study tracking humpback whales over 33 years reveals that local recruitment and fidelity, rather than immigration from other regions, drive population recovery in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait (GBIS), Alaska. Using photoidentification and DNA analysis, researchers found that 73.6% of contemporary whales were either returning founders or descendants of founder mothers, with 96% of founder females represented or having descendants in the contemporary stratum. No significant genetic differences between temporal strata suggest minimal immigration from other feeding grounds, emphasizing the importance of local habitat protection for this culturally migratory species.
Península Valdés
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2016 —
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Breeding warrens serve as reliable indicators of mara (Dolichotis patagonum) habitat use throughout the year, revealing that these animals concentrate their activities around these sites without relying on alternative areas. The study found a strong association between warren location and microhabitat preferences, with maras favoring patches characterized by bare soil and proximity to infrastructure elements. By analyzing fecal counts along transects emanating from warrens, researchers demonstrated that intensively used patches are small and dispersed, suggesting multipurpose use of these areas for both breeding and resource exploitation. This insight underscores the ecological significance of warrens in understanding mara spatial behavior.
Aldabra Atoll
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2016 —
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Aldabra Atoll's brush-warblers (Nesillas) reveal a complex history of long-distance dispersal and inter-island colonization across the western Indian Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about their evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian methods uncovered that Comoros-endemic species are paraphyletic, while Madagascar's Nesillas typica and N. lantzii are not sister taxa despite diverging around 0.9 million years ago (Mya). The genus began diversifying ~1.6 Mya, with distinct ecological niches emerging in Malagasy lineages. This pattern aligns with the taxon cycle hypothesis, suggesting repeated dispersal events shaped their diversification. Ecological niche modeling and demographic analyses further supported these findings.
Yellowstone National Park
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2016 —
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A significant recovery of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in northern Yellowstone National Park, driven by reduced ungulate herbivory and a re-established trophic cascade, has been documented. The study found that aspen recruitment increased over 60-fold within 25 years after exclosure construction, despite a drying climatic trend since 1940, indicating that long-term aspen decline was primarily caused by high levels of elk (Cervus elaphus) herbivory rather than climate change. Following the reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in 1995–1996, aspen density and height surged from 1997 to 2012, coinciding with high predator-prey ratios, declining elk numbers, and decreased browsing rates. This recovery supports the hypothesis that trophic cascades play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics.
Doñana National Park
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2016 —
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Doñana National Park's marshes exhibit contrasting hydroperiod trends, with the northwestern region experiencing increased flooding duration while the southwestern area shows a steady decline. This finding emerges from a long-term analysis (1974–2014) using Landsat satellite imagery, which identified a reliable threshold in near-infrared reflectance to distinguish flooded areas with high accuracy (Kappa = 0.65). The study employed a semi-automatic classification method based on band 5 reflectance values from TM and ETM+ sensors, validated against extensive ground truth data. By retroactively applying this technique across the entire Landsat archive, researchers reconstructed historical flooding patterns, providing critical insights for hydrodynamic modeling and evaluating management interventions.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2016 —
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Long-distance pilgrimage to Mont-Saint-Michel in northern France played a significant role during the Counter Reformation (1520–1750), serving as both a spiritual and social challenge for pilgrims seeking deeper devotional experiences. This revival of ancient pilgrimage routes contributed to the spread of reformed Catholic values across northern France, emphasizing spiritual healing and intimacy with God alongside traditional requests for physical healing or thanksgiving. The study highlights how Mont-Saint-Michel's universal cult of St Michael, tied to the struggle against heresy and increasingly linked to Christ through the Eucharist, fueled its resurgence as a pilgrimage destination. Young men, in particular, undertook these journeys to prove their Catholic identity, while the pilgrimage itself became a vehicle for disseminating Counter Reformation ideals.
Doñana National Park
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A long-term decline in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) population was observed in Doñana National Park between 1995 and 2012. The study, conducted using spotlighting surveys in marshland and ecotone habitats, revealed that hare abundance varied significantly with weather conditions and plant cover. Early flooding in October, which partially submerged the marsh, positively correlated with hare abundance in both habitats, while dense grass and graminoid growth reduced hare numbers. These findings highlight the sensitivity of this endemic species to environmental changes, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies in protected areas.
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
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2016 —
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Roman aqueduct arcades, such as those at the Simian Bridge and Vallon des Arcs near Arles, demonstrate that ancient engineers relied on geometric rules of thumb for stable arch design. Retrospective analysis shows these principles could predict structural failures, explaining why some arches required later reconstruction—often shifting from stone blocks to concrete. This shift suggests Roman engineers refined their understanding of arch stability over time. The study highlights the enduring effectiveness of these geometric criteria in preserving aqueduct systems that supplied water to industrial sites like the Barbegal Mill and the city of Arles in the first century A.D.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2016 —
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Historical analysis of planning documents for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu reveals critical insights into tourism-related threats to World Heritage Sites (WHSs) and offers a pathway for sustainable conservation. The study highlights how past planning efforts, often influenced by tourism pressures, have shaped current challenges at Machu Picchu, including degradation of archaeological and architectural ensembles. By examining these documents, researchers demonstrate the importance of integrating historical perspectives with technical solutions to address threats such as over-tourism, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain. This approach provides a blueprint for rehabilitating WHSs globally by balancing preservation needs with sustainable tourism practices.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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2016 —
WHE7A8B675CB6
Portuguese Jesuit missionaries' early evangelization efforts among the Guaraní people, particularly their work with 'aldeias' (villages) in Brazil and Paraguay during the 16th century, significantly contributed to the foundation of future Jesuit missions. This study highlights their successful language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and establishment of Christian indigenous communities, notably in Guayrá, which served as a model for later reductions. Unlike prior research that focused on Spanish Jesuit or Franciscan experiences, this work emphasizes the Portuguese Jesuits' unique approach, drawing parallels to earlier missionary strategies in the West Indies while advancing their own methodologies.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2016 —
WHE3C83586011
A controversial figure of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, Burgomaster Jürgen Wullenwever, emerged during a period marked by religious upheaval and political instability. His involvement in the Count’s Feud, where he pledged allegiance to competing factions while seeking military support against Dutch merchant ships, led to economic hardship and discontent in Lübeck. This study, based on historical documentation collected by Georg Waitz, sheds light on Wullenwever's role and the broader socio-political dynamics of the time. It reveals how his actions exacerbated tensions between the citizenry, Emperor Charles V, and other regional powers, ultimately culminating in his arrest, trial, and execution. The analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between political maneuvering, economic shifts, and societal changes during this transformative era.
