Acropolis, Athens
—
2014 —
WHE47A0EAA614
The New Acropolis Museum in Athens, opened in 2009, exemplifies the complex interplay between heritage preservation, museum design, and urban integration. This study highlights how the museum's architecture intensifies debates on the relationship between modern structures and historical sites, particularly in protected areas like UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research uncovers deep-rooted tensions between traditionalist and modernist architectural perspectives, challenging conventional views on integrating contemporary design with preserved heritage. By analyzing these dynamics, the study sheds light on the broader implications of museumization for urban landscapes and cultural preservation.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
—
2014 —
WHEDA0813331A
A comprehensive survey of moss species within the Vale da Lua, located in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Parkrevealed 33 distinct species, including 20 acrocarpous, 11 pleurocarpous, and two cladocarpous types. This study significantly expands the known diversity of mosses in the Cerrado biome's gallery forests, contributing to global and regional biodiversity records. Researchers employed field sampling and taxonomic analysis to document these species, which span 16 families and 23 genera, while also providing insights into their substrate preferences and geographic distribution. The findings underscore the ecological richness of this protected area, particularly in a sedimentary and geomorphologically significant valley, and offer a foundational resource for future conservation efforts.
Tsodilo
—
2014 —
WHE4F6C9CAA5B
Research reveals homologous origin myths shared by Iron Age societies across southern Africa, particularly concerning the Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, Polombwe hill in Zambia, and Kaphiri-Ntiwa hill in Malawi. These myths describe a primal pair's journey through liminal states, structuring landscapes and legitimizing social hierarchies while resolving tensions between authority, power, lineage, and land rights. The study highlights the symbolic significance of sumptuary goods like glass beads and metonymic signifiers such as birds within these societies. Archaeological analysis of Nqoma (Tsodilo Hills) contrasts with other sites like Bosutswe and Mapungubwe, linking hilltops to paranormal power and human authority, paralleling the Shona Mwari myth from Great Zimbabwe.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
—
2014 —
WHEE6E7C78250
A systematic classification of ancient fastening elements from the Heraion of Samos reveals distinct functional categories and subtypes, offering new insights into the technical sophistication of ancient Greek construction. The study identifies main groups based on function—such as nails, pins, and rivets—and further subdivides them by form or application, providing a framework that can be updated with future discoveries. This typology enhances our understanding of ancient craftsmanship and architectural practices at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
—
2014 —
WHE81A7EBFED0
A mirror from the 4th-century BC tomb of Paestum, Italy, reveals an ancient method to test breath obstruction. This discovery connects historical practices with modern medical techniques developed over a century ago by Hendrik Zwaardemaker and Ernst Glatzel. In 1889, Zwaardemaker introduced a hygrometric functional test using a cold mirror under the nose to estimate airflow during exhalation. A decade later, Glatzel refined this method by engraving equidistant arcs on a metallic mirror to quantify condensed vapor in expired air, a technique used in Germany until post-World War II. The study highlights the continuity and evolution of medical diagnostic tools from antiquity to the 20th century.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
—
2014 —
WHE934904234A
Establishing the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) in 1992 displaced indigenous populations, leading to significant social tensions. The displacement of the Konzo, Amba, and Toro peoples from their mountain habitats into the foothills created population pressure, exacerbating conflicts with other ethnic groups who migrated to the area. Economic activities such as cement, cobalt, tea, and cotton production in the foothills further intensified these tensions. Additionally, the creation of a new Rwenzori Kingdom for the Bakonzo in 2009 has triggered widespread social unrest, particularly concerning their expectations of labor market privileges.
Tongariro National Park
—
2014 —
WHE200184B6E3
Tongariro National Park emerged as a pivotal destination for mass recreation and outdoor sports in New Zealand, driven by the proliferation of motor cars and targeted government investments. By the 1940s, winter visitor traffic surpassed summer flows, highlighting its year-round appeal. The study traces this transformation through historical accounts, including parliamentary debates and newspaper advertisements, revealing how infrastructure development—such as road construction and hotel upgrades—fueled tourism growth. It also underscores the park's dual role as a natural playground for picnicking and competitive sports, supported by government funding for facilities like the Mount Cook hotel.
Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde
—
2014 —
WHEA7A93A0C5D
Open-air rock-art sites, though widespread and culturally significant, face severe degradation due to natural processes. A study focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Côa Valley in Portugal introduces an urgency intervention scale to assess and prioritize conservation efforts. By analyzing case studies from Norway, Brazil, Southern USA, and South Korea, researchers identify key factors contributing to rock-art decay and propose methods for evaluating current conditions. This approach aims to inform targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the preservation of these vulnerable heritage sites.
Venice and its Lagoon
—
2014 —
WHE682445279A
A significant reduction in eutrophication and macroalgal biomass, alongside the expansion of seagrass meadows, was observed in Venice Lagoon over a 16-year period following natural recovery processes and planned interventions to reduce nutrient inputs. The study, conducted between 1987 and 2003, demonstrated that decreases in total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and organic carbon concentrations in sediment correlated with ecological improvements. Additionally, the shift from illegal to managed Manila clam farming contributed to these positive changes. Researchers analyzed nutrient and carbon levels in sediments alongside macroalgal and seagrass biomass using consistent survey protocols across four time points.
High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
—
2014 —
WHED7422511A0
Sustainable tourism development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites faces significant tensions between ecological preservation, socio-cultural integrity, and economic viability. A study of small tourism enterprises in the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago—designated a World Natural Heritage Site in 2006—reveals that balancing these dimensions is critical for long-term success without compromising the site's unique natural and cultural values. The research highlights how micro-enterprises navigate these challenges through sustainable entrepreneurship, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders such as clients, local communities, and other businesses. By integrating ecological, socio-cultural, and economic principles, these enterprises demonstrate a model for sustainable tourism that could inform broader conservation efforts in similar protected areas.
Classical Weimar
—
2014 —
WHEC8233DDED5
A nuanced perspective on luxury reveals that while some commentators viewed consumer goods as harmful to societal order, others recognized their role in advancing civilization when used prudently. This study challenges binary views of luxury, demonstrating that most eighteenth-century debates acknowledged its necessary yet controlled integration into human progress. By focusing on books and literature in classical Weimar, it highlights how even cultural figures like Goethe and Schiller were immersed in consumer culture despite opposing low taste. The research employs a detailed survey of historical debates, including those by Rousseau and Mandeville, to show that luxury was often seen as an inevitable consequence of societal evolution, beneficial when balanced.
Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave
—
2014 —
WHE022214AB32
Research on the Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave reveals that needle-fiber calcite, a mineral formation, is influencing Upper Paleolithic wall paintings. The study found that hematite was the primary chromatic component in all drawings, while calcite, likely due to modern minerogenesis processes, was present in nearly all samples. A key discovery was the classification of cave drawings into transparent and opaque categories based on infrared analysis, with soot playing a significant role in paints visible under near-infrared light. The findings shed light on the genesis and conservation challenges of these ancient paintings.
Danube Delta
—
2014 —
WHEEC6B6CAFA1
A comprehensive inventory of alien plant species in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site, identified 37 invasive neophytes, with half originating from America. Conducted between 2009 and 2012 through field research and bibliographic analysis, the study found that many invasive species, including ornamental escapes, pose significant threats to natural and semi-natural ecosystems. Two species have established for over a century, highlighting long-term ecological impacts. To mitigate spread, researchers propose raising local awareness about the damages caused by alien plants and advocating for further research in this protected area.
Fanjingshan
—
2014 —
WHEAA44A0229B
Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions from the Fanjingshan region, South China, provide evidence of subduction-related magmatism preceding the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks. These rocks, primarily olivine pyroxenites and gabbros, show minimal crustal contamination and isotopic signatures indicative of a mantle wedge metasomatized by slab-derived fluids and melts. Their compositional similarities to Alaskan-type intrusions further support their formation in a subduction-related environment. The study utilized geochemical and isotopic analyses (e.g., εNd(t), 207Pb/204Pb, Os-Re-Os) to characterize the magmatic sources and processes, offering insights into the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Fold Belt during the Neoproterozoic.
Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
—
2014 —
WHE09E5183B52
Research on three thrush species (Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, and Song Thrush) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bardejov reveals that ecological segregation persists even in urban environments. Despite significant differences in nest placement—such as height, distance from town centers, proximity to human paths, and tree type preferences—the breeding success and predation rates were similar across species. Key factors influencing predation included nest location, tree height, and distance to human structures. This suggests that closely related species can coexist without competition, even in urbanized areas.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
—
2014 —
WHE20E14E1ED6
Neutron star glitches, sudden spin-up events that disrupt the steady slowdown of pulsars, exhibit a substantial minimum size, contrary to previous assumptions. Analyzing 29 years of daily observations from Jodrell Bank Observatory, researchers uncovered the full glitch size distribution for the Crab pulsar, revealing a rapid decline in smaller glitches below approximately 0.05 microhertz. This finding suggests that glitches involve the motion of billions of superfluid vortices and provides a new observable to identify their trigger mechanisms. Additionally, glitches were distinct from other rotational irregularities, supporting the notion that they originate differently from timing noise.
Everglades National Park
—
2014 —
WHE1462D28C9D
Four new species of lichen, Enterographa bradleyana, E. caudata, E. murrayana, and E. nitidula, have been discovered in Everglades National Park, bringing the total known species in the genus to 11 within the site. These discoveries expand the understanding of tropical lichen diversity in the region. The research involved field collections from 27 islands (keys) in Florida Bay between 2010 and 2012, with species identification based on morphological and chemical characteristics. Notably, E. bradleyana distinguishes itself by smaller ascospores and unique chemistry, while E. caudata features unusually long-tailed ascospores and a distinct lichexanthone-schizopeltic acid combination. Additionally, an updated global key to the genus Enterographa is provided, incorporating 20 species, including those newly described.
Białowieża Forest
—
2014 —
WHEA97F628251
A groundbreaking study identifies four new species of Laboulbeniales (Ascomycetes) from the Białowieża Forest, including <em>Corethromyces bialowiezensis</em> on <em>Tachyporus solutus</em>, <em>Cryptandromyces bryaxidis</em> on <em>Bryaxis bulbifer</em>, <em>Euphoriomyces unilateralis</em> on <em>Agathidium atrum</em>, and <em>Phaulomyces ptilii</em> on <em>Ptilium affine</em>. Additionally, 18 species new to Poland and potentially two or three new to Europe were documented. The research, conducted between 1994–1998, complements earlier work by Majewski (1994) and provides critical insights into the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed site. Morphological and systematic details for known species were also refined.
Škocjan Caves
—
2014 —
WHEC22D8FF17A
Škocjan Caves exemplify the interconnectedness of natural and cultural heritage through their karstic landscape. This study demonstrates that caves are integral to the broader surface landscape, challenging traditional isolation in documentation. By employing 3D technology, researchers integrated cave records with surface data, revealing how anthropogenic processes have shaped the landscape over time. The approach offers a novel methodology for understanding complex heritage systems, where natural and human activities coexist dynamically.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2014 —
WHE2F6B8B2FC7
Scientists have discovered yurmarinite, a new arsenate mineral with the formula Na7(Fe3+,Mg,Cu)4(AsO4)6, in sublimates from the Arsenatnaya fumarole at Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka. This mineral forms as transparent, pale green to colorless crystals and exhibits unique structural features, including a 3D heteropolyhedral framework composed of M4O18 clusters linked with AsO4 tetrahedra. Yurmarinite is optically uniaxial and has a calculated density of 4.00 g/cm³. The discovery contributes to the understanding of arsenate minerals formed in volcanic exhalations and honors Professor Yuriy B. Marin, a renowned Russian mineralogist. The study employed electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy to characterize the mineral's properties.
Talayotic Menorca
—
2014 —
WHE858A6D6539
Radiometric analysis of archaeological layers at the fortified coastal settlement of Cap de Forma, Menorca, reveals new insights into the early Talayotic period. The study, conducted on a site adjacent to a cyclopean monument and necropolis near an ancient harbor, identified three living spaces dating back to the beginning of this protohistorical phase (c. 1200–900 BCE). This challenges previous assumptions about the chronological horizon of the site's artifacts, which were predominantly linked to later periods. The findings suggest a more complex settlement pattern and longer occupation than previously thought, providing critical evidence for understanding the transition from pre-Talayotic to Talayotic societies in the Balearic Islands.
City of Verona
—
2014 —
WHED52C26F1C3
New research challenges the long-held belief about the formation timeline of palaeokarst features at Torricelle hills near Verona, Italy. The study reveals that ochre formation, karst development, and fossilization began much earlier than previously thought, spanning from the early Eocene to the Miocene—over 30 million years. This contradicts the current interpretation that these processes occurred only between the Oligocene and early Miocene. Researchers discovered terrigenous-calcarenitic layers with foraminifera assemblages dating back to the upper Eocene, along with ochre fragments embedded in Ypresian and Bartonian limestones, providing evidence of emerged land and pedogenesis during the early and middle Eocene. The findings were based on detailed exploration of palaeokarst cavities and surrounding areas, offering a revised understanding of the geological history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2014 —
WHEF491DE81E3
Recent excavations near Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City have uncovered significant ancient architectural features, including a segment of the Byzantine-era upper aqueduct integrated into the city wall and a section of the Decumanus, the main east-west street. A spacious building from the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, possibly part of the western gate structure, was also discovered above these ruins. Additionally, the outer walls of the Tower of David’s Citadel moat were exposed, revealing its evolution from the medieval period to the 12th century. Among the finds were remnants of a city wall demolished before Kaiser Wilhelm II's 1898 visit and modern structures from Jordanian rule. These discoveries provide new insights into Jerusalem's urban development, water supply systems, and road networks during the Second Temple, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
—
2014 —
WHEAE232B250A
Archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro, Chanhu-daro, and Harappa have provided groundbreaking insights into the Indus Valley Civilization of the third millennium BCE. These sites revealed sophisticated urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and a high level of social organization, challenging earlier assumptions about early South Asian societies. Professor Childe's work systematically analyzed these findings alongside those from Mesopotamia and Egypt, establishing a comparative framework for understanding the origins of complex civilizations in the Near and Middle East. The study emphasizes the meticulous gathering of archaeological evidence to contextualize cultural developments within broader historical narratives, including the rise of European history.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
—
2014 —
WHE7765AB6A40
New luminescence dating techniques applied to the Galería Complex at Atapuerca reveal that the site's archaeological deposits are significantly younger (up to 50%) than previously estimated using polymineral thermoluminescence (TL) chronologies. The study employed post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR-IR) and thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) dating, which provided more precise ages for the Middle Pleistocene deposits. Key findings include an age of up to 370 thousand years (ka) for the basal sterile sands and a depositional period during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9 (~313±14 ka) for the lowermost sub-unit containing Mode II Acheulean lithics. Overlying units, rich in archaeopalaeontological remains, were deposited during late MIS 8 or early MIS 7 (~240 ka). These results suggest that pIR-IR and single-grain TT-OSL dating are effective for resolving Middle Pleistocene chronologies at Atapuerca, offering a refined timeline for the site's Acheulean record.
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
—
2014 —
WHE67991AFECC
Conservation efforts for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go face challenges due to uniform regulations that limit building use and lifestyle adaptability. Research reveals that rigid, one-size-fits-all guidelines for construction and alterations fail to account for diverse household structures and tourism-related changes in residential patterns. Key findings include: 1) Current regulations restrict building flexibility without considering family sizes or ownership dynamics; 2) Spatial diversity among households cannot be standardized; 3) Community composition shifts due to tourism engagement and household evolution. The study proposes tailored landscape management strategies, including adaptive guidelines for different household conditions, use-based regulations, and policies encouraging vacant house utilization to foster employment opportunities. This approach aims to balance preservation with resident needs in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Surtsey
—
2014 —
WHE766515FFE0
Proposed new drilling at Surtsey, an isolated oceanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, aims to deepen understanding of rift zone volcanism and hydrothermal alteration processes. This research builds on a 1979 drilling effort that explored deposits from the volcano's eruptions between 1963 and 1967, providing insights into biological colonization and succession in pyroclastic materials. The study seeks to advance knowledge of volcanic and geological dynamics while preserving Surtsey's unique environmental significance.
Everglades National Park
—
2014 —
WHE189623BBBD
Researchers report the first confirmed evidence of Everglades Mink (Neovison vison evergladensis) presence in Everglades National Park (ENP) in 15 years, discovered through hair found in the stomach of an American Alligator. This finding suggests that while the endangered species may still inhabit the park, its population is likely very low, potentially due to hydrological alterations and increased predation pressure. The study highlights the importance of accurate distribution data for effective conservation strategies.
Teide National Park
—
2014 —
WHE8101FC4C3C
A newly discovered seed dispersal system for the endangered Juniperus cedrus challenges the notion that the high-elevation scrub of El Teide (Tenerife, Canary Islands) is pristine. The study proposes that a climactic woodland of J. cedrus once dominated above the pine forest, but human activities such as timber harvesting, herbivory by goats, and fires led to its regression. The survival of this relict dispersal system, dependent on the migratory thrush Turdus torquatus, suggests it may be a remnant of an older, more widespread interaction. To test this hypothesis, researchers propose a paleoecological approach using plant microfossils in sediments (e.g., pollen, spores, phytoliths, coprolites, and charcoal) to reconstruct past vegetation dynamics and the presence of the seed disperser bird. This study is the first to report such high dependence on a migratory bird for an endemic tree in an oceanic island context, with implications for restoring the pristine landscape and biotic interactions of Teide National Park.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
—
2014 —
WHE3B44B5471E
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity. The study 'Ngorongoro Crater: Disturbed peace in the Garden of Eden' highlights the ecological significance of the Ngorongoro crater, often referred to as 'Africa's garden of Eden.' This research delves into the unique environmental dynamics that have made the NCA a global conservation priority. The study employs a combination of field observations, historical accounts, and ecological analysis to explore the resilience and challenges faced by this pristine ecosystem. Notably, it draws on the legendary narrative of Noah's Ark to underscore the crater's role as a symbol of both natural beauty and conservation urgency.
Namib Sand Sea
—
2014 —
WHE4C4453CD41
Fairy Circles (FCs) in the Namib Desert, characterized by vegetation-free circular patterns surrounded by grass, have long puzzled scientists. A study published in <em>PLoS ONE</em> provides compelling evidence that edaphic microorganisms play a significant role in their formation and maintenance. Researchers analyzed bacterial and fungal communities across three zones—FC center, margin, and external vegetated soil—using T-RFLP fingerprinting and ANOSIM statistical analysis. The findings revealed distinct microbial communities within FCs compared to surrounding soils, with higher variability observed between the center and margin of each FC. While the study confirms that microorganisms are involved in the FC phenomenon, it remains uncertain whether they directly cause the circles or are a consequence of their existence.
Kinabalu Park
—
2014 —
WHE49333FE8A4
Nine new species of Timonius (Rubiaceae) have been identified from Kinabalu Park, Borneo. These include T. abanii, T. beamanii, T. bullatus, T. kinabaluensis, T. leopoldii, T. ophioliticus, T. pannosus, T. stenolobus, and T. tambuyukonensis. Six of these species are believed to be endemic to the Kinabalu massif, while four are found exclusively on ultramafic soils. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and underscores the importance of Kinabalu Park as a conservation priority.
Curonian Spit
—
2014 —
WHE384EA30207
Biological processes are the primary drivers of nitrogen compound diversity and concentration changes in groundwater from semi-island environments, such as the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. This study challenges conventional assumptions by demonstrating that nitrogen levels can increase over time due to biological activity, both in source areas and during water treatment. Researchers analyzed ammonium ions, ammonium nitrogen/organic compounds ratios, and total nitrogen concentrations at a well-field in Neringa, revealing dynamic interactions that alter water quality from the origin aquifer. By controlling reaction rates, it may be possible to mitigate nitrogen diversity, offering a potential strategy for managing groundwater contamination in coastal regions.
Olympic National Park
—
2014 —
WHE0A4CEBB0FF
Researchers found that nitrogen (N) deposition at Hoh Lake in Olympic National Park has surpassed a critical threshold of 1.0 to 1.2 kg N ha−1 year−1, triggering shifts in diatom communities indicative of N enrichment, particularly increases in Asterionella formosa and Fragilaria tenera. However, nine other lakes across three Washington State parks remain below this critical load, suggesting regional variability in N deposition effects. The study combined atmospheric N deposition measurements, lake water quality analysis, and sediment diatom assemblages to assess impacts. While Hoh Lake showed clear signs of N enrichment, Milk Lake exhibited potential climate-driven changes, though further research is needed to confirm this.
Historic City of Yazd
—
2014 —
WHE7FB5CCC2FC
A comprehensive analysis of noise pollution in Yazd, Iran, reveals that 99% of residential areas and 56% of the city's total land are exposed to significant sound pressure levels (SPL), primarily driven by vehicular traffic. The study employed a dual monitoring approach: a 122 km grid network with stations spaced 2 km apart for overall assessment, and a denser 1 km interval along main roads for localized measurements. Using ArcGIS, the research generated noise maps that identified critical pollution hotspots, particularly in university, administrative, and commercial zones, as well as the western and eastern parts of the city—largely due to airport and industrial sources. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate exposure, especially in historic areas like the bazaar, where residential and commercial activities coexist with high pollution levels.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
—
2014 —
WHE7555D1FB80
A new study reveals that the Marquesan island of Eiao was a significant source of fine-grained basalt, with evidence suggesting extraction from multiple sites across the island. Researchers analyzed 225 basalt specimens using non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, identifying two distinct geochemical groups: Group 1, which aligns with previously documented tool-quality basalt, and Group 2, characterized by coarser grain, reddish color, and unique geochemistry. The findings indicate that Group 2 stone was widely utilized on Eiao and distributed at least to Hiva Oa Island, challenging the notion of a single quarry site. This study significantly expands our understanding of basalt distribution and utilization in Central East Polynesia.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
—
2014 —
WHE45DF4C35DE
A study of nonvolant small mammals in Emas National Park, a critical but understudied region of the Cerrado biome, revealed 23 species, with the grass mouse <em>Necromys lasiurus</em> being the most abundant. Contrary to prior findings, the rainy season showed higher richness and abundance, likely due to reproductive activity and resource availability. The research found that habitat selectivity is strongly influenced by canopy structure and humidity, with gallery forests and dense savannas being the richest habitats. The faunal composition of this southwestern Cerrado region shows greater similarity to the Amazon biome than previously thought, highlighting endemic and restricted-range species. This study underscores the ecological importance of Emas National Park in preserving unique biodiversity within the Cerrado.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
—
2014 —
WHE207CF8ACCF
Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) exhibit flexible hunting strategies and habitat preferences in the fragmented central highlands, where they target a diverse range of prey—from large species like sambar deer to specialized smaller ones such as porcupines—without relying on domestic animals despite human proximity. Fecal analysis revealed no predation on dogs, suggesting atypical behavior compared to other regions. Leopards favor dense undergrowth and tall grasslands over open forests or pine plantations, likely due to avoidance of human activity. This study highlights the need for landscape-level conservation strategies beyond protected areas, addressing critical knowledge gaps in one of the world's most endangered leopard populations.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
—
2014 —
WHE0D289C459F
A rare fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, is critically endangered in the Balearic Islands, with its only known population in Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana. This study reveals that the species survives in a single location on the island, where it is represented by just one vegetative specimen. Researchers analyzed available data on distribution, demographics, and ecology to assess its conservation status, highlighting factors contributing to its extreme rarity. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to prevent the loss of this threatened species.
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
—
2014 —
WHE5D6F87B21A
Archaeological heritage sites, including El Tajín in Veracruz, Mexico, are increasingly transformed into administrable resources through processes of touristification, commercialization, and spectacularization. These changes redefine their economic value and local significance while impacting surrounding communities. The study employs ethnographic analysis to reveal how El Tajín's heritage has been repurposed for tourism, highlighting its broader implications on both the site and its inhabitants.
Historic Centre of Florence
—
2014 —
WHE97725320B3
Advanced numerical modeling reveals critical insights into the structural behavior of Brunelleschi’s Dome, one of the world's most iconic masonry structures. The study identifies internal stress patterns and cracking mechanisms using a finite element model that replicates nonlinear mechanical behavior, providing a first assessment of its seismic vulnerability. By integrating historical data from 1980s investigations, researchers validate the dome's static and dynamic responses, offering valuable implications for heritage conservation. This approach bridges engineering analysis with preservation efforts, enhancing our understanding of monumental architecture's resilience.
Western Caucasus
—
2014 —
WHE22365C66E0
A novel numerical modeling technique successfully replicates the relief and river network configuration of the Western Caucasus orogen during the Neogene-Quaternary period, demonstrating its potential for real-world geological applications. The study's approach combines uplift and erosional processes to simulate landscape evolution, achieving a high degree of correspondence with observed data. This method offers valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between tectonic uplift and erosion in shaping mountain landscapes over geological timescales.
Historic Cairo
—
2014 —
WHE81E6103CAE
A numerical model successfully simulates the microclimate of Al-Muizz Street in Cairo's Islamic Quarter, demonstrating that vernacular urban forms and shaded environments enhance pedestrian thermal comfort in hot arid climates. The study validates ENVI-met results with in situ measurements, revealing mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) as a critical factor influencing human energy balance and thermal sensation. This research provides a foundational micro-climatic map, offering a practical tool for urban designers, architects, and policymakers to develop sustainable urban forms that prioritize pedestrian comfort in historic urban settings.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
—
2014 —
WHE5AB2847637
Underwater volcanic explosions pose significant tsunami risks, as demonstrated by numerical simulations of tsunamis generated at Karymskoye Lake (Kamchatka) and Kolumbo volcano (Aegean Sea). The study validated its model using the well-documented 1996 Karymskoye Lake tsunami, showing realistic reproduction of onshore run-ups. Further analysis revealed that even low-energy explosions at Kolumbo could threaten Santorini's northern, eastern, and southern coasts if the volcano reawakens. The research highlights the need for comprehensive tsunami hazard assessments, particularly in coastal regions with volcanic activity.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
—
2014 —
WHEE9B6BBB68F
Research reveals that nutrient regimes, particularly iron (Fe) and nitrate availability, significantly control phytoplankton ecophysiology in the South Atlantic. The study, conducted during a GEOTRACES cruise, identified two dominant phytoplankton regimes: one south of the South Subtropical Convergence (SSTC), characterized by elevated chlorophyll concentrations, larger cell sizes, and low photochemical efficiency due to Fe stress; and another north of the SSTC, marked by high photochemical efficiency and macronutrient limitation. Shipboard experiments confirmed that Fe addition mitigated Fe stress, increasing photochemical efficiency in southern waters. Spatial correlations between Fe:nitrate ratios and phytoplankton ecophysiology further supported the role of nutrient supply ratios in shaping these regimes.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
—
2014 —
WHE56678BE215
Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque National Park, Mexico, do not appear to be energy-limited despite their leaf-heavy diet. Contrary to common assumptions, these primates meet their estimated energy requirements and surpass protein needs, consuming an average of 0.58 MJ of overall energy per metabolic body mass per day and 8.2 g of protein daily. The study, conducted over a 10-month period with two groups (N=16 individuals), combined dietary pattern data, food consumption rates, and published nutritional content to estimate energy and nutrient intake. Surprisingly, resting time was not correlated with diet composition or energy intake, suggesting that the howlers' feeding ecology may be more similar to fruit-eating atelines than previously thought. This challenges long-held assumptions about their behavior and foraging strategies.
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
—
2014 —
WHECCE9FCB4D7
Oaxaca's distinct geological and linguistic features, shaped by its mountainous terrain and the evolution of Otomanguean language families, define its unique cultural and archaeological significance. The region, home to over half a million Mixtec and Zapotec descendants, exhibits substantial internal diversity across its ethnolinguistic and archaeological regions. Monte Albán, located in the largest valley near Oaxaca's geographic center, served as a Prehispanic focal point, underscoring the region's distinct development within Mesoamerica. This study synthesizes historical observations and archaeological insights to highlight Oaxaca's enduring cultural complexity.
Gunung Mulu National Park
—
2014 —
WHEE71CD4C67A
A pioneering field survey of <em>Nepenthes campanulata</em>, a rare pitcher plant endemic to limestone cliffs in Borneo, reveals its unique ecological role and expands its known geographical range. The study found that Diptera (flies) dominate the prey in its pitchers, followed by Formicidae (ants), with only three metazoan species inhabiting the pitchers—a remarkably simple community for this genus. The plant's distinctive pitcher structure suggests adaptations to its highly specialized limestone cliff habitat. Previously recorded from just two locations—Mt. Ilas Bungaan in East Kalimantan and Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak—the species was unexpectedly observed during a recent expedition in Palawan, indicating a significant extension of its range. This research provides critical insights into the biodiversity and conservation priorities of limestone ecosystems within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gunung Mulu National Park.
City of Cuzco
—
2014 —
WHE2737717C5B
A significant prevalence of occupational injuries among child laborers (10–17 years old) was identified in Cusco Province, with 3% reporting severe injuries such as fractures or amputations. Falls and car accidents were the most common causes, while high daily income emerged as a risk factor for falls and physical violence at work. Children born in Cusco and those employed in the service sector faced elevated risks of car accident-related injuries. The study, conducted through cross-sectional interviews with 375 public night school students (91.5% response rate), highlights the vulnerability of child workers to severe occupational hazards despite economic gains.
Ilulissat Icefjord
—
2014 —
WHE500C60732F
Jakobshavn Glacier's retreat in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, is linked to the variability of fjord waters. A 13-year study (2001–2014) found that while summer basin temperatures averaged 2.8°C from 2009 to 2013, excluding a cooler anomaly in 2010, potential densities remained consistent (27.20 ≤ σθ ≤ 27.31 kg m⁻³), matching Disko Bay waters since at least 1980. The 2010 temperature dip was advected from Disko Bay, indicating annual or faster renewal of fjord basin waters. Velocity profiles suggested a renewal timescale of about one month, with subglacial discharge driving circulation, while external baroclinic forcing was ineffective due to the mouth sill. This suggests that oceanic conditions play a critical role in glacier dynamics.
