Gunung Mulu National Park
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2015 —
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Scientists have identified the final stadium larva of Onychargia atrocyana, a damselfly species endemic to Borneo, using DNA barcoding techniques. This marks the first description of the larval stage for any member of the subfamily Onychargiinae. By comparing mitochondrial COI gene sequences from larval specimens collected in Gunung Mulu National Park with those of known adult specimens across Sarawak and West Malaysia, researchers confirmed the species' identity with high certainty due to its taxonomic isolation. The study also provides a comparative analysis of larval morphology within the Platycnemididae family, offering insights into potential phylogenetic relationships. This discovery contributes to our understanding of damselfly biodiversity in Southeast Asia.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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2015 —
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A multi-year ethnoarchaeological study of the Kel Tadrart Tuareg, desert pastoralists from Libya’s Tadrart Acacus massif, reveals critical insights into their adaptation to arid environments and patchy resources. The research, conducted between 2003 and 2011, employed a comprehensive approach to explore interactions with natural resources, settlement patterns, campsite layouts, and site abandonment processes. Findings highlight the resilience and sustainability of dryland pastoralism, offering valuable data for archaeologists, anthropologists, and stakeholders invested in understanding human-environment dynamics in extreme conditions.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking optic-based monitoring system has been successfully designed and installed on the historic Luiz I Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to 19th-century Portuguese industrial engineering. This innovative approach leverages optical technology to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge, which has been in continuous operation since its construction in 1886 by Belgian engineer Teophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. The system aims to provide real-time data on the bridge's condition, facilitating proactive maintenance and preserving its cultural and historical significance. This study represents a significant advancement in bridge preservation techniques, combining traditional engineering with cutting-edge optical monitoring to safeguard this iconic landmark for future generations.
Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
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2015 —
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The Fonciére Palace, a neo-Renaissance building on Andrássy Avenue in Budapest, underwent a pivotal design competition in the 1880s that shaped early architectural culture in the city. Adolf Feszty's winning design featured a monumental cupola at its corner, which significantly enhanced its urban impact but was destroyed during World War II and later removed. The absence of this element has drastically reduced the building's architectural value, highlighting the competition's historical significance. This study analyzes the competition's stages and Feszty's role, emphasizing how architects' responses to the palace's urban setting became a defining aspect of its design legacy.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2015 —
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A novel integrated monitoring system for constructional structures, leveraging mobile cloud technology, has been designed to address critical challenges in long-term maintenance and disaster prevention. This system enables real-time data collection and analysis of over 10,000 structures across Korea, including timber bridges in Asan Oeam Village and traditional houses in Andong Hahoe Village, using probabilistic and statistical techniques. Unlike conventional systems, it allows for continuous hardware upgrades and software modifications without dependency on original developers, enhancing flexibility and adaptability to advances in ICT. Performance validation through TTA authentication, web accommodation, and operation tests with emulated data confirms the system's effectiveness.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2015 —
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Roman luxury villas on the Bay of Naples (c. 100 B.C.E.–79 C.E.) were designed to maximize sensory engagement with the landscape, challenging traditional architectural norms. Unlike urban domus with inward-focused symmetry and circulatory cores, these villas lacked a performative center, instead employing 'perforated space'—a design principle that prioritized fluid connectivity, air circulation, and visual links to the surrounding environment. This approach, evident in the second and fourth styles of wall painting, redefined domestic architecture as an extension of nature rather than a protected cave-like structure. The study analyzed five villas using dispersed building perspectives, revealing their multifunctional, landscape-integrated designs through detailed design analysis and archaeological data. Key findings include the absence of Vitruvian symmetry in villa architecture and the emphasis on water features (fountains, piscinae) as central sensory elements.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2015 —
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Researchers have developed advanced seismic analysis techniques to detect and locate volcanic tremors with high precision at the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes in Kamchatka. By analyzing cross-correlations of continuous seismic records, they identified distinct signals between 0.2 and 2 Hz, which correspond to tremors emitted by different volcanoes. Two innovative methods—source-scanning based on envelope summation and phase-matching—were used to distinguish tremors from Klyuchevskoy and Tolbachik volcanoes, enabling real-time monitoring of their intensity. This study advances volcanic tremor detection, offering potential for improved hazard assessment at active volcanic sites.
Yosemite National Park
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2015 —
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A novel statistical approach confirms that non-native fish negatively impact the endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) in Yosemite National Park, while finding no evidence linking current packstock use to declines in the threatened Canyon treefrog (Anaxyrus canorus). The method combines predictive models with a stratified permutation test to assess rare stressors on rare species using observational data. By stratifying potential habitats based on predicted suitability and then testing stressor associations, researchers bypass traditional model interpretation challenges, offering a robust tool for conservation priority-setting.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2015 —
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A study detecting antibodies to Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in free-living jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Pantanal, Brazil, revealed that 18.2% of the sampled jaguars were seroreactive for Leptospira, with a Brazilian isolate of serovar Canicola identified as the most infective strain. All jaguars tested negative for Brucella abortus antibodies. The research employed autochthonous antigens from Brazil, combined with reference antigens, to diagnose leptospirosis using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and the Rose Bengal test for B. abortus. This approach significantly increased the detection of reactive animals, suggesting that incorporating local antigens can alter the epidemiological profile of Leptospira infections in wildlife.
Brasilia
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2015 —
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Environmental consciousness in Brasília is strongly linked to higher education levels and the perception of personal effectiveness in environmental actions, even when these actions are small or isolated. This finding emerges from a study that analyzed socio-demographic and psychographic factors influencing environmental behavior among residents. Researchers used logistic regression on questionnaire data to identify key determinants, providing insights for environmental marketing strategies. The results suggest that while education plays a significant role, the belief in one's ability to make a difference—regardless of scale—is a critical driver of pro-environmental behavior.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2015 —
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Riparian vegetation remnants on sugarcane farms in the Queensland Wet Tropics can significantly support bird biodiversity, but their effectiveness depends critically on width and proximity to source forest. Research found that even narrow riparian strips (>10 m) benefit edge and open-vegetation species, while widths exceeding 90 m are necessary to sustain closed-forest specialists. Distance from the nearest intact forest also plays a pivotal role, with bird assemblages transitioning gradually—rainforest and dense-vegetation species giving way to more open-habitat species as distance increases. This study highlights the dual value of remnant riparian zones: they act as vital conservation corridors for generalist species while requiring strategic management (e.g., width maintenance) to retain specialist species, underscoring their potential in agricultural landscapes within UNESCO-listed regions.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2015 —
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A follow-up study on the Sacred City of Anuradhapura reveals that community workshops, a key component of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs, hold significant potential for developing local resources. The research highlights strong support from disabled individuals and local government officers, suggesting that local communities can effectively leverage opportunities to address weaknesses in resource development. Using an action research approach with qualitative methods—including interviews, focus group discussions, and field notes—the study analyzed data through a SWOT framework (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Findings indicate both positive and negative attributes of these workshops, offering insights for improving CBR programs in rural Sri Lanka. The study underscores the importance of community engagement and local governance in sustainable rehabilitation efforts.
Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora
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2015 —
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A comprehensive approach to valorizing the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese reveals that its authenticity hinges on preserving and developing three interconnected values: archaeological, religious, and touristic. Research demonstrates that isolating any single value risks fragmenting the site's identity, undermining its historical integrity. The study proposes a balanced pattern for valorization, emphasizing concerted preservation efforts to maintain the site's multifaceted significance. This approach not only safeguards its cultural heritage but also maximizes potential benefits through sustainable tourism and religious reverence.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2015 —
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A Bikeability Index developed for Graz, Austria, reveals that cycling infrastructure, bicycle pathways, and green areas significantly enhance bicycle-friendliness, while main roads and topography deter cyclists. This index, derived from GIS data analysis of 278 bicycle trips, demonstrates predictive validity by correlating with actual cycling behavior (OR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.17). The resulting high-resolution bikeability map provides a visual tool for urban planning and evaluation, offering insights into the transport environment's impact on cycling habits in mid-sized European cities.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2015 —
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A novel electronically supported heritage conservation method for the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India's Himalayas, demonstrates potential to balance tourism and ecological preservation. The study proposes a computerized permit system with dynamic pricing (currently Rs 150 per person) to optimize visitor distribution across the park's 3.5-month season while maintaining its maximum carrying capacity of 60 persons daily. By integrating fallow periods and targeted internet marketing for educated tourists, this approach aims to mitigate overcrowding risks to the fragile ecosystem—valued at millions in both monetary and intangible heritage terms—while enhancing revenue for conservation efforts in resource-constrained Uttarakhand.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2015 —
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A study conducted in the low-nutrient, low-chlorophyll waters of the Noumea lagoon (New Caledonia) revealed that unicellular cyanobacterial Group C (UCYN-C) exhibited rapid growth under specific conditions, reaching among the highest net growth rates reported for diazotrophs. The VAHINE mesocosm experiment demonstrated that UCYN-C became dominant in response to fertilization with dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP), despite low abundances outside the mesocosms. This suggests that DIP fertilization and increasing temperatures created favorable conditions for UCYN-C growth, while other diazotrophs like heterocyst-forming Richelia associated with Rhizosolenia (Het-1) dominated early in the experiment. The study also highlighted a diverse field population of diazotrophs in the lagoon, including two ecotypes of Braarudosphaera bigelowii symbiont unicellular group A (UCYN-A), with UCYN-A2 being more abundant than UCYN-A1.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2015 —
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The ADGB-Bundesschule in Bernau, designed by the Dessau Bauhaus under Hannes Meyer's leadership (1928-1930), stands as a significant yet overlooked architectural achievement of the Bauhaus movement. This building, the only large-scale project from Meyer’s tenure, was excluded from UNESCO World Heritage status despite its revolutionary design and material innovation. The study highlights how the school’s preservation—restored in 2007 and repurposed as an internat for Berlin’s Handwerkskammer—revealed its original authenticity and functional continuity with its educational purpose. This case underscores the potential for expanding Bauhaus World Heritage recognition to include Meyer’s influential works, which remain undervalued in public perception despite their pivotal role in shaping 20th-century architecture.
Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus
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2015 —
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A rare collection of historical and mid-20th-century photographs of the Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hamburg, Germany, offers a visual record of its architectural evolution. The publication, featuring images from Hans Meyer-Veden and texts by Manfred Sack and Rolf Lange, leverages archival materials provided by the Staatsarchiv Hamburg to document changes over nearly a century. This monograph, published in ICOMOS' journal series, serves as both a historical resource and a tool for understanding the cultural significance of this iconic district.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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2015 —
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The Saakhelu ritual of the Nasa (Páez) people, practiced at the National Archeological Park of Tierradentro in Cauca, Colombia, serves as a periodic healing ceremony for their territory. Following a devastating mudslide in 1994, which the Nasa interpreted through their mythology, traditional 'medicine men' revived ancient rituals to address the 'heated' land, ward off negative energies from the condor kduul, and nourish cosmic entities. The ritual, rooted in indigenous cosmovision, treats nature not merely as a resource or object of contemplation but as an active field for healing, reflecting a dynamic relationship between humans and their environment.
Iguaçu National Park
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2015 —
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A study of the fish assemblage in Iguaçu National Park reveals that low species richness does not lead to broader trophic niches or the absence of key ecomorphotypes. Researchers analyzed the diet and morphology of seven endemic fish species, finding low diet overlap and distinct ecomorphological traits, suggesting niche partitioning even in species-poor environments. The study used quarterly electrofishing sampling from 2011 to 2012, analyzing stomach contents and body morphology through PCA, with a partial Mantel test confirming the independence of diet and morphology from phylogeny.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2015 —
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A study on the diet of mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus), a threatened small macropod, reveals that their dietary range is narrow and consistent across two distinct regions: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the historic Tanami Desert. The research, utilizing fecal pellet analysis, found that mala primarily consume grasses and supplementary foods, with no significant correlation to rainfall patterns. Notably, they exhibit a preference for specific plant species such as Aristida holathera and Eragrostis eriopoda, which should be monitored to assess carrying capacity in reintroduction sites. The findings suggest that botanically diverse areas supporting these plants are optimal for mala conservation efforts.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2015 —
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Research in Quanzhou Bay's estuarine wetland reveals distinct metal and enzyme distributions under three dominant mangrove species: Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Kandelia obovata. These differences, attributed to variations in root systems, planting times, and soil conditions like pH and salinity, highlight how each species influences elemental stoichiometry and enzymatic activity. Specifically, A. corniculatum aggregates Mn, urease, and phosphatase; K. obovata accumulates Cu, urease, and phosphatase; while A. marina activates Zn and promotes urease, phosphatase, and catalase. These findings suggest that mangroves enhance wetland biodiversity by altering soil microenvironments, offering valuable insights for estuarine wetland restoration strategies.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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A comprehensive digital 3D documentation of the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest Buddhist monuments, has been achieved using advanced photogrammetric techniques. This study successfully integrated UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and terrestrial imaging to create high-resolution DEMs (digital elevation models), orthoimages, and maps at scales of 1:100 and 1:1000, providing unprecedented detail for monitoring the temple's structural integrity. The resulting data has been leveraged by local government organizations to inform conservation policies and heritage management strategies, with a web-based information system facilitating easy access and visualization of the 3D models. This approach offers a scalable solution for preserving cultural heritage sites facing deterioration due to natural disasters.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2015 —
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Advanced digital modeling techniques, rooted in CAD evolution, offer transformative potential for analyzing, managing, and disseminating architectural heritage. This study demonstrates their application to the chapel of La Virgen de la Antigua in Seville Cathedral, revealing how these models can capture and interrelate diverse data—morphological, material, structural, historical, and cultural—beyond mere physical elements. By integrating immaterial aspects like spatial traces, functionality, and furnishings, the approach enables comprehensive heritage management, conservation, intervention, investigation, and dissemination. The experimental model developed here serves as a versatile tool for multiple disciplines, bridging gaps between tangible and intangible heritage attributes.
Stevns Klint
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2015 —
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Advancements in Structure from Motion (SfM) and photogrammetry enable the creation of detailed 3D digital outcrop models using images captured with handheld cameras, significantly reducing costs and effort. This study demonstrates the versatility of this approach by generating point clouds at varying scales—from metres to kilometres—across different environments: land (Faxe limestone quarry), sea (Stevns Klint coastal cliff), and ice (A.P. Olsen Land, Greenland). The models reveal outcrop topography or micro-topography with high precision, showcasing the method's potential for geological documentation in diverse and challenging settings.
Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
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2015 —
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Automated 3D digitalization techniques, including laser scanning, photogrammetry, and videogrammetry, have emerged as efficient and rapid methods for documenting complex heritage sites. This study demonstrates their application at the Temple of Diana in Mérida, Spain—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993—showcasing how these non-contact techniques can streamline documentation while preserving historical data with precision. The research highlights the adaptability of these methods to diverse applications, offering a scalable solution for heritage conservation that balances speed and accuracy.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2015 —
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A significant finding from the VAHINE mesocosm experiment in New Caledonia's lagoons reveals that dinitrogen (N2) fixation and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) play crucial roles in fueling primary production and particulate export, especially under nitrate-depleted conditions. The study demonstrated that while diazotrophic communities, such as diatom–diazotroph associations (DDAs) and unicellular cyanobacteria UCYN-C, both contribute to N2 fixation, UCYN-C-driven production was more efficient at promoting carbon export compared to DDAs. Additionally, DON consumption during the latter phase of the experiment suggested its importance as an additional nitrogen source, highlighting its potential significance in nitrogen-limited oceanic ecosystems.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2015 —
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Recent discoveries of dinosaur trackways in the Upper Cretaceous Oldman and Dinosaur Park formations (Belly River Group) of southern Alberta reveal a novel preservation style of ichnofossils, termed 'concretionary tracks.' These tracks, attributed to hadrosaurs, are found as sideritic or calcareous concretions protruding from fine-grained deposits. Unlike typical track fossils, these concretionary tracks exhibit microscopic convoluted laminations and suggest formation in wet paleoenvironments where groundwater rich in dissolved carbonates flooded depressions left by dinosaurs. As the water evaporated, minerals precipitated and mixed with clastic material, filling the tracks either partially or completely. Geochemical analyses indicate cementation occurred rapidly after burial, possibly due to microbial activity. Modern erosion exposes these tracks but also causes them to break apart quickly, altering their diagnostic shape. This discovery suggests dinosaur tracks may be more common than previously thought but are transient in badlands environments.
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia
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2015 —
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The University of Coimbra's Alta and Sofia district, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, exemplifies how cultural heritage management can integrate legal frameworks, urban rehabilitation, and sustainability. This study analyzes the criteria and processes behind its classification while examining its role in territorial planning and urban revitalization efforts. By focusing on the intersection of heritage law and practical application, it provides insights into balancing preservation with development, offering a model for other World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.
Ephesus
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A pivotal discovery at Ephesus, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, was made by John Turtle Wood in 1869 when he uncovered a Greek inscription that pinpointed the long-lost Temple of Artemis. This breakthrough followed six years of meticulous excavations supported by the British Museum, which began after Wood abandoned his railway project in Turkey to focus on Ephesus. The temple, buried under layers of sand, required an exhaustive four-year excavation effort. The 1877 publication not only details these findings but also includes Greek and Latin inscriptions with translations, providing critical historical insights. Additionally, the work references ancient writings about the temple, enriching our understanding of this iconic site.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2015 —
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The activation of cultural relics, such as the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, significantly enhances public engagement and understanding while posing challenges to their preservation. This study identifies that effective interpretation of historical and cultural significance can fulfill social service functions without compromising heritage protection. By analyzing resource characteristics, it proposes sustainable approaches for balancing tourism development with relic conservation, offering a model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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2015 —
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Small-scale fishers in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, face significant challenges due to displacement and disempowerment following the establishment of Orango National Park. The study reveals that migrant fishers, often living in isolated camps, lost access to key fishing grounds, leading to violent evictions and a shift to less-observed waters within the marine protected area. This non-compliance highlights weak resource management and complex power dynamics between migrant fishers, indigenous Bijagós islanders, and fisheries authorities. The research uses an anthropological case study to explore these tensions, emphasizing the human rights implications of fishing restrictions in the region.
Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique
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2015 —
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A Plinian-style eruption of Mount Pelée approximately 2000 years ago produced pyroclastic density currents that extended at least 20 km from the crater, with distal deposits showing progressive depletion of fines and enrichment in crystals. This study suggests these were dilute, inertia-dominated overcurrents that decoupled from their underflows due to topography and interaction with tropical vegetation, significantly expanding their distribution. The findings imply severe devastation across northern Martinique, potentially reaching Fort-de-France, and highlight modern hazards such as ash dispersion affecting aviation.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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A study of ceramic artifacts from the Pucará de Tilcara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina's Quebrada de Humahuaca, reveals differential consumption patterns linked to social and economic roles during the late pre-Hispanic period. Analysis of Inca pottery, sourced from across the Tawantinsuyu empire, indicates that distinct categories of goods were used based on the function of different groups within the site. This suggests a complex interplay between political dynamics and material culture circulation in the region.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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A study reveals that the distribution of Enhalus acroides, a tropical seagrass species listed as endangered (Vulnerable) by Japan's Environment Ministry, is significantly influenced by specific physical conditions. Dense and tall stands of this seagrass are found in waters up to 0.76 meters deep, characterized by average significant wave heights of 25–32 cm during high winter waves, bottom current speeds of 11–19 cm/s, and residual tidal currents of 0.1–0.3 cm/s at spring tides. Researchers used a hydraulic model to simulate wave conditions in the northwest sea area of Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, and validated these findings against observed seagrass distribution patterns. The study demonstrates that physical environmental factors play a critical role in shaping the seagrass's habitat, providing insights into its conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ivindo National Park
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A seasonal inventory of hematophagous flies in Ivindo and Moukalaba-Doudou National Parks, Gabon, revealed distinct habitat preferences among three fly groups: Glossinidae, Stomoxys, and Tabanidae. Glossinidae, the most abundant group (60% of captures), thrived in primary forests and research camps, while Stomoxys (28%) were more prevalent in secondary forests and village borders in Ivindo Park, or savannahs in Moukalaba-Doudou Park. Tabanidae showed no clear habitat preference. This study highlights the ecological differentiation of these fly populations, which could inform pathogen transmission risk management in ecotourism development.
Chitwan National Park
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Sloth bears in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, exhibit a strong preference for mixed forest habitats, with a Relative Preference Index (RPI) of 0.42, followed by grasslands (RPI = 0.21). Riverine and Sal forests are less preferred but not avoided, indicating habitat flexibility. The bears' distribution is clumped and influenced by proximity to water sources, roads, altitude, and human disturbances such as cattle presence and fires. This study, conducted between March and May 2012, used a grid-based sampling method across 35 randomly selected grids to record 87 direct or indirect signs of sloth bear occupancy, providing critical baseline data for their conservation.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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A population of up to 3,969 giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) may inhabit the Pantanal wetland, Brazil, marking a significant recovery from overhunting in the 1960s. The study, spanning 2000–2011, surveyed river stretches and aquatic habitats across the Pantanal, estimating otter density (0.54 ± 0.15 individuals per km) to assess distribution and conservation status. While the species persists in nearly all river systems, threats like vessel traffic, pollution, siltation, and hydrological disruption from dams remain critical. The findings underscore the Pantanal's importance as a stronghold for this endangered species, despite ongoing challenges.
Galápagos Islands
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A survey of thelastomatoid pinworm fauna in endemic and introduced cockroach species on the Galápagos Islands revealed eight distinct pinworm species, with low prevalence rates across seven islands. The study identified five new host records for <em>Cephalobellus ovumglutinosus</em>, including in endemic cockroaches like <em>Chorisoneura carpenteri</em> and <em>Ischnoptera snodgrassii</em>. While some introduced pinworm species were found in endemic hosts, others globally widespread species were absent. The research suggests a complex distribution pattern influenced by invasive host introductions, with Santa Cruz Island hosting the greatest diversity of pinworms. This first-of-its-kind survey in the region provides insights into invertebrate dispersal and speciation in an evolutionary-rich ecosystem.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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A study of 28 caves in the Western Carpathians, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, reveals that southern and central karst regions serve as critical glacial refugia for subterranean fauna. The research identified 90 Collembola species, with 13 troglobiotic (obligate cave-dwelling) species concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the region. Species diversity correlated positively with internal air temperature but negatively with elevation and latitude, indicating environmental and geographic influences on distribution. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS), cluster, and indicator value analyses further demonstrated distinct geographic patterns in Collembola communities, with northern areas showing lower diversity and no troglobiotic taxa.
Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape
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A consensus on sustainable development for Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate site, remains elusive despite its unique cultural landscape. This study outlines an integrated approach to preserve the tangible and intangible values of the site, which includes monumental city walls and agricultural land along the Tigris River. The research emphasizes the need for strategies that balance cultural, social, financial, and administrative aspects to mitigate adverse effects from development. By addressing divergences in project proposals, the study aims to provide a framework for long-term sustainability, ensuring the preservation of this significant heritage landscape.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
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A new species of orthopteran, Conocephalus (Xiphidion) ictus, has been identified in the Reserva Territorial Sureste de la Ciudad Universitaria (RTSE) of UNAM, marking a significant taxonomic contribution. The study found that while the abundance and diversity of orthopterans did not significantly differ between RTSE and the core zone of the nearby Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA-CU), the RTSE plays a crucial role as an environmental buffer zone, supporting at least five species of orthopterans. These insects, key components in the food web, contribute to ecosystem functioning. The research involved biological inventorying and comparative analysis of orthopteran communities across zones, highlighting the importance of urban ecological reserves for wildlife conservation.
The Sundarbans
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Archaeal communities in Sundarbans mangrove sediments exhibit distinct shifts influenced by environmental conditions, particularly pollution levels. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data from three sites revealed dominance of Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota (Marine Group I), with haloarchaea prevailing in polluted areas (Godkhali, Bonnie camp) compared to methanogens in the relatively pristine Dhulibhashani. Statistical analysis confirmed these patterns, highlighting the sensitivity of archaeal diversity to anthropogenic stressors. This study underscores the ecological significance of microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems and their role as indicators of environmental health.
Taï National Park
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A comprehensive survey of gastrointestinal parasites in seven non-human primate species within Côte d'Ivoire's Taï National Park reveals high diversity and prevalence, with 23 parasite species identified. Species such as <em>Cercopithecus diana</em>, <em>C. petaurista</em>, <em>Cercocebus atys</em>, and <em>C. campbelli</em> exhibited greater parasite richness and more equitable distribution compared to others. The study, the first of its kind for these primate taxa in Taï National Park, employed microscopic examination techniques—direct wet mount, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and MIF (merthiolate, iodine, formalin) concentration—to analyze 3142 stool samples collected between 2009 and 2010. Findings underscore the complex parasitic dynamics in these primate populations, providing critical baseline data for future conservation and health monitoring efforts.
Hyrcanian Forests
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A significant diversity in antioxidant properties and mineral contents of Allium paradoxum was observed across eight populations in the Hyrcanian forests, Northern Iran. The study, conducted by Khodadadi et al. (2015), found that populations from Varaki and Zarinabad sites in Mazandaran province exhibited the highest antioxidant activities and flavonoid content, particularly at altitudes between 462-860 meters above sea level. These sites also showed higher levels of iron (Fe++) and manganese (Mn++). In contrast, aerial parts of plants from Jahannama, the lowest elevation site in Golestan province, had the highest total phenolic content. The research employed DPPH and reducing power assays to assess antioxidant activities, while colorimetric and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods were used for flavonoid and elemental composition analysis, respectively. This study highlights the remarkable variation in bioactive properties of A. paradoxum, a perennial plant widely used in food and traditional medicine.
Fanjingshan
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A new discovery of six previously unknown spider species within the Phrurolithidae family has been documented from Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China. These species—Otacilia microstoma, O. songi, O. subliupan, Phrurolithus anticus, P. fanjingshan, and P. zhouyun—were identified through morphological analysis, including detailed photographs, line drawings, and descriptions. The study also clarifies the taxonomic assignment of these species by comparing them to established type species in the genera Otacilia and Phrurolithus. This research contributes to the understanding of spider diversity in Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity.
Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura
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2015 —
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The architectural diversity of brick shrines at the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Pre-Angkor complex—was found to be irregularly mixed, with variations in plan form, interior layout, pedestal structure, antechamber design, elevation, and corbel arch roofing. This diversity peaked during the Pre-Angkor period (prior to the 9th century) before standardizing under Angkorian influence, marking a shift from brick to sandstone as the primary construction material by the 11th century. The study analyzed 28 well-preserved shrines, revealing that Sambor Prei Kuk represents the most sophisticated expression of Pre-Angkor architecture in design, structure, and technique.
Nyungwe National Park
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2015 —
WHEC44983438F
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, harbors the highest terrestrial snail species richness recorded in Africa, with 102 species identified across 50 plots. This diversity is significantly linked to its status as a Pleistocene refugium and its location on the Congo–Nile divide, where species from different geographical origins converge. The study reveals high beta diversity due to rapid species turnover between sites, influenced by altitude and microhabitats like bare rocks. Species richness decreases with elevation, and while occurrences are significantly clustered, most species respond individualistically to environmental variables, with nestedness primarily correlated with altitude.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2015 —
WHEDB500C7432
High visitor presence and infrastructure significantly increase vertebrate foraging activity in urban parks, suggesting that ecotourism can negatively impact wildlife. The study, conducted in the Tijuca National Park—a protected area within Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan region—used baited traps to measure vertebrate consumption at varying distances from roads with and without visitor facilities (e.g., parking lots, barbecue pits). Results showed that areas with constant human activity experienced higher bait removal rates, particularly near structures like playgrounds. These findings highlight the need for park managers to mitigate tourism-related disturbances to protect wildlife in urban conservation areas.
Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula
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2015 —
WHE7AF9FBFE33
A groundbreaking geomatic approach combining laser scanning and automated photogrammetry has revolutionized the metric documentation of archaeological rock art. This method, applied to Coves de la Saltadoraenables high-precision archiving, visualization, analysis, management, and monitoring of cultural heritage. The workflow, from data acquisition to final outputs like 3D models, photorealistic models, and orthophoto mosaics, sets a new standard for preserving and studying such sites with unprecedented detail.
