Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2011 —
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Researchers successfully developed discriminant function formulae using dental dimensions to estimate the sex of subadult individuals from Herculaneum, victims of Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD. The study found that canines exhibit the greatest sex dimorphism, achieving up to 100% accuracy in adult sex determination based on specific measurements. Applied to 30 subadults, this method correctly assigned sex in 22 cases, matching osteological assessments with 73.33% accuracy. The findings suggest that odontometric analysis holds promise for sex estimation in juvenile archaeological samples, addressing a significant limitation in forensic and archaeological research.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2011 —
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A landmark approach to historic preservation emerged from Poland's postwar reconstruction, led by Jan Zachwatowicz, General Conservator from 1945 to 1957. His strategy prioritized the conservation of buildings in their existing state, a principle that guided the rebuilding of devastated old towns like Warsaw, Gniezno, and Poznan. However, exceptions were made for buildings deemed significant to Poland's national identity, particularly after Poland regained independence post-World War I. This chapter explores Zachwatowicz's influential lecture at the first postwar congress of Polish art historians in 1945, which formalized these principles, balancing preservation with national significance.
Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified four effective geovisualization methods for depicting spatial-temporal changes in historical urban areas, with a focus on Olomouc's UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. These methods—comparing historical and recent images, overlaying historical maps over orthophotos, enhanced 3D visualization of historical maps, and photorealistic 3D models across different eras—were evaluated for their potential in tourism, urban planning, and public education. The study confirmed the accuracy of 17th-century fortress plans using cartometric methods and implemented these visualizations in Google Earth with multimedia features to enhance perception. This approach offers valuable insights for preserving and promoting Olomouc's historical heritage while aiding reconstruction efforts.
Península Valdés
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2011 —
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Juvenile elephant seals from Península Valdés exhibit significantly different diving behaviors on and off the shallow Patagonian Shelf. On-shelf, where water depths are limited to less than 100 meters, juveniles show lower diving effort compared to off-shelf waters, which reach depths of approximately 1,000 meters. This suggests that the productive Patagonian Shelf, often occupied by older seals, may displace juveniles to deeper waters, forcing them to increase their diving effort. The study used light-temperature loggers on 10 juvenile seals to measure dive durations and compare aerobic dive limits between shelf environments.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2011 —
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Groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert (BJD) originates from ancient climatic conditions with higher humidity and lower temperatures, distinct from modern precipitation. Isotopic analysis of δ D, δ 18 O, and d-excess reveals strong evaporation effects and no hydraulic connection to distant regions except Outer Mongolia. The study found that BJD groundwater has abnormally negative d-excess values (-17.5‰), differing significantly from local precipitation (5.7‰) and nearby water bodies, indicating limited modern recharge. Research involved comparing isotopic patterns across the BJD, Heihe River Basin, and surrounding areas to reconstruct past climatic conditions.
Butrint
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study confirms the presence of brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella bacteria, in human remains from ancient Butrint, Albania. Researchers identified severe vertebral lesions in two adolescent males dating to the 10th–13th centuries AD and ruled out tuberculosis through genetic screening. Positive amplification of Brucella DNA markers—IS6501 insertion element and Bcsp31 gene—in affected bones provided definitive evidence. This discovery suggests brucellosis was endemic in the region during the Middle Ages, offering new insights into past disease dynamics and human-animal interactions at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baekje Historic Areas
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2011 —
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A novel approach to outdoor landscape design for resorts, rooted in the Baekje Traditional Garden's historical significance and cultural influence on ancient Japan, has been proposed. This study pioneers the spatial reimagining of Baekje garden aesthetics within the Lotte Buyeo Resort, a site integral to the Baekje Historical Reappearance Complex. The research introduces a dual methodology for representation: structural adaptation, focusing on key elements like Imrugak and Wolsunjung spaces, and component borrowing, emphasizing plant planning and architectural features that evoke iconic Baekje landscapes such as the Gilt Bronze Incense Burner's Taoist hermit world. Unlike previous studies that merely analyzed or evaluated traditional garden representations, this work bridges conceptual and practical design, offering a dynamic experience for resort visitors while maintaining historical authenticity. However, its findings are tempered by the ongoing nature of archaeological research on Baekje gardens, which may necessitate future refinements to ensure both cultural fidelity and experiential diversity.
City of Valletta
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2011 —
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Valletta, Malta's capital, embodies the dual pressures of maintaining its international relevance while serving as a symbol of Maltese national identity. A study analyzing Renzo Piano's City Gate reconfiguration project reveals that public debates reflect competing outward and inward orientations—balancing tourism-driven sophistication with historical commemoration. By examining expert commentaries and public viewpoints, researchers found that divergent attitudes stem from differing priorities: preserving the past versus embracing the present/future. This case study of an island capital highlights the tension between global engagement and local significance in urban development.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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A new species of Oxalis, Oxalis simplicifolia, has been discovered on Ua Huka Island in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). This unique plant differs from its closest relative, Oxalis gagneorum, through distinct morphological traits such as simple, unifoliolate glabrous leaves, minutely glandular-puberulent calyx lobes, shorter corolla lobes, erect capsules, and smaller seeds. The discovery underscores the Marquesas Islands' rich biodiversity but highlights a critical threat to this species due to human impact, feral animals, and invasive weeds. Consequently, Oxalis simplicifolia is proposed for inclusion in the IUCN Red List as critically endangered (CR), emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this rare plant.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2011 —
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A new species of shallow-water gorgonian coral, <i>Pacifigorgia marviva</i>, has been discovered in Coiba National Park, Pacific Panama. This species is characterized by its white to cream, small, erect colonies with 1–4 fronds, short or absent stems, and sparsely distributed polyp mounds. Morphological analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed unique sclerite structures, including long spindles and thin anthocodial rods. The discovery increases the diversity of <i>Pacifigorgia</i> species to 35, with 20 found in Panama, representing 57% of the genus in the eastern Pacific. This finding highlights the rich biodiversity of Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection.
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, stands as a testament to the intersection of natural beauty and human ingenuity. This study reveals that its recognition was not merely an acknowledgment of its aesthetic appeal but also a commitment to preserving its cultural significance through structured management, conservation, and protection frameworks. The research meticulously analyzes the nomination process and the definition of cultural landscapes, providing insights into how such sites are safeguarded for future generations. By examining the lines established for the management of Aranjuez, this work offers a model for other cultural landscapes seeking World Heritage status, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with heritage preservation.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2011 —
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House mice on Gough Island exhibit high palatability for rodent baits, with Pestoff® 20M and 20R showing the greatest consumption. The study found that brodifacoum, an anticoagulant toxin, is effective against these mice, with an estimated oral LD50 of 0.44 mg kg–1 and a median time to death of 5.5 days, comparable to other populations. However, some mice showed resistance at higher doses, emphasizing the need for multiple bait applications in eradication efforts to ensure mortality. The research tested three non-toxic and two toxic bait formulations under controlled conditions, providing critical data for designing successful mouse eradication strategies on Gough Island.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2011 —
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Karstic breccias serve as the most direct indicator of paleokarst features, with their development significantly influenced by fluid sources, fluid nature, and isotopic fractionation. The study reveals that dolomite in the C2hl2 formation provides the optimal lithology for reservoir development, particularly in the upper and lower dissolution intervals. Reservoir formation is primarily controlled by structure, paleoclimate, and lithology, with the best positions being karst highlands, remnant hills, and sloping fields on karst slopes. The research utilized a combination of surface geology, drilling data, and isotopic analysis (carbon, oxygen, strontium) to analyze vertical zoning, plane distribution, and the degree of karstification.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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2011 —
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Despite growing evidence of human-induced damage to cave paintings, the Altamira Cave in northern Spain remains at risk if visitor access is permitted. The study highlights a conflict between policy and science, emphasizing that even controlled visits can accelerate degradation of these UNESCO World Heritage-listed Paleolithic artworks. Researchers used a combination of field observations, microclimate monitoring, and analysis of damage patterns to demonstrate the vulnerability of the cave's delicate carbon-based pigments to organic acids from skin contact, CO2 emissions, and microbial activity. The findings underscore the need for stricter conservation measures to protect this irreplaceable cultural heritage.
Lake Baikal
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2011 —
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A palynological study of Lake Kotokel’ sediments reveals that the region experienced rapid climatic shifts during Termination I (~15.5–11 ka), with five distinct intervals marked by drastic landscape and vegetation reorganization, likely due to moisture sensitivity at the forest-steppe ecotone boundary. The research used pollen and AMS¹⁴C analyses from a 9-meter sediment core, achieving an average time resolution of ~120 years. Findings indicate that while the early Holocene (~11 ka) saw less continental climate conditions, subsequent periods exhibited increased continentality, with declining winter temperatures and precipitation but rising summer temperatures. This detailed record aligns with broader Northern Hemispheric trends and provides a refined model for intra- and interregional environmental change correlations over the last 15–15.5 kyr.
Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
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2011 —
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A study of spider fauna in seven urban fragments of the Atlantic Forest within Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, revealed significant differences in species composition among three key fragments: the Botanical Garden of Salvador, Joventino Silva Park, and a forest area near the 4th Guard Company. The research identified 3,201 adult spiders from 39 families, 143 genera, and 170 species or morphospecies, collected between 2000 and 2009. While the fragments exhibited low species richness, the findings underscore the importance of urban green spaces in maintaining biodiversity. Standardized surveys are recommended to further assess the conservation value of these areas.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2011 —
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A comprehensive epidemiological investigation spanning from 1997 to 2007 identified 6,072 cases of human tick parasitism (ixodidosis) in Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest, involving seven tick species. The study highlighted the significant role of these ticks—<em>Amblyomma aureolatum</em>, <em>A. cajennense</em>, <em>A. dubitatum</em>, <em>A. ovale</em>, <em>A. varium</em>, <em>Ixodes loricatus</em>, and <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em>—in transmitting pathogens, including those causing recurrent or newly introduced infectious diseases in Brazil. Researchers analyzed statistical indicators such as prevalence, abundance, dominance, and risk factors (sex, age, social activity) to assess the phenomenon's impact on local communities near protected areas like the Pedra Branca State Park and Tijuca Forest National Park. The findings underscore the need for public health interventions in regions where human encroachment intersects with tick habitats.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2011 —
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At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, the loss of commercial income following park gazettement emerged as the primary driver of conflict between local villagers and park authorities. Despite improvements in local attitudes toward the park due to Integrated Conservation and Development (ICD) benefits, prohibitions on commercial activities—rather than subsistence resource use—fueled violent conflicts, particularly when law enforcement targeted these income sources. The study analyzed 48 conflict incidents from 1986 to 2000, categorizing them by period, area, instigator, and type, revealing that targeting ICD benefits toward those affected by commercial restrictions could mitigate conflict and strengthen conservation efforts.
Socotra Archipelago
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2011 —
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Socotra Island, renowned for its unique biodiversity and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, faces mounting threats from rapid development that disrupt conservation efforts. This study highlights the escalating pressures on Socotra's ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive species, unsustainable resource use, and illegal trade in biota, which pose significant risks to its biodiversity. By providing a comprehensive review of historical human impacts alongside recent threats, the research underscores the critical role of traditional knowledge in safeguarding Socotran ecosystems. The analysis draws parallels with known extinction processes on other islands, offering insights that are crucial for informing future conservation strategies.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
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2011 —
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The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Brazil's most significant Baroque art complexes, serves as a powerful driver for local tourism. This study reveals that its cultural, historical, and artistic heritage—particularly the works of Aleijadinho—enhances visitor engagement and economic benefits for the region. Congonhas, rooted in Minas Gerais' 18th-century gold cycle, attracts tourists through its rich artistic legacy, recognized by IPHAN in 1939 and UNESCO in 1985. The research analyzes tourism dynamics via interviews with professionals and visitor surveys, demonstrating how heritage preservation and promotion can sustain local development.
Península Valdés
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2011 —
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A comprehensive study of the biogeographical patterns of epigean tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Península Valdés, Argentina, reveals that 25 species inhabit the area, with an estimated total richness of 27. The research identified 10 hotspots of significant species richness and found that only three species are endemic to the region. The study also determined that the distribution ranges of these beetles follow a log-normal pattern, indicating a high degree of adaptation to arid conditions among the species. Given the ongoing habitat degradation due to productive activities in the area, the findings underscore critical implications for the conservation of these beetles, highlighting the need for targeted protective measures.
St Kilda
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2011 —
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Research on three free-living ungulate populations—bighorn sheep, roe deer, and Soay sheep—reveals distinct patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance. The study found that light individuals tended to disappear at both the youngest and oldest ages across all species. Bighorn sheep and roe deer exhibited a continuous decline in body mass that accelerated with age, while Soay sheep experienced a sharp decrease in the two years preceding death. These findings underscore the significance of mass loss in explaining demographic declines in later adulthood and highlight potential differences in senescence processes among related species with similar life histories.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2011 —
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Competing visions of nature shape the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals how historical transitions—from hunting to big-game preservation and modern conservation—have redefined human-animal-land relationships, often marginalizing alternative realities. By employing a performative approach, it highlights how certain actors impose their version of nature while excluding others, illustrating the dynamic and contested nature of conservation narratives. This dual strategy of tracing historical transformations and analyzing contemporary enactments underscores the complexity of environmental governance in protected areas.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
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2011 —
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A persistent phytoplankton bloom, the longest on record, was caused by a cyanobacterium closely associated with the genus Cyanothece in Lake St. Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. The bloom persisted for at least 18 months due to the organism's resistance to high temperatures, intense insolation, and hypersalinity, as well as the absence of grazing pressure from salinity-sensitive zooplankton. Exceptionally heavy summer rains in 2011 reduced salinity, leading to a crash in the cyanobacterium population. The study characterized the causative organism using light and electron microscopy, along with 16S rRNA sequencing.
City of Verona
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2011 —
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Revanchist urbanism policies, often framed as narratives of domination, can be effectively resisted by public spaces' targets. This study challenges the assumption that such policies lead to the annihilation of public spaces, demonstrating that resistance practices can counteract their effects. Focusing on two northern Italian cities, Verona and Modena, the research examines phone centres' normative framework and its impact on urban dynamics. It highlights a gap in existing literature by integrating political analysis with urban studies, showing how local resistance can shape outcomes despite revanchist interventions.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2011 —
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A novel photography-based approach reveals key temporal and spatial patterns of tourist behavior in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, offering new insights for sustainable tourism management. Analyzing 1308 publicly shared photos, researchers estimated tourists' daily visit frequencies, movement traces, and hotspots, demonstrating the potential of photo-sharing data to track visitor distribution with high accuracy. This method provides a non-intrusive alternative to traditional surveys, enabling more precise planning of resources and conservation efforts in historically significant areas.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Diet significantly shapes the gut microbial communities of herbivorous iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, with marine and land iguanas exhibiting distinct bacterial compositions. Marine iguanas, which consume algae, show higher abundances of Bacteroides spp., Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiaceae, while land iguanas, feeding on terrestrial vegetation, harbor a greater diversity of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and a fivefold increase in Ruminococcaceae. Archaea were uniquely detected in land iguanas, suggesting their role in breaking down recalcitrant polysaccharides. The study used 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to analyze fecal samples from both species across the archipelago, revealing novel microbial diversity that could lead to discoveries of enzymes capable of degrading complex polysaccharides.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2011 —
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A shift in geodynamic regime, marked by increased extensional strains, has been identified in the Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanic regions of southern Kamchatka since the Late Pleistocene. This conclusion is supported by mineralogical and geochemical analyses of basaltic rocks from both volcanoes, combined with numerical modeling using the COMAGMAT program. The study reveals distinct magma evolution pathways for each volcano, emphasizing the influence of fractional crystallization, fluid dynamics, and tectonic conditions on their petrogenesis. These findings suggest a significant change in the volcanic activity patterns linked to broader geodynamic processes in the region.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Red spruce (Picea rubens) growth in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is primarily constrained by air pollution at high elevations (1800–2000 m), while lower elevations (1450–1700 m) face challenges from photoinhibition, drought stress due to reduced precipitation and high evapotranspiration, and minor air pollution effects. The study employed the ARIM (annual radial increment model), a systems modeling approach that integrates multivariable factors to assess tree growth dynamics. This methodology quantifies complex interactions across disciplines, offering new insights for conservation policies in response to environmental changes, climate shifts, and pollution. The findings underscore the need for habitat-specific management strategies to sustain red spruce populations amid evolving ecological pressures.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2011 —
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Roman plasters from Thamusida, Morocco, reveal a consistent aesthetic and technical tradition shared with other Roman Provinces. Analysis of 22 samples using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy identified pigments like cinnabar, ochre, Egyptian blue, and carbon black, while mortar composition matched local limestone sources. Public buildings exhibited poor craftsmanship compared to private structures, indicating varying expertise among masons. The findings position Thamusida within a broader Mediterranean Roman 'koinè,' distinct from Italian sites.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2011 —
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Recent archaeological survey and trial excavation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley have revealed megalithic circular platforms, challenging the long-held perception of the region as a wilderness devoid of human inhabitation. These findings provide new insights into pre- and proto-history in the Horn of Africa, particularly within Mursiland. The study emphasizes the significance of a participative archaeology framework, which prioritizes collaboration with local stakeholders to shape research agendas and ensure accountability. This approach not only deepens understanding of landscape and heritage but also has implications for conservation, development, and tourism strategies.
Ancient City of Qalhat
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2011 —
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A novel approach combining Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and aerial photography, integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), revolutionizes urban mapping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qalhat, Oman. This method not only accelerates data acquisition but also enhances transparency in interpretation and spatial analysis, offering unprecedented flexibility in cartographic representation. The resulting 3D models provide a comprehensive understanding of Qalhat's archaeological reality, bridging scientific rigor with public dissemination. Published in <em>Cahiers de Géographie</em>, this study demonstrates how advanced technologies can transform our comprehension of ancient urban landscapes.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2011 —
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Planned gentrification in Istanbul's historic areas, exemplified by the Sulukule Renewal Area project (2005–2010), demonstrates how authoritarian urban regeneration policies can lead to the displacement of marginalized communities. The study reveals that despite civil society efforts for community-based alternatives, the implementation of a top-down renewal plan resulted in the total demolition of Sulukule and the destruction of its Roma community. This case highlights the broader implications of such projects, sparking debates about the purpose and outcomes of regeneration in Istanbul. While some advocate for halting regeneration to prevent gentrification, others propose developing a sustainable, conservation-led, and community-based model inspired by international experiences. The Sulukule experience also underscores the need for action to address the vulnerabilities of poorer neighborhoods, particularly in light of seismic risks.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking discovery of Chloropidae flies in the arctic tundra of Wrangel Island marks the first documentation of this family in such extreme environments. The study identified four species: Oscinella frit L., predominantly found in mountainous regions; and three Agromyzidae species—Napomyza mimula Spencer (most abundant), Phytomyza cineracea Hendel, and Chromatomyia sp.—with the latter two being rare. Notably, all four species coexisted only in a unique zoogenic forb-grass meadow patch near an arctic fox burrow, highlighting niche-specific biodiversity even in harsh conditions. The research employed field collections across diverse biotopes to assess species distribution and abundance, revealing nuanced ecological dynamics in this remote Arctic reserve.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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A study of the Caiçara community at Praia do Sono, Paraty, Brazil, identified 89 medicinal plant species used for treating 13 categories of diseases, with Lamiaceae and Asteraceae being the most prominent families. Ten species demonstrated versatility in their therapeutic applications, while three native species—Cecropia pachystachya, Davilla rugosa, and Trema micrantha—showed significant cultural importance (CUPc > 50%). The research, based on interviews with 12 experts, highlights the community's traditional knowledge and underscores the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies to validate these plants' potential.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2011 —
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Ethnographic research among the Kara people of southern Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reveals a sophisticated system of decision-making centered around a council called the borkotto bitti. This system, characterized by its emphasis on personal virtue, status, accountability, and communal well-being, shares striking parallels with Plato's philosophical treatise on philosopher-kings in 'The Republic.' The study highlights the complexity of social imagination in the region by comparing Kara practices with those of neighboring Hamar communities. Unlike traditional analytical approaches, this research treats political contradictions as an inherent part of the actors' problem, offering a nuanced understanding of governance structures in indigenous societies.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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2011 —
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A study of understorey bird populations in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines, reveals that old-growth forests are critical for conserving Palawan's endemic and threatened birds. While some species thrive in disturbed habitats like cultivation, the highest densities of 11 species—including five endemics and three threatened ones—were found in undisturbed forests. The research highlights the importance of retaining large trees to sustain suitable microhabitats, cautioning against expanding cultivated areas within protected zones. Though population estimates for threatened species may be higher than previously thought, the study underscores the need for stronger conservation management across Palawan's protected areas.
Simien National Park
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2011 —
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A population of 745 Walia ibexes (Capra walie) was estimated in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, using intensive direct counts in 2009. The study revealed significant variability in growth rates, with the population growing by 2.5% under ideal conditions and slightly declining by 0.13% under random environmental conditions. Growth rate metrics, including instantaneous growth rate (r = 2.6 ± 2.6) and per capita growth rate (λ = 0.03 ± 0.18), showed strong positive correlations, indicating resilience in population dynamics. Historical data and literature reviews were integrated with the 2009 counts to model these trends, providing insights into the species' vulnerability and conservation needs within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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Steller sea lions in the Glacier Bay region of southeastern Alaska exhibited rapid population growth from the 1970s to 2009, increasing at a rate of 8.2% annually (95% CI = 6.4%–10.0%), with the most significant growth observed at South Marble Island (16.6%/yr) and in Cross Sound. This study documented the colonization of new haul-outs and the transition of Graves Rocks to a rookery, suggesting potential reversal of reproductive isolation between eastern and western populations. Seasonal distribution patterns were linked to new breeding opportunities and prey availability. The research combined multiple observation platforms to assess trends, highlighting factors such as habitat expansion due to deglaciation, immigration, reduced mortality, and ecosystem changes contributing to this growth.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2011 —
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A semi-captive population of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus) in Senegal, established with just six founders in 2000, demonstrates significant potential for genetic resilience and recovery. Over nine years, this population grew to 54 individuals while maintaining 77% of its original gene diversity through careful management strategies like minimal kinship breeding. Despite a low effective population size (Ne/N = 0.13) and moderate inbreeding (F = 0.119), the study predicts that incorporating new founders could preserve at least 75% of genetic diversity over a century, with full wild population integration potentially retaining 90%. The research highlights the feasibility of using semi-captive populations as a critical tool for subspecies survival, offering hope for future reintroduction or reinforcement efforts. This approach combines demographic monitoring, pedigree analysis, and modeling to guide long-term conservation strategies.
Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
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2011 —
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Zambia's black rhino population, once extinct due to poaching by 1993, has been successfully reintroduced through a conservation program initiated in 2003. As of now, there are 27 black rhinos with six births and no mortalities linked to poaching. The study also reports the introduction of white rhinos, with seven individuals established in Mosi oa Tunya National Park and another pair introduced in Lusaka National Park No. 20 in 2011. This reintroduction effort, supported by technical guidance from the Rhino Specialist Group and financial backing from the Frankfurt Zoological Society, aims to restore rhino populations in other national parks where they historically existed.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2011 —
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Young lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) at the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve exhibit rapid growth, with males and females increasing in total length by approximately 12.4 cm/year and 12.7 cm/year, respectively. This study, conducted through 16 expeditions capturing 239 sharks using drift gill nets, also revealed a higher frequency of male sharks (53%) compared to females (47%). A subset of 73 sharks was tagged for recapture studies, providing insights into population structure and growth rates in this protected area. The research highlights the importance of monitoring shark populations in remote, ecologically significant sites like Atol das Rocas.
The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal
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2011 —
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Port Royal, once the largest English colonial city in the Americas, was 'rediscovered' in the 20th century after being destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1692. A meticulous analysis of its inventory records reveals intriguing insights into daily life and economic activities during its heyday. This study highlights the significance of Port Royal's 'meiocirculante,' offering a nuanced understanding of its socio-economic dynamics. By examining these inventories, researchers have reconstructed aspects of the city's vibrant yet short-lived existence, providing a window into 17th-century colonial America.
Everglades National Park
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2011 —
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Climate change is expected to significantly alter the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park (ENP), with forecasted decreases in mean annual precipitation leading to shallower water depths and reduced inundation periods. This shift could result in a decline of hydric vegetation, such as sawgrass, while xeric communities become more prevalent. The study used a stochastic model linking rainfall inputs to water levels across ENP and correlated these changes with vegetation community composition using publicly available datasets. These findings highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the Everglades and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to restore historical hydrological and vegetative conditions.
Yakushima
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2011 —
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Research on Yakushima Island reveals that the gecko species <em>Gekko hokouensis</em> is likely an introduced, non-native species, while <em>G. yakuensis</em> is the island's native gekkonid. Field surveys found <em>G. hokouensis</em> only in four villages with historical or current maritime links to regions where it is endemic, suggesting multiple accidental introductions. Hybridization between the two species was also detected, indicating potential genetic introgression. The study highlights the impact of human activity on island biodiversity and suggests that <em>G. yakuensis</em> may be experiencing genetic influence from its invasive counterpart.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2011 —
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A 2°C rise in temperature could make 94% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area suitable for lantana invasion, up from just 8% under current conditions. Minimum temperature emerged as the dominant predictor, accounting for over 88% of the variation in potential lantana establishment, underscoring its critical role in the weed's expansion. The study used habitat suitability modeling to simulate future conditions, revealing that low-lying riparian areas pose significant risks as invasion pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive management to curb lantana's spread and protect the region's biodiversity.
San Antonio Missions
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2011 —
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Ceramic production at Mission San Antonio de Padua (1769–1834) reveals how potters shaped social identity through shared practices and material choices. Analysis of Plainware pottery shows that potters consistently selected local raw materials and used open-fire firing techniques, suggesting a collective mission identity. However, variability in forming methods—such as hand modeling versus wheel-throwing—hints at gender distinctions within the indigenous population. This study demonstrates how daily craft practices could both unify mission communities while also create social divisions, offering insight into colonial-era identity formation.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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A Bayesian modeling approach reveals that bison migration from Yellowstone National Park is influenced by herd size, snow water equivalent, and dried biomass, with significant variations depending on the park boundary. The study predicts that allowing more bison to migrate during severe climate conditions could prevent large-scale population reductions. This research demonstrates how integrating long-distance migration dynamics into management policies can mitigate conflicts and protect migratory ungulate populations.
Everglades National Park
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2011 —
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A novel model successfully links wading bird foraging populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) to seasonal hydrologic conditions, offering critical insights for restoration efforts. The study identifies key predictors such as water depth at the start of the nesting season, average dry season water levels, and the number of reversals from dry season recession, all of which influence prey availability. Using a nonlinear hierarchical Bayesian model with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation, researchers analyzed long-term hydrologic data (1952–2006) to reveal decadal fluctuations in bird populations tied to hydroclimatic variability. Simulations under alternative water management scenarios demonstrate how posterior probability distributions of foraging birds can guide adaptive management strategies, bridging seasonal rainfall forecasts with ecological outcomes.
Olympic National Park
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2011 —
WHE052CB13CB3
Dam removal on the Elwha River could significantly alter the landscape of Olympic National Park's reservoirs, but research predicts that invasive exotic plants may spread into these areas post-removal. The study identified high-risk zones for long-distance dispersal of invasive species, primarily through vectors like wind, water, birds, beavers, ungulates, and human activity on roads and trails. By combining survey data with geographic information system (GIS) models and statistical analyses, the research prioritized treatment areas to mitigate ecological disruption before dam removal begins in 2011. This approach aims to protect native vegetation recovery by addressing potential threats from invasive species.
