Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2011 —
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In the rural village within Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, fuel collection and hearth activity are pivotal cultural practices that sustain household production and reproduction. The study reveals that the physical hearth is spatially fluid, serving as a material and symbolic center throughout the household's life cycle. All members, from children to the elderly, participate in fuel collection, redefining household composition. Wood collection connects houses to uncultivated landscapes, fostering reciprocal labor networks and community festivals. Gendered and intergenerational divisions of labor result in four distinct types of collection trips involving different plant species, wood sizes, and source ecosystems. However, increased tourism at Machu Picchu is altering daily and seasonal labor patterns, with men and women engaging in tourism work and children being educated in town. These changes are leading to a more mobile hearth as houses improve, significantly impacting traditional labor dynamics.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2011 —
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Soil heavy metal concentrations on Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, are primarily influenced by the geochemical composition of parent volcanic rocks, with pedogenesis driving the accumulation of zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) in upper soil horizons. Mercury (Hg) appears to originate from long-range atmospheric transport, facilitated by organic matter complexation. The study analyzed 43 soil samples from five profiles, revealing that clay minerals do not significantly bind heavy metals. This research highlights the interplay between geological and pedogenic factors in shaping metal distributions on remote oceanic islands.
Western Caucasus
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2011 —
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Research on helium isotopes in the Western Caucasus reveals significant variations in mantle-derived components, with ³He/⁴He ratios ranging from (46–114) × 10⁻⁸ to (70–134) × 10⁻⁸, indicating a notable presence of mantle helium. These values are substantially higher than those in mud volcanoes on the Taman Peninsula and suggest regional differences in magmatic activity along the orogen strike. The study analyzed gases from mineral springs, stratal waters, and mud volcanoes, providing insights into the distribution of mantle derivatives and the age of intrusive magmatic activity in this region.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2011 —
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Malaysia's heritage building conservation efforts have gained momentum since the establishment of the National Heritage Department in 2006 and the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing of Melaka and George Town in 2008. The study highlights that successful conservation requires collaboration among government authorities, private sector stakeholders, building owners, and technical experts to ensure compliance with the National Heritage Act 2005. This collaborative approach is crucial for promoting heritage tourism and preserving Malaysia's cultural legacy.
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
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2011 —
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A strong institutional preference for educational and historical preservation of the 17th-century mining landscape at Falun's Great Copper Mountain World Heritage Site shapes contemporary tourism management, often overshadowing broader visions for heritage tourism development. This study reveals that while stakeholders share a goal to promote tourism, there is little consensus on defining the tourist product or interpreting the site's role in tourism activities. Skepticism exists regarding entertainment-focused attractions without educational value, reinforcing the prioritization of historical accuracy and mining heritage. The research combines interviews with stakeholders, official documents, and marketing materials to analyze path dependency and institutional structures, illustrating how inherited social and economic frameworks influence local development strategies.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2011 —
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Heritage, Memory & Identity explores the complex interplay between heritage preservation and its impact on memory and identity, using the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear Temple as a case study. The publication examines how narratives shape commemoration, the political economies of heritage, and grassroots memorialization, revealing that heritage is not merely a static artifact but a dynamic force in shaping collective identities and historical consciousness. It employs interdisciplinary approaches, including cultural studies, anthropology, and political science, to analyze regional and global perspectives on heritage, memory, and identity. The study highlights the contested nature of heritage sites, such as Preah Vihear, where multiple narratives clash, reflecting broader societal tensions and power dynamics.
Everglades National Park
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2011 —
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A study of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) from Everglades National Park identified three species of parasitic flatworms (Heteronchoinea) on their gills, with infection intensity varying significantly by host size. Protomicrocotyle mirabilis was redescribed, while Allopyragraphorus hippos and Cemocotyle noveboracensis were distinguished from related species. Larger fish (312–395 mm) showed heavier infections (mean 63.8 parasites/host), suggesting age or size-related susceptibility. The research clarifies taxonomic distinctions among these parasites, contributing to understanding their ecology in marine ecosystems.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of dental pulp samples from medieval Venice reveals successive plague waves in the city, where quarantine was first instituted. Using high-throughput, multiplexed real-time PCR, researchers detected DNA from Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague, in three samples—two dating to the 14th century and one from the 16th century. Genetic sequencing confirmed these strains belonged to the Orientalis biotype, a highly transmissible form. Additionally, Bartonella quintana, linked to trench fever, was identified in five samples, including those from the 15th and 16th centuries. This study provides the first molecular evidence of repeated plague epidemics in Venice, offering new insights into the historical impact of these diseases on a pivotal European city.
Anticosti
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2011 —
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A high-resolution carbon isotope analysis of the Ordovician-Silurian boundary on Anticosti Island, Quebec, reveals a distinct isotopic pattern that challenges current models of the global carbon cycle during the Late Ordovician. The study, which examined over 400 micritic limestone samples from six sections of the Ellis Bay Formation, identified two significant positive carbon isotope excursions (∼2‰ and ∼4‰) that align with global graptolite-rich Hirnantian successions. This pattern contradicts existing predictions, suggesting a more complex evolution of the carbon cycle than previously understood. The research integrates isotopic data with sequence stratigraphy and biostratigraphy to provide new insights into this critical period of Earth history.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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High-resolution mapping reveals that thermal discharges from hydrothermal sources in Yellowstone National Park's rivers are not uniformly mixed with the bulk flow, even after traveling multiple stream widths. This results in significant temperature gradients exceeding 30°C between the thermal plume and surrounding river water. The study utilized airborne (4-meter resolution) and ground-based (centimeter-scale resolution) imaging to document these mixing zones, demonstrating pronounced spatial and temporal variations within plumes. These findings highlight the potential of portable high-resolution sensors for advancing the understanding of non-isothermal mixing processes and thermally-mediated ecological and biogeochemical functions in aquatic systems.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2011 —
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A high-resolution paleomagnetic study at the Sangiran Early Man Site, Indonesia, has precisely dated the Matuyama–Brunhes (MB) transition, providing a crucial age constraint for Homo erectus fossils. The research identified a 7-meter-thick section marking the transition, characterized by three short reversal episodes and overlaid by a normal polarity magnetozone, which was fission-track dated to the Brunhes chron. This pattern matches records from Osaka Bay marine cores, confirming the MB boundary's age at approximately 776 ± 2 thousand years ago (ka). The study further correlated tuff layers in the Bapang Formation, revealing that the last occurrence of Homo erectus fossils and a tektite level coincide just below the Upper Middle Tuff, underlying the MB transition. This stratigraphic relationship aligns with deep-sea core data, indicating the meteorite impact preceded the MB reversal by about 12 ka. The findings establish the MB boundary as the uppermost horizon yielding Homo erectus fossils in Sangiran, refining our understanding of human evolution in Java.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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2011 —
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A planned highway threatens the authenticity and integrity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, by passing through its buffer or core zones. The study highlights significant environmental stress and ecological impacts during construction and operation phases. To mitigate these effects, the research proposes specialized management measures aimed at reducing adverse consequences on this critical habitat for giant pandas.
Mammoth Cave National Park
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2011 —
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A historical GIS platform for Mammoth Cave National Park reveals the landscape's transition from a farming community to a protected national park, preserving public memory of its pre-park inhabitants. The Mammoth Cave Historical GIS (MCHGIS) overlays 1920 census data at the household level with streaming topographic maps and georeferences Civilian Conservation Corps photographs, enabling visualization and analysis of population dynamics on the eve of park establishment. This web-based interface broadens access to archival holdings while integrating public participation GIS techniques to create a virtual site of public memory, supplementing institutional history with privately donated materials.
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia
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2011 —
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Indigenous societies on Kosrae and Pohnpei shared deep historical connections, as evidenced by similarities between their ceremonial sites (Lelu and Nan Madol) and oral histories. These interactions reveal cultural transformations that preceded European contact, shaping the broader Micronesian region without external dominance. The study compares archaeological evidence and oral traditions to trace these pre-colonial exchanges, highlighting how indigenous encounters drove long-term cultural evolution in Pacific island societies.
Timbuktu
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2011 —
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Aḥmad Bul‘arāf, a renowned scholar and custodian of Timbuktu’s manuscript heritage, is remembered as a pivotal figure in preserving the city’s intellectual legacy. His life’s work, celebrated through panegyric verses and contemporary accounts, underscores his role as a reviver of Islamic culture and a dedicated conservator of written knowledge. Despite the transient nature of graves in Timbuktu’s sandy environment, Bul‘arāf’s impact endures through his contributions to manuscript conservation, calligraphy, and the circulation of ideas. A 1986 essay, crafted in traditional Sudani script, further immortalizes his legacy, reflecting a deep reverence for the written word during an era marked by technological shifts.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Siliceous stromatolites from Yellowstone National Park's Obsidian Pool Prime (OPP) reveal that finely laminated microbial structures, typically preserved in ancient carbonate forms, can also be lithified rapidly in silica-rich environments. Growth rates of 1-5 cm per year are punctuated, with cyanobacterial communities utilizing CO₂ from both vent water and the atmosphere. The study found that drape lamination, characterized by stronger silica cementation, likely formed during lower spring levels, suggesting environmental forcing influences lamination style. Early lithification, driven by temperature-controlled silica solubility, is critical for preserving finely laminated microbial mats, offering insights into the morphogenesis of ancient stromatolites.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park serves as a natural laboratory to study the complex interplay of abiotic and biotic factors in travertine formation. Research reveals that microbial communities directly influence travertine growth rate and crystalline structure, while hydrology, heat dispersion, and geochemistry shape terrace geomorphology at larger scales. Time-lapse field photography and numerical modeling provide insights into how these processes interact over space and time. This study establishes a conceptual framework for understanding the combined effects of geological and biological factors on calcium carbonate precipitation, offering new perspectives on ancient microbial life records.
Okavango Delta
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2011 —
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Multinational hotel companies significantly contribute to the lucrative wildlife-based tourism industry in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. While these establishments generate substantial revenue through game drives, safaris, boating, and accommodation services, they also have mixed socio-economic impacts. Positive outcomes include job creation, income generation, and infrastructure development, primarily driven by multinational and South African hotel companies. However, negative effects such as revenue leakage, limited job opportunities for local citizens, and failure to alleviate rural poverty are notable. The study suggests that sustainable tourism approaches, particularly those involving citizen participation, could mitigate these negative impacts and enhance the overall benefits of the industry.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2011 —
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Historical documentation and publicity significantly increase the likelihood of recovering stolen artworks, even without modern international databases. This study quantifies how a painting's historical importance, extensive media coverage during theft, and public interest can lead to swift recovery, as demonstrated by the 1874 theft of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s altarpiece from Seville Cathedral. Analysis of data from the Art Loss Register (ALR) database (2000–2009) reveals that thorough documentation mimics the effectiveness of contemporary stolen art registries. The case study underscores how pre-modern records, though not internationally accessible, served as a catalyst for recovery due to widespread attention and scholarly interest.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2011 —
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High-mountain ecosystems, vital for millions yet threatened by population pressure and climate change, show distinct nitrogen cycle disruptions linked to human activity and environmental shifts. Research reveals that intensively grazed pastures in the Eastern Pamirs exhibit a 3.5‰ enrichment in ^15N compared to less-exploited areas, indicating soil degradation, volatile nitrogen losses, and leaching. Similarly, degraded savanna soils on Mt. Kilimanjaro's foothills display highly positive δ^15N values (~6.5‰), while undisturbed montane forests show depleted ^15N, suggesting a closed nitrogen cycle. However, the upper montane forest zone near the subalpine transition exhibits elevated δ^15N, likely due to climate-induced fires pushing the rainforest boundary downward. The study demonstrates that ^15N natural abundance serves as an effective indicator for detecting land-use or climate change-driven soil degradation and nitrogen cycle alterations in high-mountain environments.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2011 —
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Tropical Andean ecosystems exhibit significant sensitivity to climate variations and human activities, with long-term responses providing critical insights for future conservation. The study reveals that changes in temperature, moisture, fire regimes, and lake levels, particularly during the deglaciation and Holocene periods, have profoundly impacted biodiversity, especially high-elevation Polylepis woodlands. Charcoal analysis indicates transformative burning events at c. 14,500, 10,100, and 6,400 cal yr BP, while pollen and geochemical data highlight arid periods correlated with El Niño/Southern Oscillation variations. Increased Sporormiella abundance after c. 1,340 cal yr BP suggests shifts in trade-route use and agricultural practices, linking human adaptation to Tiwanaku and Inca civilizations. The research employs multi-proxy palaeolimnological investigations, including fossil pollen, spores, charcoal, Chironomidae (midges), elemental abundance, color spectra, and magnetic susceptibility, from two Bolivian Andean sites over the last 18,000 years.
Simien National Park
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2011 —
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Human-wildlife conflict in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, is primarily driven by common jackals, which cause significant problems for local communities, accounting for 57.1% of reported conflicts. Spotted hyenas also pose a threat, with 27% of respondents reporting livestock losses. The study, conducted through surveys of 300 people in 2005 and 2006, found that grazing and firewood collection within the park were negatively correlated with distance from the park, indicating proximity as a key factor in conflict. The research highlights the need for voluntary resettlement of communities near wildlife habitats and alternative resource provision to mitigate conflicts.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2011 —
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Neanderthals in the Sierra de Atapuerca exhibited consistent cultural behaviors during the Middle Paleolithic, spanning 70 to 56 thousand years ago (ka), as revealed by archaeological excavations at Hundidero and 30 other open-air sites. These findings indicate repeated visits by Neanderthal groups sharing a common technological tradition, characterized by expedient tool production, diverse exploitation techniques, microlithic tendencies, and a preference for dorsal faces, along with the reuse of tools. Notably, these patterns appear independent of raw material conditions, climate, or group activities, suggesting a stable cultural adaptation. The study, based on surface surveys and excavations initiated in 2004, provides rare insights into Neanderthal behavior during the first half of the Late Pleistocene (MIS 4 and 3), typically underrepresented in cave deposits.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified five hybrid fern species belonging to the genus <em>Asplenium</em> in the Wachau Cultural Landscape, Austria. These hybrids—<em>A. ×alternifolium</em> subsp. <em>alternifolium</em>, <em>A. ×alternifolium</em> subsp. <em>heufleri</em>, <em>A. ×clermontae</em>, <em>A. ×murbeckii</em>, and <em>A. trichomanes</em> subsp. <em>lusaticum</em>—were observed growing on stone walls in the regions of Spitz an der Donau and Weißenkirchen. The study highlights the genetic diversity within this UNESCO-listed landscape, where natural hybridization between fern species contributes to its ecological richness. By documenting these hybrids, the research provides new insights into the botanical complexity of the Wachau, offering valuable data for conservation efforts and further exploration of hybrid formation in ferns.
Mount Etna
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that Mount Etna, Italy's iconic volcano, emits hydrogen (H₂) at concentrations of 1–3 parts per million (ppm) above ambient levels. Using an upgraded MultiGAS system equipped with a specialized electrochemical sensor, researchers measured H₂-SO₂ and H₂-H₂O plume ratios during field surveys on the summit. These findings suggest that Etna's passive gas emissions likely reflect equilibrium conditions in the magma system at temperatures between 750°C and 950°C, near the nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) mineral buffer redox state. The study also estimates a time-averaged H₂ flux of approximately 0.65 gigagrams per year, indicating that volcanogenic hydrogen contributes marginally to the global atmospheric budget. Additionally, the positive correlation between H₂-SO₂, H₂-H₂O, and CO₂-SO₂ ratios implies that H₂ is partially supplied by deeply rising CO₂-rich gas bubbles moving through a CO₂-depleted shallow conduit magma.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2011 —
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A hydrothermal system beneath Stromboli volcano, Italy, extends farther and deeper than previously thought, posing potential risks to the stability of its eastern flank. Researchers used resistivity tomograms, self-potential measurements, soil temperature, and CO2 concentrations along two profiles spanning 4.8 km and 3.5 km to map shallow aquifers and the hydrothermal system's extent. The study revealed a broad lateral extension of low-resistivity zones (15–60 ohm m) near villages like Scari and San Vincenzo, corroborated by temperature data from shallow wells. Notably, the hydrothermal body reaches the lower third of the Rina Grande sector collapse area, suggesting mechanical instability due to its proximity to an old collapse boundary. Self-potential data further pinpointed an aquifer above these villages, aiding depth estimation.
Wadi Wurayah
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2011 —
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Wadi Wurayah, located within the Hajar Mountain range in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, harbors a unique hydrogeological system that sustains permanent freshwater habitats critical for biodiversity. Annual rainfall of 18.7 hm³ generates 2.24 hm³ of runoff, which recharges the mountain ophiolite complex, creating springs with magnesium bicarbonate water that meets drinking standards but falls short on bacteriological criteria near tourist areas. These springs support rare species, including two amphibians and a fish, along with newly discovered aquatic insects. The study highlights the urgent need for active management to mitigate human pressure on this ecologically significant wadi, blending hydrogeological analysis with biodiversity assessment.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2011 —
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Altered hydrologic connectivity due to damming significantly impacts fish assemblage structure, diversity, and ecological traits in the Gambia River, West Africa. The study found that species richness increases with isolation from the main river during the dry season, while the abundance of elongate-bodied fishes rises with isolation in the wet season—patterns that disappear under altered flow regimes. Researchers compared 49 fish species across riverine and floodplain habitats in Niokolo-Koba National Park, revealing seasonal shifts in habitat use and trait distribution tied to natural lateral connectivity. These findings highlight the vulnerability of taxonomic and functional diversity to planned dam construction, emphasizing the ecological importance of unregulated flow dynamics.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2011 —
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Research on Lisca Bianca Islet, Panarea Volcano, Aeolian Islands, reveals the cyclical formation of hydrothermal breccias through progressive fracturing and sealing by natroalunite. These breccias, characterized by jigsaw-fit clast textures and variable hydrothermal alteration, are distinguished from primary volcanic facies. The study identifies five distinct facies based on grain size, clast fabric, and alteration degree, providing insights into the complex interplay between fluid pressure, fracturing, and permeability in shallow hydrothermal systems. This work advances understanding of hydrothermal processes in submarine to subaerial volcanic complexes.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Scientists have identified a novel hydrothermal ecotone—a transitional zone between hot chemosynthetic and cooler photosynthetic environments—in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. This ecotone hosts a diverse community of microorganisms, particularly in springs that support streamer biofilm communities (SBCs). While Aquificales bacteria dominate the hottest environments across both SBC and non-SBC sites, Thermotogales-like organisms appear exclusively in SBC locations, suggesting their potential role in biofilm formation. The study used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze microbial diversity, revealing novel taxa—especially among Crenarchaeota—and demonstrating that geochemical gradients shape community structure. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of hydrothermal ecosystems and the conditions favoring SBC development.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Research demonstrates that hyperspectral remote sensing can effectively monitor salinity stress in red (Rhizophora mangle) and white (Laguncularia racemosa) mangroves on the Galápagos Islands. Using the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) as a proxy for photosynthetic rate, the study found strong correlations between PRI values and salinity gradients, suggesting that this method could be used to track mangrove forest growth on a regional scale. This approach offers a promising tool for large-scale conservation efforts by providing real-time data on how these critical coastal ecosystems respond to environmental stress.
Great Barrier Reef
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2011 —
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A predictive spatial habitat model has identified two core areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) that are highly probable for humpback whale occurrence during their breeding and calving season from June to September. These areas correspond with movements of satellite-tagged whales, with one likely serving as a critical wintering ground while the other appears to be a migration route. The model highlighted specific environmental parameters, such as water depth (30–58 meters, peak at 49 meters) and sea surface temperature (21–23°C, peak at 21.8°C), that define these habitats. This research is crucial for managing human interactions with whales, particularly in light of increasing coastal development and shipping activity in the GBRMP.
Taï National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers identified distinct chimpanzee group activity hotspots within Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, using transect nest surveys. The study revealed a positive density and group-size gradient of nests away from the home range periphery, with clusters corresponding to four habituated social groups successfully located via scan statistics. While additional low-density clusters emerged between groups, this method offers a scalable approach for studying wild animal population structure, applicable beyond direct observations to include camera traps, acoustic, or genetic data.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2011 —
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Urban nomenclature reflects societal values and historical shifts, with statehood, culture-creators, and religion being the most prominent sources of street names across Central European cities. A study analyzing eight historic city centers—Graz, Kraków, Olomouc, Prague, Maribor, Zagreb, Zadar, and Mostar—revealed that World War II had a more significant impact on toponyms than the fall of the Berlin Wall, though this varied by location. The research examined three time periods (1935, 1985, and 2009) to capture pre-WWII conditions, post-socialist era trends, and contemporary transitions. While statehood, culture-creators, and religion dominated toponyms overall, some cities emphasized local landmarks, crafts, or entrepreneurs more prominently.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
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2011 —
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A comprehensive visual documentation of Norman naval operations in the Mediterranean, spanning the 11th to 13th centuries, reveals strategic maritime dominance and technological advancements. The study presents a curated collection of illustrations, including siege vessels, war galleys, and battle maps, showcasing the Normans' naval prowess during key conflicts such as the blockade of Bari (1068) and the Battle of Corfu (1084). It also highlights cultural exchanges, such as the circular world map by al-Idrisi and the Arsenale della Repubblica di Amalfi, underscoring Sicily's role in Mediterranean trade and naval warfare. The illustrations provide a detailed visual narrative of Norman naval strategies, ship designs, and their impact on regional politics.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
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2011 —
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Peter Behrens’s 1901 house on the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt, never occupied by his family, emerged as a symbolic showcase of progressive design, challenging traditional interpretations. While historian Tilmann Buddensieg celebrated it as a harbinger of democratic design, a Marxist perspective reframes this relationship as feudal, suggesting Behrens’s work instead reinforced new forms of domination. The study contrasts these viewpoints to expose the ideological underpinnings of architectural practice in early 20th-century Germany.
Archaeological Site of Sabratha
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2011 —
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Coastal environmental conditions significantly impact the durability of building materials at Sabratha's Roman Theater, leading to structural degradation such as collapsing and disintegration. The study reveals that limestone, marble, and mortars used in the theater's construction undergo alterations due to exposure to coastal elements. Analytical techniques like XRD, XRF, PM, and SEM were employed to identify mineral composition and its changes, alongside evaluating physio-mechanical properties. These findings highlight the vulnerability of monumental structures in harsh coastal environments, offering insights into preservation challenges for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains
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2011 —
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A first-of-its-kind post-earthquake field survey in Wolong Nature Reserve revealed that the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake caused significant but localized damage to giant panda habitat, with only 36% of damaged areas detected by remote sensing. While tree and shrub diversity declined in affected zones, remnant vegetation persisted in 80% of cases, suggesting potential for forest recovery. Most damage occurred on steep terrain unsuitable for pandas, yet wildlife signs indicated minimal long-term avoidance behavior. The study underscores the need for fine-scale assessments to accurately gauge disaster impacts on biodiversity.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2011 —
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Urbanisation in Lijiang City has significantly reduced the river system length in the Yanggong River watershed, decreasing from 786.9 km in 1995 to 674.2 km in 2009 and projected to further decline by 35.5 km over the next decade. This reduction, driven by urban sprawl, began in the Old Town of Lijiang and spread outward, threatening watershed ecosystem functions. The study used GIS techniques to analyse temporal changes in river systems, revealing that current urban development strategies overlook the impacts on these critical water resources. Protecting the natural river network and leveraging the unique terrain could ensure sustainable urban growth in Lijiang City.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in Yellowstone National Park are primarily shaped by soil chemistry, particularly pH, rather than dispersal limitations or thermal environments. Despite significant differences in soil temperature and plant composition between geothermal and nonthermal grasslands, AMF distribution correlated strongly with soil pH-driven chemical changes. Experimental evidence further demonstrated that two AMF morphospecies, <em>Paraglomus occultum</em> and <em>Scutellospora pellucida</em>, thrive in acidic conditions, supporting niche theory over dispersal constraints at this scale. Bison feces suggest these fungi may also disperse via wide-ranging herbivores. The study challenges the assumption of ubiquitous microbial distribution, emphasizing environmental filtering as the dominant force structuring AMF communities.
Canal du Midi
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2011 —
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Chandra Mukerji's book, <em>Impossible Engineering: Technology and Territoriality on the Canal du Midi</em>, challenges the traditional narrative of Pierre-Paul Riquet as a solitary genius behind France's iconic 17th-century canal. Instead, it argues that the Canal du Midi was a product of collective intelligence, involving tax farmer Riquet, learned experts, artisans, and Pyrenean peasant women who contributed unique hydraulic techniques. Mukerji introduces the concept of 'distributed cognition' to explain how diverse actors collaborated despite social and cultural divides. However, her assertion that these groups were all 'Romans'—sharing a tacit knowledge of Roman engineering—is critiqued for oversimplifying historical technological evolution. The book offers a nuanced perspective on collective technical action but leaves some arguments unconvincing.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2011 —
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A genetic analysis of the coral genus Stylophora reveals that species boundaries do not align with morphological traits, challenging traditional taxonomic classifications. The study, conducted across Madagascar, Okinawa, the Philippines, and New Caledonia, identified three distinct species (A, B, and C) using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Species A and B are endemic to Madagascar, while species C is widespread in the Indo-Pacific, including New Caledonia's lagoons. Contrary to morphological data suggesting higher diversity in the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea, genetic evidence indicates that species C also occurs in the Coral Triangle, with a distinct fourth species (D) found only in the Red Sea. The research rejects interspecific hybridization as an explanation for morphological incongruence but suggests phenotypic plasticity or morphological stasis may play roles. The findings imply the western Indian Ocean as the likely center of origin for Stylophora, influencing its biodiversity distribution.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2011 —
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A novel approach to systematic reserve design effectively incorporates the proximity of new land parcels to existing reserves, addressing a critical gap in biodiversity conservation strategies. This method overcomes limitations of previous models by using reserve boundaries rather than centroids to determine distance costs, reducing bias and improving spatial contiguity. Applied to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, this approach demonstrated its ability to select land parcels closer to existing reserves while meeting biodiversity targets. The study highlights the potential for integrating distance costs into reserve planning algorithms, offering more efficient solutions for environmental managers aiming to expand reserve systems.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2011 —
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Urbanisation has significantly intensified pressures on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Town of Lijiang, with a more than doubling increase in stress between 2000 and 2009. The study employed an integrated method combining the analytic network process (ANP), governmental census data, satellite imagery, ecosystem services, and sewage treatment records to quantify 16 indicators over three decades. Findings revealed an exponential relationship between urbanisation rates and pressure, highlighting that even minor increases in urbanisation can drastically escalate challenges for heritage protection. Population growth and tourism emerged as the most critical factors driving this trend, underscoring urgent implications for safeguarding Lijiang's cultural and natural heritage.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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Indoor radon levels in the granodiorite area of Bergama (Pergamon), Turkey, exhibit significant variability, with concentrations ranging from 11±1 to 727±1 Bq m⁻³ and a geometric mean of 63 Bq m⁻³. The study, conducted over eight months in 20 rural dwellings using the alpha track etch integrated method, revealed a log-normal distribution of radon concentrations. Estimated annual effective doses from indoor radon exposure varied from 0.27 to 18.34 mSv y⁻¹, with an average of 1.95 mSv y⁻¹—below the recommended action levels (3–10 mSv) set by the International Commission on Radiation Protection. These findings provide critical data for assessing radiation exposure risks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site's cultural landscape.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2011 —
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The arrival of the invasive yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes, significantly altered the composition and diversity of an ant community in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. Between 2006 and 2009, researchers monitored the ant community in an artificial clearing using pitfall traps, identifying 42 species overall. After A. gracilipes arrived in 2007, community diversity declined, even before species richness decreased. Ecologically similar native species, such as Dolichoderus affinis, were among the first to disappear. The study suggests that abiotic factors like irregular flooding events may have further influenced community composition, potentially impacting invasive species more than native ones, which may be better adapted to these conditions.
Amiens Cathedral
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2011 —
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Amiens Cathedral's Christmas festivities exemplify the harmonious coexistence of religious and secular celebrations during the late medieval period. Unlike other French cities, where tensions between clergy and townspeople marred the Feast of Innocents or the Feast of Fools, Amiens maintained a peaceful balance between liturgical observances, such as the Feast of Circumcision, and secular traditions, including the prince of fools. The study contrasts this stability with cases from Toul, Tournai, and Clermont, where clerical authority clashed with popular festivities—such as masked parades or court disputes—revealing regional variations in religious practice and social control. By analyzing historical records, Harris highlights how Amiens' unique approach to festive culture reflected broader medieval European dynamics between institutional religion and communal joy.
The English Lake District
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2011 —
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Long-term ecological studies in the Windermere catchment, spanning over 65 years, reveal critical insights into how lakes respond to external stressors and internal interactions. These findings emphasize the need for a 'systems approach' that integrates multiple trophic levels and long-term monitoring to understand lake ecosystems fully. The research, initiated by the Freshwater Biological Association in the 1930s and continued by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, demonstrates the value of sustained monitoring in providing mechanistic understanding and data for modeling future responses. This study underscores the importance of preserving such long-term programs, despite economic challenges, to safeguard the ecosystem services lakes provide.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2011 —
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Female black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico, exhibit highly affiliative social relationships with minimal agonistic interactions, challenging previous assumptions about their social dynamics. A 14-month study involving over 900 hours of focal observations and 5,400 scan samples revealed that females in one group maintained stronger bonds than those in another, with relationship strength increasing upon the birth of an infant. The temporary presence of extragroup females suggests a more dynamic social system than previously thought, resembling patterns seen in red howler monkeys (A. seniculus) rather than mantled howlers (A. palliata). This research sheds light on the nuanced social behavior of this endangered species within its UNESCO-listed habitat.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2011 —
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This article challenges conventional approaches to cultural preservation by critiquing UNESCO's 2003 intangible heritage framework, which, despite aiming to safeguard global diversity, risks institutionalizing culture as a set of endangered practices. It examines the politics of erasure and renewal in two high-profile museum contexts: Te Papa Tongarewa (New Zealand) and the Quai Branly Museum (Paris), revealing how indigenous identity politics intersect with heritage discourse. The study employs comparative analysis to expose tensions between normative preservation efforts and dynamic cultural identities, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary museum practice.
