The Sundarbans
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2016 —
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A tiger population of approximately 76 individuals, with a density of 4.6 tigers per 100 km², was estimated in the Indian Sundarbans using GPS and VHF radio-collars on six tigers (three males and three females). The study revealed that tigers exhibit strong habitat preference for Avicennia-Sonneratia over Phoenix, Ceriops, and barren areas, while avoiding crossing wide water channels (>400 meters), which serve as natural territory boundaries. Tiger activity peaks between 05:00 and 10:00 hours, overlapping with human activity in high-risk zones like Avicennia-Sonneratia and Phoenix habitats along wide channels. The research highlights the vulnerability of tiger movement due to increasing boat traffic and climate-induced sea-level rise, posing a significant threat to population connectivity.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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During the mass spawning event at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, coral and palolo worm eggs exhibited rapid dispersal within hours of release. Concentrations dropped dramatically from 10^6 to 10^1-10^4 m^-3 for corals and <em>Eunice viridis</em> respectively, with minimal eggs or embryos remaining in the lagoon after 16 hours. This rapid transport was linked to local hydrodynamics and high flushing rates, validated by drifter deployments and plankton sampling over five days post-spawning. The study provides empirical support for a biophysical dispersal model, highlighting the influence of physical conditions on reproductive success in tropical coral ecosystems.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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A dramatic decline in rare vegetation cover within buffer zones of Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art—has been linked to oil and gas infrastructure development. Research using remote sensing data revealed that while plant cover decreased significantly in buffer zones, bare ground increased sharply, contrasting with slight improvements in the sensitive core area. The study highlights the adverse ecological impact of industrial expansion on semi-arid ecosystems, threatening biodiversity despite protective measures.
Henderson Island
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2016 —
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Despite efforts to eradicate invasive rats from Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the South Pacific, the project fell short by a narrow margin. Genetic analysis revealed that only about 50–80 rats survived the initial baiting with brodifacoum, indicating a near-successful eradication attempt. The study excluded reintroduction as the cause for the rat resurgence and found no signs of resistance to the toxicant in the surviving population. This case study provides valuable insights into the challenges of large-scale invasive species control and offers lessons for future conservation efforts.
Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
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2016 —
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The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes (Mons, Belgium) represent one of Europe's most extensive and long-lasting mining operations, spanning from 4350 to 2300 BCE. This study reveals that the site's longevity was enabled by its rich flint resources, favorable geography, and sophisticated mining strategies, which evolved over time. Analysis of stratigraphic evidence and flint production suggests variability in both synchronic and diachronic mining techniques, particularly for standardized axeheads and blades. The research also proposes a hypothesis linking the seasonality of mining activities to the permanent settlement of Michelsberg populations, who combined farming with specialized mining and knapping. Group specialization, social control of resources, and century-old traditions likely sustained Spiennes' dominance in the Mons Basin's raw material supply for centuries.
Castel del Monte
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2016 —
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Castel del Monte, the enigmatic fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, embodies rational beauty through its perfect forms and mathematical precision. The structure's design, rooted in concepts like the golden ratio, reflects a deliberate harmony of form, number, and naturalistic detail, symbolizing imperial perfection. While the building's myriad interpretations remain speculative, its aesthetic and symbolic significance stand as a testament to the intersection of art, mathematics, and political power. This study underscores Castel del Monte’s role as a masterful fusion of rationality and mystery, where every element serves both functional and symbolic purposes.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2016 —
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This study highlights the significance of urban stasis and continuity in shaping the physical and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka's sacred cities, particularly Anuradhapura. It reveals how periods of continuous habitation, such as those in Anuradhapura (4 BCE - 11 ACE) and Polonnaruwa (11–13 ACE), led to the accumulation of monumental structures like stupas, palace complexes, hospitals, and reservoirs, which are now preserved by UNESCO. The research spatializes political geography and interprets urban design as a visual or cartographical text, influenced by religio-political tropes such as the mandala. It also traces the evolution of these cities through periods of abandonment due to invasion or drought, culminating in the last indigenous capital at Senkadagala (Kandy). The study employs historical analysis and spatial interpretation to understand the longevity and cultural significance of these urban landscapes.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
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2016 —
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Recent research on bryophytes highlights significant advancements in understanding their ecology, conservation, and biological interactions. A study by Muller (2014) documented the moss flora of Potsdam's Sanssouci Park, providing a detailed inventory that contributes to biodiversity monitoring in urban green spaces. Muster et al. (2015) explored 'Sphagnum farming' as a potential conservation strategy for peat bog species, offering insights into sustainable practices for threatened habitats. Na et al. (2015) analyzed Middle Jurassic palynology from Inner Mongolia, linking fossil data to paleobiological and paleogeographical reconstructions. Meanwhile, Nelson et al. (2015) introduced digitization workflows for plant, algae, and fungi collections, advancing herbarium-based research through technological innovation. Other studies, including those by Nishihama et al. (2015) on liverwort regeneration and Novotný & Mudrova (2015) on the rare copper moss <em>Streptocolea atrata</em>, delved into specific species' biology and conservation challenges. Collectively, these works underscore bryophytes' ecological importance while addressing gaps in their study through innovative methods.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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2016 —
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Recent epigraphic discoveries at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Medina Azahara reveal significant new insights into the caliphal city's monumental architecture and historical context. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of inscriptions, including previously undocumented onomastic evidence related to the 'Dar al-Sina'a' (House of Industry), which sheds light on the administrative and economic organization of the Caliphate of Córdoba during its 10th-century heyday. Through meticulous documentation and graphical representation, the research reconstructs lost details about the city's craftsmanship, labor systems, and the social hierarchy within this iconic Islamic urban ensemble. These findings challenge conventional interpretations by providing direct textual evidence that contextualizes Medina Azahara's role as a symbol of political power and cultural innovation under Abd al-Rahman III.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2016 —
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A study on wild house mice from Gough Island reveals significant variation in recombination rates, with some genomic intervals showing up to 28% divergence. Despite this high level of polymorphism, the genomewide recombination rate remains stable. Researchers analyzed genetic maps from 1212 meioses and compared them to a mainland reference strain, uncovering that recombination rate variation is more pronounced at smaller genomic scales. The findings suggest that most evolutionary changes occurred in one line of Gough Island mice, highlighting the complex nature of recombination rate evolution across different genomic regions.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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2016 —
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A critical reappraisal of African heritage traditions challenges Western-centric narratives, demonstrating how the revitalization of sacred sites like Osun-Osogbo Grove in Nigeria reshapes collective memory and future imaginaries. The study explores how colonialism marginalized indigenous religious practices, while contemporary conservation efforts under UNESCO's World Heritage policy reflect broader ideological shifts. By analyzing performative moments within African heritage traditions, it highlights alternative intellectual frameworks that diverge from Greco-European genealogies, offering a nuanced perspective on global heritage discourse.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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A comprehensive re-evaluation of archaeological evidence from the Galápagos Islands challenges the long-held belief that precolumbian humans occupied the archipelago. By re-excavating five sites initially studied by Heyerdahl and Skjølsvold in 1956, researchers found that all artifacts—regardless of age or origin—were distributed uniformly, contradicting the assumption of multiple, unrelated occupations. Optically-stimulated luminescence dating of putatively precolumbian pottery revealed most were of historical age, while radiocarbon dating confirmed that the sites postdate the 16th century. Sedimentary core analysis further indicated anthropogenic impacts limited to the last 500 years. The study concludes that there was no human occupation in the Galápagos Islands before the historical era.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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2016 —
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Integrated geophysical tomographic methods, including Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), successfully reconstructed buried archaeological structures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi. The study demonstrated that these non-invasive techniques can accurately map subsurface cultural remains up to 5 meters deep, providing high-resolution 3-D models of walls and other features within a relatively uniform soil matrix. By employing advanced tomographic inversion algorithms for SRT and ERT data, along with signal enhancement filters for GPR, researchers validated the existence of concealed archaeological elements, offering a robust tool for cultural resource management and preservation efforts.
Paphos
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2016 —
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A reconstruction of the façade of the House of Aion in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveals a cantilevered blind arcade with five spans, each featuring engaged columns supporting arches and shallow niches. This architectural design, inferred from excavated fragments including an arch, lintel, and consoles, draws parallels to similar structures such as the Porta Aurea at Diocletian's Palace in Split and the western façade of the Felix Romuliana Palace in Gamzigrad. The reconstruction provides insight into the decorative and structural sophistication of Roman architecture in Cyprus during the 1st century AD.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2016 —
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Research reconstructs the development history of karstic water networks in the southern Gömör-Torna Karst, revealing a transition from covered to open karst conditions over time. The study identifies regular patterns in underground river movements and ancient surface outflow directions by analyzing ruined caves, epigenetic valleys, and abandoned water conduits. This reconstruction provides insights into the evolution of landforms and the influence of karstification processes on both surface and subsurface hydrology. The findings are based on morphological analysis and water tracing techniques applied to scarce remnants of past geological phases.
Historic City of Yazd
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2016 —
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A strategic redefinition of pedestrian route-finding networks can effectively restore vitality and responsiveness to historic urban spaces, as demonstrated by the case study of Yazd Khan Plaza in Iran. The research proposes that balancing social life in historic contexts—often disrupted by modern urban elements—can be achieved by leveraging existing communication networks while strategically redefining historic pathways. This approach addresses imbalances caused by Pahlavi-era street lines, offering a solution to reclaim dynamic public spaces without altering the core structure of heritage sites. The study provides executable strategies to enhance pedestrian connectivity, ensuring comprehensive dynamism in historically significant areas.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2016 —
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A detailed redescription of two troglobiotic species, Deuteraphorura kratochvili and D. schoenviszkyi, from the Western Carpathian caves reveals their unique morphological traits, including the absence of pseudocelli on thoracic tergum I and the presence of a male ventral organ on abdominal terga II–III. Both species are obligate cave-dwelling forms (troglobionts), restricted to subterranean environments. The study examines intraspecific variability in D. kratochvili from its type locality, Demänovská Cave System, while D. schoenviszkyi is redescribed based on specimens from both Slovak and Aggtelek Karst, where the type locality is situated. An identification key for Deuteraphorura species lacking pseudocelli on thoracic segment I is also provided, aiding in their taxonomic differentiation.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2016 —
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Rapid redevelopment in Old Havana poses significant challenges to maintaining social equity. Research by Dujon et al. (2016) reveals that while urban regeneration efforts aim to preserve the site's historical integrity and boost economic growth, they often exacerbate inequalities among residents. The study highlights how gentrification displaces long-standing communities, particularly those with lower incomes, undermining social sustainability. To address this, the authors propose integrating equity-focused policies into urban planning, such as affordable housing initiatives and community engagement strategies. Their approach combines qualitative data from interviews with stakeholders—including local residents, policymakers, and developers—and quantitative analysis of demographic shifts to assess the impact of redevelopment on social cohesion.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
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2016 —
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A pioneering archaeoastronomical study of the Borġ in-Nadur temple, a 3rd millennium BC megalithic structure on Malta's Marsaxlokk Bay, reveals its potential alignment with astronomical phenomena. Unlike other Maltese temples, this site was initially explored in the 1920s but remained understudied until recent reassessments reignited scholarly interest. The research, leveraging historical artefacts and architectural remnants, suggests the temple's design may have been influenced by celestial observations, though its full plan remains unclear. Preliminary findings highlight the need for further investigation into its possible astronomical significance, marking a significant step in understanding Malta's megalithic culture.
Henderson Island
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2016 —
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Research indicates that Henderson crakes (Zapornia atra), a globally threatened island endemic, are significantly less likely to consume blue bait pellets compared to green ones. This finding suggests a potential strategy to reduce non-target mortality during rat eradication efforts on Henderson Island. The study involved 22 captive Henderson crakes, which were observed over five days in 2015, with consumption measured and analyzed using linear mixed models. Results showed that females consumed 24% less blue bait than green, while males consumed 77% less. Notably, the crakes did not consume dry pellets, highlighting the importance of wet bait conditions. The study recommends using blue baits during future rat eradication to minimize exposure risk for Henderson crakes.
Anticosti
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking refinement of the Ordovician chronostratigraphy beneath Anticosti Island, Canada, reveals a detailed 2 km-thick sedimentary record spanning from Floian to Hirnantian stages. This study combines high-resolution chemostratigraphy with updated biostratigraphy, identifying precise ages for six formations: Romaine (Floian to early Darriwilian), Mingan (middle Darriwilian to Sandbian), Macasty (lower to mid-Katian), lower Vauréal (upper Katian), upper Vauréal (uppermost Katian), and Ellis Bay (Hirnantian). The research utilized portable X-ray fluorescence analysis on 1414 core samples, alongside carbon isotope and strontium ratio analyses, to establish the duration of depositional sequences and sedimentation rates. This integrated approach significantly enhances the understanding of Anticosti Island's geological history.
Cordouan Lighthouse
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2016 —
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A novel approach using open-source GNSS software demonstrates centimeter-level precision in carrier phase altimetry by extending coherent integration time (CIT) beyond the standard 20-ms limit. This method, tested at the Cordouan Lighthouse and during a high-altitude flight over a lake, enables robust measurements of amplitude ratio and differential carrier phase between direct and reflected signals. The findings highlight the potential for precise altimetry applications, including ocean surface wind and wave height retrieval, as well as environmental monitoring such as soil roughness and snow/ice characteristics. By leveraging signal processing techniques like bit sign wiping, this research advances GNSS reflectometry as a versatile tool for remote sensing.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2016 —
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A study on Saki-yama Bay, Iriomote Island, reveals critical insights into the relationship between coral distributions and physical variables. Researchers identified that specific environmental factors significantly influence coral community structure, with temperature, salinity, and water clarity emerging as key determinants of coral health and diversity. The study employed a combination of field surveys, including underwater visual census and environmental monitoring, to assess coral distribution patterns across different zones within the bay. By analyzing these data, the team established correlations between physical oceanographic conditions and coral species composition, providing valuable implications for marine conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2016 —
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The religious landscape of the Ancient Merv Oasis, spanning from the mid-second century BC to the mid-seventh century AD, reveals a dynamic and diverse tapestry of faiths. This study demonstrates that Merv served as a significant crossroads for multiple religions, including Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, Manichaeism, and Buddhism, attracting adherents and missionaries from various parts of the ancient world. The research synthesizes extensive historical and archaeological evidence to illustrate how Merv's strategic location within the Iranian oecumene facilitated its role as a melting pot of cultural and religious influences during the Parthian and Sasanian periods. By analyzing textual sources alongside material culture, the study reconstructs the complex interplay between these faiths, shedding light on their coexistence and competition in one of history's most pivotal regions.
Medieval Town of Toruń
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2016 —
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Approximately 40% of the contemporary street network in Toruń’s close suburbs corresponds to roadways from the late 18th century, with some sections likely tracing back even further to medieval times. This finding emerges from a GIS-based analysis comparing historical plans—lacking cartometric precision—to modern geodetic data. Researchers applied rubber sheeting transformation to align the outdated maps, enabling quantitative and qualitative extraction of road data while accounting for potential errors in alignment. The study highlights the resilience of Toruń’s suburban road network despite significant urban transformations, including 17th–19th century fortifications. This approach demonstrates the utility of GIS in reconstructing historical urban landscapes with high probability, bridging gaps between past and present topography.
Coro and its Port
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2016 —
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Historical memories of the Coro slave rebellion (1795–2014) in Venezuela have evolved to reflect shifting political ideologies, from colonial fears of racial violence to modern anti-imperialist narratives. The study reveals how this rebellion was initially erased by 19th-century republican leaders but later reclaimed by historians and activists, linking it to ethnoracial struggle, cultural syncretism, and social exclusion. Recent communal organizations connect the rebellion to contemporary socialist projects, demonstrating its enduring role in shaping regional political identities.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2016 —
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A critical gap in archaeological provenance research within public collections, particularly those originating from colonial contexts, has been highlighted. While significant attention has been given to the provenance of artworks looted during the Nazi era, systematic inquiries into archaeological objects remain largely overlooked. This study argues that such research is essential for fostering equality and transparency in international relations, as well as aligning with contemporary cultural theory. It outlines a political and institutional agenda to address this lacuna, emphasizing the need for comprehensive provenance studies in archaeological museums. The approach combines foreign and cultural policy considerations with theoretical perspectives from recent cultural theory.
Kasbah of Algiers
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2016 —
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A comparative numerical analysis of Ketchaoua Mosque, a 17th-century masonry structure in Algiers, Algeria, reveals that its minarets are the most vulnerable components due to their slender design. The study, conducted using finite element method and system identification techniques, highlights the structural challenges posed by seismic events, which have caused damage to the minarets and vaults. Located at the foot of the Casbah Ketchaoua Mosque's rectangular plan with cross-shaped cathedral features presents unique architectural and engineering complexities. The research aims to inform repair and retrofit strategies to enhance the mosque's seismic resilience.
Ivindo National Park
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2016 —
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A recent study reveals that the Ogooué Ivindo province in Gabon, historically a focal region for Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT), remains infested with tsetse flies, major vectors of the disease. The research identified seven species of Glossina, with Glossina palpalis palpalis being the most abundant at 46%, followed by Glossina fusca congolensis and Glossina nashi. The study employed Vavoua and Nzi traps across four distinct habitats: Ivindo National Park, Zadié Village, Forest of Zadié, and Momba clearing, capturing a total of 2383 flies. These findings underscore the ongoing risk of HAT transmission in the region, emphasizing the need for further monitoring to assess its epidemiological significance on human health.
Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
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2016 —
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Chauvet Cave, discovered in 1994 and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, holds some of the earliest known cave art, predating any previously recognized examples. The cave's wall paintings and engravings, which were initially celebrated as representing the 'Dawn of art,' were closed to the public in 1994 to protect them from chemical and microbial damage. In April 2015, replicas of the most striking imagery were opened at a purpose-built site, Caverne du Pont d'Arc, allowing for the preservation and study of the original cave while providing access to its artistic treasures.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2016 —
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Dubrovnik is located in a highly seismic region, with its historical center experiencing significant deformation due to tectonic movements. A study analyzing geodetic measurements from the 1980s and 1990s revealed critical deformations, particularly following the 1995-1996 earthquake sequence that included over 3000 tremors. The research highlights the urgent need for expanded interdisciplinary geodynamic monitoring, including precise horizontal, GNSS, and gravimetric measurements, to better understand the seismic risks posed by the Adriatic micro-plate's movements. This comprehensive approach aims to inform future research and reconstruction efforts in the vulnerable historical center.
Site of Palmyra
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2016 —
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Palmyra's funerary sculptures, unique in their portrayal of individuals outside Rome, reveal that depictions of priests—comprising 18% of male representations—primarily signify status rather than profession. Analyzing 289 priestly figures across various forms (loculus reliefs, sarcophagi lids/boxes), this study argues that priesthood in Palmyrene art reflects social standing within family constellations, offering a novel methodological framework for interpreting funerary representations. The research leverages the Palmyra Portrait Project's corpus to challenge conventional views on priestly imagery, providing insights into Roman-period Palmyra's religious and social structures.
Darien National Park
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2016 —
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Researchers uncovered significant insights into the reproductive biology of the enigmatic Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), a rare bird species found in the Chocó rainforests from Panama to Ecuador. The study documented 16 nests, providing the first detailed description of active nest dynamics and family group behaviors during nesting, including cooperative breeding—a behavior previously unrecorded for this species. Notably, the researchers observed unusual provisioning behaviors, such as mounting between same-sex individuals and between immature male helpers and females, accompanied by a distinct solicitation display. The findings also extended the known Sapayoa breeding period by several months and described the plumage of immature birds along with their vocalizations. Phylogenetic analysis further highlighted the species' unique position, bridging Old World suboscines (Eurylaimides) and New World Tyranni, offering new perspectives on its evolutionary history.
Palmeral of Elche
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2016 —
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A novel approach to urban planning and bioclimatic architecture was demonstrated through the requalification of Elche's river park, integrating eco-houses with advanced cooling systems. The study introduced a vertical rotating panel system using large-format ceramic tiles to address energy inefficiencies caused by westward-facing glazing in residential buildings. By leveraging the chimney effect and vegetal masses for natural airflow and cooling, the research optimized energy consumption through simulations using Design Builder software. This model not only enhanced the relationship between urban spaces and the river Vinalopò but also proposed a sustainable building typology that could revitalize existing river parks while minimizing environmental impact.
Medieval Monuments in Kosovo
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2016 —
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A comprehensive study of medieval monuments in Kosovo, conducted under the auspices of the National Museum in Belgrade from 1881 to 1941, revealed significant advancements in the documentation and preservation of Serbian medieval heritage. The research, led by Vladimir R. Petković, introduced a systematic approach to fieldwork and academic study, resulting in over 7,500 photographs on glass plates—a invaluable resource for studying now-illegible or destroyed data. This effort laid the groundwork for critical scholarly approaches to Serbian medieval art, architecture, and wall paintings, while also initiating preservation efforts such as protective roofs for Rudenica and Gradac Monastery. The study's findings were published in the journal <em>Starinar</em> and the <em>Serbian Monuments</em> series, supported by the Mihajlo Pupin Foundation, which significantly contributed to the field.
Old Town of Ghadamès
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2016 —
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Traditional desert architecture in Ghadamès, Libya, demonstrates superior energy efficiency compared to contemporary air-conditioned buildings. A mixed-methodology approach combining surveys, interviews, observational techniques, architectural modeling, computer simulation (using EnergyPlus), and physical measurements revealed that traditional buildings leverage natural ventilation and compact urban morphologies to minimize energy consumption. Field surveys from 2013–2014 involving 100 residents highlighted sociocultural perceptions of thermal comfort, which, when integrated with objective data, informed architectural modeling and computer simulations. These findings show strong agreement between simulated and actual environmental performance, providing a conceptual framework for sustainable housing design in hot climates.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
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2016 —
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Robert H. Jackson's study reveals that the Jesuit missions of Paraguay and Chiquitos, despite their geographical separation, shared demographic patterns and cultural resilience. Both regions' indigenous populations, prior to contact with Jesuits, practiced agriculture supplemented by hunting and gathering. Upon joining the missions, they experienced improved nutrition due to intensified agricultural activities and livestock farming, while maintaining their social structures. Jackson's comparative analysis highlights similarities and differences in population dynamics between these missions and other Spanish colonial frontier zones, using a combination of historical records, demographic data, and ethnographic observations. The study also examines the devastating impact of smallpox on mission populations and post-1768 demographic shifts following the expulsion of Jesuits. Supported by extensive documentation and visual aids, this work provides a nuanced understanding of the long-term effects of missionary activities on indigenous communities in Spanish South America.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
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2016 —
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Local residents' recreational and social engagement with the Temple of Heaven World Heritage Site in Beijing reveals a nuanced relationship often overlooked in heritage management. While residents are typically seen as service providers or impacted stakeholders, this study highlights their active role as users of heritage resources. Findings indicate diverse use patterns, motivations, and perceptions among residents, which contrast with those of tourists. The research underscores the importance of integrating local perspectives into planning and management strategies to ensure sustainable and inclusive use of shared heritage sites.
Okavango Delta
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2016 —
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Riparian plant communities in the Okavango Delta exhibit significant changes in composition and distribution based on their distance from surface water, with vegetation parameters like tree height, basal area, canopy cover, and diversity increasing as distance decreases. This suggests that riparian species can serve as indicators of long-term hydrologic conditions in the Delta. The study analyzed seven sites using 20 m × 10 m belted plots at incremental distances (0–50 m) from riverbanks, measuring key vegetation metrics and employing statistical analyses to correlate distance with plant community characteristics.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2016 —
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Hunting significantly reduces group size, alters group composition, disrupts daily activity patterns, and decreases the relative abundance of both white-lipped peccaries (<em>Tayassu pecari</em>) and collared peccaries (<em>Pecari tajacu</em>), according to a study conducted in Calakmul, Mexico. Researchers compared these effects between Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (no hunting) and Nuevo Becal (hunting site) using camera-traps and direct observations from 2014–2015. Findings suggest that proactive management—such as protecting key resources like water, enforcing hunting controls, and monitoring populations—could mitigate these impacts and ensure the survival of both species in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2016 —
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Tourism growth around Machu Picchu has emerged as a significant economic driver for Cusco, yet poverty persists, particularly in rural mountainous areas. While revenue generation is critical, the study highlights that limitations in access to basic services and infrastructure pose greater barriers to social inclusion than financial circumstances alone. The research focuses on porters along the Inca Trail, examining how responsible tourism strategies could address these systemic challenges. By analyzing economic, social, and infrastructural factors, the study underscores the need for integrated approaches to poverty alleviation that go beyond revenue generation.
Mount Athos
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2016 —
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Historic buildings can be restored to enhance energy efficiency and reusability without compromising their authenticity, as demonstrated by the Haybarn Complex at Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. This UNESCO-listed site, renowned for its cultural and natural significance, showcases a successful methodology for integrating modern energy standards into traditional structures. The study highlights that energy refurbishment can be achieved while adhering to conservation principles, ensuring both functional reuse—such as occasional stays—and significant energy savings. The findings provide practical recommendations for balancing heritage preservation with contemporary needs, offering a model for similar restoration projects worldwide.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2016 —
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A rare discovery of crab remains, specifically from the red crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and blue crab (Cardisoma guanhumi), in the archaeological context of Teopancazco at the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan reveals a previously undocumented cultural relationship between ancient central Mexican societies and coastal inhabitants. This finding, derived from excavations led by Dr. Linda R. Manzanilla, indicates that these crabs were part of the region's biodiversity and likely played roles in trade, rituals, or diet during the late Tlamimilolpa to Xolalpan stages (300-600 AD). The presence of fish bones, a sea urchin, and crab chelae fragments underscores the significance of coastal wildlife in Teotihuacan's socio-economic landscape, challenging previous assumptions about its limited interaction with marine resources.
Vredefort Dome
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking integration of helicopter-borne geophysical technologies successfully mapped the subsurface structure of the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Earth's largest preserved impact craters. The 2016 test survey combined ZTEM™ (Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetics), aeromagnetic, and airborne gravity measurements over 650 km² using nine flight lines. This approach demonstrated the feasibility of helicopter-based gravimetry while leveraging the superior depth penetration of ZTEM and aeromagnetics for regional geophysical applications. The results highlight the potential of this multi-method system to advance subsurface exploration in complex geological settings, offering new insights into impact structures and their underlying features.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2016 —
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A cluster of tombs from approximately the 11th Dynasty, located to the north of the Temple of Millions of Years of Thutmosis III in Western Thebes, provides significant insights into ceramic traditions during the late Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period. This study presents a detailed analysis of pottery finds from these tombs, predating the temple's construction, alongside selected New Kingdom pottery types, such as those from foundation deposits. Conducted over five years (2011–2015), the research employs systematic ceramic analysis to reconstruct burial practices and material culture transitions in Ancient Thebes. The findings contribute to understanding the temporal and cultural context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a rare glimpse into pottery production and use during these pivotal periods.
Uvs Nuur Basin
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2016 —
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Long-term avian influenza surveillance at Lake Uvs Nuur, a key Northern Eurasian site, reveals its critical role as a reservoir for the preservation and evolution of influenza A virus in wild bird populations. The study, spanning 2006-2016, analyzed highly pathogenic H5N1 circulation and molecular epidemiology using phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 5.2 software) to construct genetic distance matrices via the Kimura two-parameter method. Findings highlight the biogeocoenose's significance for viral dynamics, emphasizing the need for continued ecological and virological monitoring to assess epidemic and pandemic potential of novel strains.
Mount Wutai
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2016 —
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Broad-leaved plants, particularly Populus davidiana (Po. davidiana), Rosa hugonis Hemsl. (R. hugonis), and Betula platyphylla Suk. (B. platyphylla), are highly effective in retaining atmospheric particles in the Mount Wutai scenic area, significantly contributing to air purification. The study found that these plants can retain up to 38.60 ± 18.32 mg/cm² of suspended particles before rain, with a substantial reduction observed post-rainfall (0.65 ± 0.23 to 3.50 ± 1.83 mg/cm²). The research analyzed eight plant species, assessing their particle retention capabilities through metrics such as weight, light-shaded area, and horizontal density of particles on leaves. While broad-leaved plants demonstrated superior performance, needle-leaved species like Pinus tabuliformis Carrière (Pi. tabuliformis) were found to be less effective for air purification in this context.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2016 —
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A reevaluation of the foundation of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey challenges traditional narratives, asserting that Duke Richard I of Normandy's role in 965 was not merely a historical oversight but a strategic political move. Unlike previous interpretations suggesting minimal Norman interest before the 11th century or the presence of earlier Breton Benedictines, this study argues that Richard deliberately replaced existing clerics with Benedictines to secure alliances with key political figures: Emperor Otto I, King Lothair, and Count Thibault of Blois. The research relies on critical analysis of historical sources, demonstrating that while Richard's initial involvement was politically motivated, his subsequent neglect led to the abbey's instability for a generation. This finding reshapes our understanding of Norman influence in the region during the 10th century.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of Herculaneum papyri reveals that metallic ink, specifically containing lead, was used centuries earlier than previously believed. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about ancient writing materials and provides new insights into the manufacturing and use of papyri in Greco-Roman societies. Researchers employed advanced imaging techniques to detect metallic concentrations within the papyrus fragments, offering crucial data for optimizing future computed tomography (CT) scans on unrolled Herculaneum scrolls. The findings also suggest the possible existence of ruled lines on the papyrus texture, further enriching our understanding of ancient writing practices.
Península Valdés
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2016 —
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Southern elephant seals, once extirpated from the eastern South Pacific due to hunting, are showing signs of recolonization. A review of 409 confirmed sightings from 1900 to 2014 and tagged seal data reveals their presence from Cape Horn Archipelago in southern Chile to Ecuador, including oceanic island groups. Three incipient pupping sites south of 51°S in Chile indicate slow population growth, though the immigration source remains unclear. Satellite tagging suggests some seals originate from Peninsula Valdés and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, with preliminary mtDNA analysis hinting at a stronger genetic link to the latter.
