Abbey of St Gall
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2011 —
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Monastic culture at the Abbey of St. Gall, traditionally viewed as highly literate, relied on a diverse and sophisticated range of communicative practices that went beyond written media. This volume challenges the perception that oral communication was secondary to literacy in medieval monastic settings, demonstrating instead that monks and nuns frequently used spoken word as a vital complement to other forms of communication for exchanging information. The research compiles five thematic chapters that explore the contexts in which oral communication played a crucial role, revealing its complexity and significance in monastic practices during the central Middle Ages.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A study of the rupestrian vegetation in Alto Paraíso de Goiás, within Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, reveals distinct floristic and structural traits that set it apart from other Cerrado areas. The community, dominated by species adapted to rocky outcrops, exhibits high density (1,977 individuals/ha) and area basal (11.25/m²/ha), largely due to the presence of monocotyledons like Velloziaceae and Arecaceae. Excluding these species reduces density and area basal significantly, highlighting their ecological importance. The study also found low floristic similarity with other Cerrado areas, suggesting unique adaptations in this rupestrian ecosystem. Phytogeographic patterns indicate that altitude, geographic proximity, and adjacency to neighboring biomes (Amazonian Forest, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga) influence vegetation composition.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2011 —
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A comparative study of microbial contamination in eutrophic caves from Slovakia and Slovenia revealed significant variations in biocontamination levels, with some cave surfaces exhibiting high microbial loads, particularly those influenced by human activity or bat colonies. The research utilized RIDA®COUNT test kits to quantify total bacteria, coliforms, yeast, and molds across swabs, water, and air samples from multiple caves. Findings indicated that surfaces in Ardovská Cave (Slovakia) were moderately colonized, while certain areas of Postojna Cave (Slovenia) showed high microbial counts, suggesting substantial anthropogenic impact. Additionally, a notable 4-fold decrease in coliform bacteria along the Pivka River flow within Postojna Cave highlighted the influence of human pollution near cave entrances. The study validated the RIDA®COUNT test kit as a robust tool for monitoring eutrophication and human influence in karst ecosystems.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2011 —
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The evolutionary relationships within the Nicotiana section Suaveolentes, primarily composed of Australian endemics, have been clarified through a combined morphological and molecular analysis. The study revealed that N. fragrans (New Caledonia and Tongatapu) and N. fatuhivensis (Marquesas islands) form a basal lineage in the Australian and South Pacific clade, while N. forsteri (eastern mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island, and New Caledonia) is the sister taxon to all other Australian species within this section. A phylogenetic sequence was identified, reflecting a reduction in chromosome number, with early lineages exhibiting counts of n = 24 or 23. Two distinct clades emerged: the 'N. simulans clade' (n = 20) and the 'N. suaveolens clade' (n = 19, 18, 16, or 15). The research integrated discrete morphological characters of seeds and trichomes, along with gap-coded quantitative measurements of flowers and vegetative organs, analyzed using maximum parsimony and splits network methods. These findings were compared to and combined with previously published molecular datasets, providing a comprehensive understanding of the group's evolutionary history.
Shiretoko
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2011 —
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A comparative study of eco-tour preferences in Shiretoko, Japanreveals distinct preferences between potential new visitors and repeaters. New visitors favor renowned destinations like Kamuiwakka, while repeaters prefer primitive settings such as Lake Rausu. Additionally, repeaters prioritize detailed guide explanations and smaller group sizes over other tour features. The study used choice experiments to analyze these preferences, providing insights for balancing nature conservation with local economic benefits through targeted eco-tour offerings.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Floreana Mockingbirds (Mimus trifasciatus) on Gardner-by-Floreana exhibit significantly better health metrics compared to those on Champion Island, including higher body condition index scores, packed cell volumes, and lymphocyte counts, alongside lower heterophil and eosinophil counts. Over four years of monitoring, no evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci DNA or antibodies to paramyxovirus-I, adenovirus-II, or Mycoplasma gallisepticum was detected in either population, though ectoparasites varied between islands. A coccidian species was found exclusively in fecal samples from Gardner-by-Floreana birds. These findings suggest Gardner-by-Floreana as a healthier source population for the ongoing reintroduction plan to Floreana Island, where the main population was extirpated over a century ago. The study integrated physical examinations, hematology, and parasite analysis to assess health status, providing critical data for conservation decisions.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2011 —
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Despite expectations, current visitation levels in canyons of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area show no measurable impact on stream macroinvertebrate assemblages or water quality. The study compared four high-visitation canyons (20-100 visits/week) with four unvisited/low-visitation canyons (0-5 visits/week), as well as impacted and non-impacted areas within two high-traffic canyons, over two seasons. Macroinvertebrate assemblages included pollution-sensitive taxa, such as Ephemeroptera (42.3% of all animals), and water quality remained pristine across all locations. While inherent differences among canyons were observed, no significant relationship between visitation levels and ecological indicators was found, contrary to the concerns of land managers.
Longmen Grottoes
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking computer-assisted archaeological line drawing method has been developed, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of documenting cultural heritage sites. This innovative approach leverages 3D modeling to streamline the traditionally labor-intensive process of creating archaeological reports. Applied to the Longmen Grottoes in China this technique demonstrates its potential to revolutionize the way such sites are investigated and preserved. The method not only reduces manual effort but also provides more informative and detailed representations, as illustrated in an accompanying video that showcases its practical application.
Heard and McDonald Islands
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2011 —
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International legal disputes over marine living resources often prioritize strategic considerations beyond the certainty of winning, as demonstrated by the 'Volga Case.' This study revisits a 2002 incident where a Russian fishing vessel was detained near Australia's Heard and McDonald Islands for alleged illegal fishing. The case involved complex litigation in international and Australian courts, with Russia also challenging Australia under UNCLOS. By analyzing this dispute, the research highlights that nations may employ litigation as a pacific settlement strategy even when legal outcomes are uncertain, revealing nuanced motivations in maritime security conflicts.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2011 —
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A genetic investigation of the <em>Cellana strigilis</em> limpet complex, endemic to New Zealand's subantarctic islands, reveals two distinct lineages with high genetic structuring and minimal connectivity. Despite the Southern Ocean being a continuous medium, large distances between isolated island groups act as significant barriers to gene flow, leading to high self-recruitment and the presence of private haplotypes unique to individual islands. This study underscores the subantarctic islands' role as refugia during the last glacial maximum and provides insights into contemporary population connectivity in remote oceanic environments.
Willandra Lakes Region
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2011 —
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Geotourism in Australia, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Willandra Lakes Region, significantly contributes to regional sustainability when geosites form strong, interconnected networks. Research reveals that large-scale geotourism, characterized by widespread and diverse geosite clusters, fosters multi-functional tourism options and organic linkages with other regional resources, unlike small-scale or medium-scale geotourism. This study categorizes Australian geotourism into three scales—small, medium, and large—and demonstrates that only large-scale geotourism effectively sustains regional development by generating diverse tourism products and reinforcing ecological connections.
Lake Baikal
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2011 —
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A study of metal accumulation in fish from the Kichera River, a tributary of Lake Baikal, reveals that metals such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and mercury (Hg) are present in varying concentrations in muscle tissue and liver across different trophic levels. The research highlights significant differences in metal accumulation patterns between these tissues, with liver showing higher concentrations of certain metals like Cd and Hg compared to muscle tissue. This suggests a potential bioaccumulation risk for predator species higher up the food chain. The study employed chemical analysis to quantify metal content, providing critical insights into environmental contamination levels in this ecologically significant region.
Ogasawara Islands
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2011 —
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Restrictions on beach access were the most significant factor influencing public support and compliance with sea turtle management actions in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. A 2007 survey of residents (n = 553) used conjoint analysis to evaluate preferences for three management strategies: beach patrol, behavioral restrictions, and access restrictions. Findings revealed that greater deviations from current conditions—particularly increased restrictions—led to lower support and compliance. This study underscores the importance of contextual factors in shaping public responses to wildlife conservation measures, providing critical insights for designing effective management policies.
Yosemite National Park
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2011 —
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A study of Peromyscus mice in Yosemite National Park reveals contrasting responses to climate change between two species. While the generalist <em>Peromyscus maniculatus</em> showed no distribution shifts, the specialist <em>P. truei</em> expanded its range into new habitats, challenging its classification as a habitat specialist. Genetic analysis suggested cryptic geographic changes in <em>P. maniculatus</em>, while morphometric data confirmed that <em>P. truei</em>'s subspecies is limited by climate variables rather than habitat preferences. These findings highlight the need to reassess natural-history assumptions in predictive models of species' responses to climate change, emphasizing the importance of verifying ecological generalizations with empirical data.
Angkor
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2011 —
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A striking contrast emerges between forested and cleared sandstone temples at Angkor, revealing how climate regimes influence weathering patterns. While 74% of sculpted lotus petals in wooded areas remain virtually intact, showing only superficial biochemical weathering, 70% of those in cleared sites suffer severe mechanical destruction due to extreme wetting-drying cycles. These cycles, driven by direct exposure to monsoon rains and sunlight, cause rapid sandstone decay through swelling-shrinking movements. Forested environments buffer these conditions, maintaining stable humidity and reducing thermal stress, which protects the stone. Additionally, lithobionts (stone-dwelling organisms) in wooded areas contribute to slower biochemical weathering. The study highlights that while local damage can occur from tree roots, forest cover provides an overall protective effect against sandstone decay.
Antigua Guatemala
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2011 —
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A study in Antigua Guatemala revealed that shaded coffee plantations, while supporting a diverse array of bat species, may not fully function as ecological corridors for forest-dwelling bats. Researchers found that while both shaded coffee plantations and remaining forest habitats hosted 12 bat species, the composition differed significantly: plantations favored generalist frugivorous species like Artibeus, Dermanura, and Sturnira, whereas forests harbored more specialized and landscape-sensitive species such as Phyllostomus discolor and Myotis keaysi. Despite no significant difference in overall diversity between habitats, the study estimated a 42% complementarity index, suggesting limited overlap in bat communities. This indicates that while shaded coffee plantations contribute to bat conservation, they may not effectively connect forest patches for certain species.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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Researchers have uncovered that Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, exhibit sophisticated coordinated feeding tactics, with a notable preference for strategies involving herding and capturing prey, particularly during spring-summer when larger schooling fish spawn. The study, analyzing 201 feeding bouts, identified four distinct tactics, with those engaging more individuals proving most effective for targeting larger schools of fish like Sardinella brasiliensis. A groundbreaking finding was the presence of calves in 95% of these coordinated behaviors, including jumps, suggesting social learning plays a crucial role in their development and survival. This expands our understanding of the dolphins' feeding strategies and their adaptability to seasonal changes.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2011 —
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The designation of Preah Vihear Temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site exacerbated the long-standing Thai-Cambodian border dispute, leading to increased violence and economic stagnation. Despite expectations of economic revival through tourism and preservation funding, military skirmishes and protests disrupted local economies, damaged infrastructure, and affected transnational ethnic communities like the Kui, Khmer, and Thai villagers. The study highlights three distinct cultural perspectives on the conflict—militaries, political elites/activists, and local villagers—each with differing interests and media access, revealing a complex interplay of power and representation that has silenced local voices.
Stevns Klint
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2011 —
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A significant discovery of extraterrestrial metallic particles and nanospheres in the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/T) boundary clay layer at Stevns Klint, Denmark, suggests that the asteroid impact 65 million years ago was accompanied by a substantial fall of finely dispersed cosmic matter. These particles, including iron, copper, Fe-Ni, Fe-Ni-Co, and Fe-Cr alloys, as well as magnetite and aluminosilicate balls, imply an intense supply of micrometeorites or asteroid fragments during the event. The findings challenge previous reconstructions by highlighting the need to account for this vast amount of cosmic dust in understanding the boundary events.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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2011 —
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Arica and Parinacota's high-altitude environment holds clues to the Chinchorro culture's advanced practices, including artificial mummification, dating back over 500 years. This study reconstructs climate variability in the region using tree-ring width chronologies of queñoa (Polylepis tarapacana), capturing the last five centuries with unprecedented precision. The research reveals distinct periods of drought and moisture, correlating with historical records of human settlement patterns and cultural practices. By analyzing annual growth rings, scientists identified environmental stressors that likely influenced Chinchorro society's adaptations, providing a rare intersection of paleoclimatology and archaeological evidence in the UNESCO-listed Atacama Desert.
Danube Delta
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2011 —
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Environmental governance in the Danube Delta is shaped by rigid path dependencies and flexible interdependencies, with direct citizen participation alone risking reinforcement of informal institutions. The study combines path dependence theory and social systems theory to analyze governance evolution, revealing that effective reforms require collaboration across multiple institutions rather than isolated citizen engagement. This insight challenges conventional approaches to participatory governance in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Danube Delta.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A study of the Brazilian Cerrado frog <em>Hypsiboas albopunctatus</em> reveals cryptic lineages with deep divergences, challenging the perception of the Cerrado as a barrier-free habitat. Phylogenetic analysis identified three distinct lineages: the Chapada dos Guimarães (CG) clade, which diverged in the late Miocene and likely represents a cryptic species; the southeast (SE) clade, associated with historical Atlantic forest distribution; and the Central Cerrado (CC) group, paraphyletic relative to the SE clade. Historical demography analyses suggest significant population expansion in the CC and SE populations, linked to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and the formation of open habitats. The study highlights the complex diversification history of the Cerrado, a morphoclimatic domain under severe anthropogenic threat, and underscores the likelihood of underestimated biodiversity in this region.
Acropolis, Athens
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking doctoral thesis challenges the long-held assumption that the cult of Athena on the Acropolis was the sole and initial unifying force for Early Iron Age Attica. It reveals that the 'Athenaioi' (Men of Athena) emerged as an elite group confined to the Athenian plain, while other autonomous regional groups proliferated throughout Attica from the 8th century BCE, leading to political fragmentation. The study argues that a process of cultic exchange between these groups, spanning the late 7th to mid-6th centuries BCE, paved the way for social and political integration, culminating in Cleisthenes' reforms (508/7 BCE). By synthesizing extensive cultic remains from 1000–600 BCE, this research offers a new narrative of early Athenian state formation, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between cult practices and societal organization.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2011 —
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The Ravello Festival serves as a powerful territorial marketing tool, significantly enhancing the competitiveness and global recognition of the Amalfi Coast. This study demonstrates that cultural events can strengthen local identity while promoting both tangible and intangible resources of a region. By analyzing the festival's history, management, and supply system, researchers highlight its strategic role in positioning Ravello as a 'City of Music.' The findings underscore the coherence between the festival's strengths and Ravello's development strategy, emphasizing its ability to attract international attention and boost tourism.
Mesa Verde National Park
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2011 —
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Ancestral Pueblo peoples at Mesa Verde National Park demonstrated a clear preference for mortars composed of sandy clay loam to clay loam textures, with a temporal shift observed in soil selection at Spruce Tree House—moving from mesa-top soils during early occupation to those below cliff dwellings in later periods. This study reveals that mortar geochemical composition varied between cliff dwellings and even within households due to local soil differences or potential amendments, suggesting shared access to mortar sources among contemporaneous households. The presence of gypsum in mortars is also discussed, hinting at possible land tenure rights extending beyond agricultural lands.
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand
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2011 —
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A novel framework for interpreting and classifying historic gold mining landscapes as cultural landscapes is proposed, offering new insights into their heritage significance and sustainable tourism potential. The study argues that mid-nineteenth century goldfields, when analyzed within the context of organically evolved landscapes linked to surrounding farmland, reveal hidden disruptive aspects of mining that have been overlooked in World Heritage listings. By drawing on case studies from Victoria (Australia) and Otago (New Zealand), the research demonstrates how these landscapes can be thematically interpreted for their cultural value while addressing gaps in current heritage management approaches.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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UNESCO World Heritage designation transforms the value and perception of cultural properties, converting symbolic capital into economic assets through branding. This study highlights how official recognition alters property relationships in rural communities, such as Ōmori in Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, exposing heritage sites to reinterpretation by administrators and tourists while restricting their use. Despite local resistance to urban standards, legal frameworks of cultural property inherently involve communities in preservation efforts. The research examines these dynamics through fieldwork conducted post-designation (2007-2009), revealing conflicts between regional traditions and national policies. It also explores the role of heritage in community development programs (<em>machizukuri</em>) and the linguistic nuances surrounding cultural property, offering insights into Japan's broader heritage management challenges.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2011 —
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Istanbul's cultural industries—arts and culture festivals, the film industry, and fashion design—are spatially concentrated within a distinct 'cultural triangle,' forming a vibrant urban core characterized by dense social networks, historic buildings, and a critical mass of creativity. This study identifies this clustering as a key driver for economic development in the city, contrasting sharply with the peripheral areas that lack such cultural vitality. The research employs spatial analysis to map these industries' distribution, revealing how their concentration enhances urban attractiveness while highlighting disparities in spatial planning. Suggestions for policy intervention aim to bridge this gap, promoting more equitable cultural and economic growth.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2011 —
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Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and musk oxen (Ovibos moschatus) on Wrangel Island exhibit strong dietary selectivity, favoring willows (Salicaceae), which constitute nearly half of their diet year-round. Despite sedges/rushes (Cyperaceae + Juncaceae) and legumes (Fabaceae) contributing minimally to the aboveground phytomass (<4–8%), they comprise 27% and 24%, respectively, in their diets. Mosses, dominant in phytomass (40%), are avoided, while lichens—even at high abundance (up to 20%)—are not consumed. The study analyzed plant composition and diet via micro-histological fecal analysis from 2004–2007, revealing critical insights into Arctic herbivore foraging behavior.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2011 —
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A significant increase in the distribution of the coral-encrusting cyanobacteriosponge <em>Terpios hoshinota</em> has been observed across southern Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago, with at least 36% of surveyed sites now hosting this species compared to just 6% in previous studies from 1984–1985. This suggests that <em>T. hoshinota</em> is now a permanent feature in the region's coral reef ecosystems, potentially due to general reef degradation over the past few decades. The study, conducted between 2009 and 2011, surveyed 64 sites from Amami-Oshima Island to the Yaeyama Islands, with findings indicating that while large outbreaks remain rare, the species is more widespread than previously thought. Most occurrences were found in shallow waters (<5 m), with no strong seasonal influence on abundance. The research also highlights the need for long-term monitoring to assess the ecological threat posed by <em>T. hoshinota</em> to coral reefs.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2011 —
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Researchers have discovered a family of cytotoxic cyclodepsipeptides, veraguamides A-C and H-L, from the marine cyanobacterium cf. Oscillatoria margaritifera collected in Coiba National Park, Panama. These compounds exhibit potent cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cells, with veraguamide A showing an LD50 of 141 nM. The structures were elucidated using advanced NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques. Notably, four veraguamides (A, B, K, L) contain a rare alkynyl bromide functionality, previously observed in only one other marine natural product, jamaicamide A. This discovery highlights the potential of Coiba's marine biodiversity for developing novel cancer therapies.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2011 —
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Middens at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Turkey, offer unique insights into daily activities, diet, and resource use during the early Neolithic period. This study reveals that these deposits contain high-resolution traces of subsistence strategies, including plant resource use, fuel consumption, and dietary practices, which are less apparent in cleaner archaeological contexts like floors. By employing thin section micromorphology, phytolith analysis, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and biomolecular techniques (GC-MS), researchers characterized the composition and associations of finely stratified midden layers in situ. The integrated approach sheds light on midden formation processes while providing detailed evidence for agriculture, environment, and subsistence practices in this significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Timbuktu
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2011 —
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Termites pose the most significant threat to the Djingarey Ber Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Timbuktu, Mali. A detailed survey during the dry-cold season identified three primary wood-damaging pests: Amitermes evuncifer (Termitidae), Bostrychoplites zycheli (Bostrichidae), and Lyctus africanus (Lyctidae). Additionally, plasterer bees (Colletidae) and Sphecidae were found damaging walls and decorated panels. Termite damage was particularly alarming due to its extent and potential for long-term structural impact. The study suggests integrated control and preventive measures to ensure sustainable preservation of this historically significant earthen structure.
Abbey of St Gall
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2011 —
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A review of Lynda L. Coon's book <em>Dark Age Bodies: Gender and Monastic Practice in the Early Medieval West</em> highlights its innovative analysis of Carolingian monastic culture through a gender theory lens, particularly focusing on the works of Hrabanus Maurus. The study reconstructs clerical masculinity by examining early medieval readings of the body, revealing how Carolingians used Roman artifacts to assert their authority and how linguistic proficiency (speaking proper Latin) defined leadership roles in monasteries, often relegating illiterates to subordinate positions. While the book offers insightful interpretations of monastic practices, including the use of physical discipline by abbots, its application of gender theory to patriarchal institutions like the Benedictine Rule is criticized as misleading and reductive.
City of Cuzco
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2011 —
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Death and Conversion in the Andes reveals that the Christianization of Andean populations was not merely a process of violent imposition but involved a complex, rational engagement with indigenous culture. The study, focusing on Lima and Cuzco from 1532 to 1670, demonstrates how conquistadors adapted to Andean death rituals and spatial practices, integrating them into Catholic frameworks. By analyzing wills, testaments, archaeological evidence, and anthropological data, the research challenges the stereotypical image of conquistadors as solely destructive figures, highlighting instead a dynamic process of cultural assimilation and reorganization. This innovative approach provides new insights into the intersection of religion, space, and identity in colonial Peru.
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
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2011 —
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A critical reassessment of Great Zimbabwe's historical interpretation challenges the application of universal structuralist models derived from other Zimbabwe settlements, arguing that such approaches lack analytical weight for understanding this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study contends that Huffman's critique misinterprets Portuguese written accounts and employs methodologically flawed radiocarbon chronology analyses. It emphasizes the need for future research to prioritize site-specific data publication and avoid overgeneralization, ensuring more robust interpretations of Great Zimbabwe's significance.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2011 —
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Forereef colonies of the slow-growing coral <em>Siderastrea siderea</em> on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) in southern Belize have shown a significant decline in annual skeletal extension since the early 1900s, shifting from the fastest to the slowest growth rates. This trend contrasts with relatively stable growth rates observed in backreef and nearshore colonies. The study analyzed 13 coral cores using X-ray imaging to estimate skeletal extension over a century, revealing declines of -0.020±0.005 mm/yr per year for forereef colonies, while backreef and nearshore colonies remained stable at 0.011±0.006 and -0.008±0.006 mm/yr per year, respectively. The findings suggest that forereef corals may be more susceptible to environmental stressors, possibly due to sediment plumes, nutrients, or pollution from neighboring watersheds. Ongoing research aims to reconstruct the history of these stressors to better predict and mitigate future impacts on coral reef ecosystems.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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Between 2003 and 2009, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico experienced significant forest degradation and deforestation, with 2152 hectares affected, primarily due to illegal logging by organized gangs. These changes were concentrated in four specific areas outside the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program and zones of land conflicts. Notably, degradation decreased where logging declined, particularly on properties included in the PES program or where exploitation permits had expired. The study used digital aerial photographs and satellite images to analyze biennial changes, revealing a trend of decreasing disturbances by 2011, attributed to the PES program, promotion of productive activities, and social work in the area.
Gros Morne National Park
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Nonnative herbivores are significantly hindering the regeneration of balsam fir (Abies balsamea), a dominant conifer, in Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks on Newfoundland. The study reveals that red squirrels predate female cones, while non-native rodents and slugs target seeds and seedlings, and moose browse taller saplings, collectively preventing the recruitment of reproductive-aged trees. This disruption shifts seedbeds from optimal feathermoss types to grass-dominated or non-native plant-dominated areas, further degrading balsam fir germination potential. The findings indicate that these changes occur at large spatial scales, affecting both protected and non-protected landscapes. Management recommendations include sustained reductions in moose populations and supplemental planting of fir where understory densities are exceptionally low.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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Severe weathering, including honeycomb formation and biological damage, is significantly degrading the limestone and marble structures of Leptis Magna's Hadrianic Baths. This study identifies multiple deterioration factors—such as salt weathering, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and microbial activity—that contribute to structural degradation in this marine climate. The research characterizes the building materials affected by these processes, providing insights into their vulnerability and potential conservation strategies.
Burgos Cathedral
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2011 —
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A study on the degradation of historic buildings in northern Spain reveals that microbial activity leads to the formation of oxalate compounds (weddellite and whewellite) on dolomitic rock surfaces, while atmospheric pollution causes gypsum formation on lime plasters used as protective coatings. Researchers analyzed samples from the Romanesque Church of Torme and Burgos Cathedral using advanced techniques such as microscopy, spectrometry, diffraction, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The findings highlight the distinct degradation processes affecting rural and urban environments, with implications for conservation strategies.
Danube Delta
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2011 —
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Governance policies for the Danube Delta co-create a marginalized 'local' identity, shaped by power/knowledge dynamics that silence and exoticize communities. This study reveals how policies, emerging from multiple government levels, evolve through constant interaction with other power structures, leading to the subjugation of local actors. Using a Foucauldian framework, it analyzes policy emergence, enactment, and implementation to highlight the implications for participatory natural resource governance. The findings underscore the need to recognize and address these processes in environmental management strategies.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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A novel spatial analysis of Delphi and Olympia reveals how their sanctuaries functioned as Panhellenic centers beyond their roles as oracle sites and athletic venues. By integrating archaeological evidence with historical context, the study demonstrates that these sanctuaries were dynamic spaces where dedications and structures interacted with the broader landscape, shaping Panhellenism's spatial politics during the Archaic and Classical periods (650–300 B.C.E.). The research challenges conventional literature-focused approaches by emphasizing material culture and site organization, offering a cross-disciplinary model that bridges archaeology and history. Key findings include the negotiation of space in dedicatory practices and the evolving relationship between Delphi and Olympia, providing new insights into Panhellenic identity formation.
Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra Rails, the last flightless birds in the tropical Indian Ocean, face high extinction risk despite their large population. Research reveals that even with a substantial number of non-breeding 'floaters', the species could be driven to extinction within 20 years if introduced predators like cats were to invade Malabar Island, where around 3,500 breeding pairs reside. The study used stochastic population modeling to assess demographic resilience, finding that the population is vulnerable to predator introduction but resilient to annual removals of up to 100 pairs for reintroduction efforts. Monitoring floaters could serve as an early warning system for population crashes in territorial island species.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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Researchers found that Efford's maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator generally provides more accurate density estimates for small mammals compared to conventional boundary-strip methods, especially in boreal forest ecosystems. The study analyzed mark-recapture data from 104 trapping sessions across Kluane, Yukon, and tundra areas of Herschel Island and Komakuk Beach, northern Yukon, involving 6,145 individuals. While Efford's ML estimator produced density estimates smaller than boundary-strip methods in boreal forests, it showed varying accuracy in tundra environments—underestimating at low densities (<1.5/ha) but performing better at high densities (25/ha). The findings highlight the need for careful selection of estimators to ensure robust population density assessments, crucial for management agencies and ecological studies.
Yosemite National Park
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Research reveals that airborne organic contaminants, including current-use pesticides like chlorpyrifos and endosulfans, as well as legacy compounds such as chlordane and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), accumulate in Yosemite National Park. A key finding is the significant winter deposition of these contaminants, accounting for over 70% of annual pesticide inputs due to snowfall. Endosulfan and chlordane concentrations increase with elevation, suggesting mountain cold-trapping as a mechanism for accumulation, while chlorpyrifos shows an inverse correlation with elevation, indicating source proximity as the dominant factor. Sediment analysis revealed low levels of most contaminants, except for dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDE) in Tenaya Lake, which exceeded protective guidelines for benthic organisms. The study used a multi-matrix approach, sampling atmospheric deposition, lichen, zooplankton, and lake sediment across elevations, alongside passive samplers to estimate surface-water concentrations.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2011 —
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Between the 12th and 15th centuries, significant portions of the Mont Saint-Michel Bay's southeastern and eastern coastlines were reclaimed from the sea through poldérisation—a process involving land isolation and drainage—transforming previously submerged areas into arable farmland. This transformation, supported by feudal authorities including the Dol-Combourg lords and nearby abbeys, enabled the establishment of agricultural parishes like Paluel, west of the Couesnon River. However, long-term environmental changes such as rising sediment levels in the bay and river course shifts, combined with demographic decline, led to the abandonment and eventual return of these lands to their maritime state by the 15th century, predating major 19th-century engineering interventions. The study reconstructs this historical process using modern cartographic data and medieval sources, offering a rare glimpse into medieval land-use strategies in coastal environments.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2011 —
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Research reveals that more than half of the New Zealand flora, including 37 out of 60 species studied, harbors endogenous badnavirus reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences. Unlike tropical regions where freely replicating badnaviruses are common, no active viruses were detected in this temperate Southern Hemisphere flora. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these RT sequences form distinct monophyletic groups, suggesting they may be widespread in temperate plant species. The study also identified a previously unrecognized Melicytus species and hinted at potential apomixis—a form of asexual reproduction—in Melicytus ramiflorus. These findings highlight the broader presence of integrated badnavirus sequences in temperate regions and caution about their potential activation under stress, such as tissue culture or genomic manipulation.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
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2011 —
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Ground penetrating radar (GPR) emerges as a powerful tool for detecting delamination in wall paintings, particularly in culturally significant sites like the Potala Palace. Delamination, a prevalent issue causing separation between plaster and support surfaces, poses severe threats to the integrity of ancient murals, often leading to surface cracks or complete paint loss. This study highlights GPR's effectiveness in identifying such structural weaknesses, which affect over 75% of wall paintings in Tibetan heritage sites due to environmental degradation, biological factors, and material aging. By analyzing electromagnetic wave behavior through different media, the research provides a non-invasive method for conservationists to assess and monitor delamination risks without physical damage.
Yakushima
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2011 —
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Researchers found that sulfur isotope ratios (δ³⁴S) in non-seasalt sulfate (nss δ³⁴S) on Yakushima Island vary significantly by region, with higher values (+1.1 to +7.5‰) in the western and mountainous areas compared to the northeastern region (-3.9 to +0.3‰). This suggests that sulfur-bearing air masses from coal combustion in Asia, characterized by high δ³⁴S values, are transported westward and deposited on the island's higher elevations, such as Miyanoura-dake (1936 m). The study employed a novel in-situ collection method using anion exchange resin in mesh bags to efficiently gather sulfate for analysis, making it suitable for remote or mountainous research settings where sample transport is challenging. This approach addresses practical limitations while providing insights into the origin and distribution of atmospheric sulfur pollutants affecting freshwater ecosystems.
