Yakushima
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2011 —
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Male Japanese macaques on Yakushima Island (Macaca fuscata yakui) employ troop takeover as a reproductive strategy, achieving higher success rates compared to resident males despite a low overall offspring siring rate of 33.3%. Unlike one-male groups, takeovers in multimale troops occur exclusively during the mating season, with non-troop males (NTMs) rarely cooperating and former alpha males seldom expelled. New alpha males do not commit infanticide, and their tenure lasts less than two years on average. Logistic regression analysis identified the number of NTMs associating with a troop as a key predictor for takeover events. Paternity discrimination revealed that while takeover success is low, it remains a viable alternative strategy for reproductive success in male Japanese macaques.
Brasilia
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2011 —
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A study on the Bananal stream subbasin in Brasília National Park, Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), revealed that around 69% of the fish diet consisted of allochthonous resources, highlighting the critical role of riparian vegetation in supporting aquatic fauna. Despite seasonal climate variations, no significant influence on fish diet was observed, likely due to the stabilizing effect of riparian vegetation acting as a transition area. The research analyzed stomach contents of 13 fish species across four samples (two per season) and identified four feeding guilds: detritivores, omnivores, invertivores, and piscivores. This study underscores the importance of undisturbed areas for understanding fish biology and guiding conservation policies, particularly in managing aquatic resources and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2011 —
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A comprehensive tsunami hazard assessment for the coastal areas of Rabat and Salé, Morocco, reveals significant vulnerability to seismic events. The study, part of the SCHEMA European project, developed a generic methodology combining numerical modeling, field surveys, Earth Observation, and GIS data to evaluate risk in this densely populated and rapidly developing region. Two scenarios—one based on the historical Lisbon earthquake of 1755 (worst-case) and another on the Horseshoe earthquake of 1969 (moderate)—were analyzed to estimate the range of potential hazards. The findings highlight critical inundation extents and depths, offering crucial insights for urban planning and disaster preparedness in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
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2011 —
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A GIS-based method reveals significant tsunami vulnerability in Rabat and Salé, Morocco, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study combines numerical modeling of worst-case tsunami scenarios—derived from historical earthquakes like the 1755 Lisbon quake—and building vulnerability data to produce damage maps. These maps highlight risks in residential and tourist zones along the Bouregreg Valley, where flat terrain and rapid urbanization exacerbate exposure. Findings underscore the need for targeted evacuation planning and mitigation strategies to address tsunami-induced hazards in this UNESCO-listed region.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2011 —
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Over the past 25 years, Havana's historic center has undergone significant transformations, particularly in the Plaza Vieja or Old Town Square, which was central to a UNESCO-led international restoration campaign initiated in 1982. This study provides detailed insights into the urban and social rehabilitation process, highlighting key stakeholders, management strategies, and demographic changes within the neighborhood. The research offers valuable data on housing evolution and the implementation of a unique management model, contributing to global urban conservation practices.
Kaziranga National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified two new species of dorylaim nematodes, <em>Prothornenema vulvatum</em> and <em>Allodorylaimus kazirangus</em>, along with a known species, <em>Thornia propinqua</em>, from Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. These discoveries contribute to the understanding of nematode biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations to characterize the new species based on key features such as body length, lip region structure, odontostyle length, vulva morphology, and tail shape. <em>Prothornenema vulvatum</em> exhibits unique cuticle invaginations and sexual dimorphism in tail shape, while <em>Allodorylaimus kazirangus</em> stands out with its long, tripartite uterus and asymmetrical ring-like structure at the pharyngeal-cardia junction. The findings expand the known diversity of dorylaim nematodes and highlight the ecological significance of Kaziranga National Park.
Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne
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2011 —
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A sophisticated rainwater drainage system, characterized by its complex implementation and strategic adaptation to the natural terrain, was uncovered during archaeological excavations at the Franciscan convent in Carcassonne. This system, which dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries, demonstrates advanced engineering for its time, reflecting a nuanced understanding of hydrology and urban planning. The discovery was made during preventive excavations conducted between October 2006 and February 2007, offering rare insights into medieval water management practices within the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne.
Masada
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2011 —
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A new hypothesis challenges the long-held belief that the Roman assault ramp at Masada was 'operational' during the final stages of the siege, prompting a critical reassessment of the archaeological evidence. This study re-examines the complex suite of siege-related structures surrounding the fortress-palace, providing fresh insights into one of the most complete surviving ancient siege systems. By synthesizing historical accounts and archaeological remains, the research offers a nuanced understanding of Roman engineering and military strategy during the reduction of Masada in either A.D. 72/73 or 73/74.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2011 —
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Modern archaeological exploration of Jerusalem, initiated by Louis-Félicien Caignart de Saulcy's 1851 excavation at the 'Tomb of the Kings,' revealed significant artifacts, including marble sarcophagus fragments, suggesting connections to the biblical Davidic Dynasty. De Saulcy's systematic approach marked a pivotal shift from mere pilgrimage to rigorous scientific investigation in the Holy City. A 2006 conference at Brown University, commemorating 150 years of archaeological research, compiled findings across five periods—from early humans to medieval times—highlighting the role of national and religious organizations in shaping Jerusalem's archaeological narrative. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of excavation history, current status, and historical artifacts, offering insights into Jerusalem's layered past.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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Current conservation efforts in the Cerrado Protected Areas, specifically Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, fail to adequately protect rare odonate species. The study reveals a direct linear relationship between species range size and protection levels, with wider-ranging species being more likely to be protected than restricted or threatened ones. Using niche-based species distribution models (SDMs), researchers identified critical gaps in the existing conservation network, highlighting three areas of high odonate beta diversity where urgent conservation action is needed. The analysis also demonstrated that raw odonate data without SDM modeling provides limited utility for setting conservation priorities.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Research reveals that the evolutionary history of Galápagos tortoises is shaped by both dispersal and vicariance, challenging traditional assumptions about island colonization. Only three of five extinct or nearly extinct species represent independent evolutionary units, with dispersal from South America initiating around 3.2 million years ago (Ma) following the emergence of San Cristobal and Española islands. Subsequent dispersal to younger islands began at approximately 1.74 Ma, accompanied by multiple colonizations within the archipelago. Vicariant events, driven by island formation, coalescence, and separation, contributed to lineage diversification on Pinzón and Floreana dating from 1.26 and 0.85 Ma, respectively. This study integrates DNA data from extinct and extant species with geological information and human activity records, providing a comprehensive model for reconstructing the history of endangered taxa despite extinctions and human-mediated dispersal events.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2011 —
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Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia, exemplifies how conservation can drive economic growth in upland regions. The park's strategic planning and management have transformed it into a major tourist destination, generating significant income for the local economy and contributing to public sector finances rather than draining them. This case study highlights the park's dual role as both a conservation agency and a sustainable business model, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating economic value while preserving natural heritage.
Western Caucasus
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2011 —
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Upper Jurassic reefs in the Russian Western Caucasus reveal diverse and structurally controlled reef complexes that serve as potential analogues for exploration targets in the eastern Black Sea. These reefs, categorized into coral-dominated, siliceous sponge-microbialite, and microbialite types, developed on two Late Jurassic carbonate platforms: the North Caucasus platform to the north and the South Adler platform to the south. Coral-dominated reefs, found at shallow-water platform margins and deeper mid-shelf settings, exhibit varying diversity levels, while siliceous sponge- and microbialite-dominated reefs were restricted to deeper-water environments. The study suggests that these outcrops could provide critical insights for understanding seismic-imaged reef complexes on the Shatskiy Ridge, depending on their palaeowater depth.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2011 —
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A powerful urban coalition, dominated by central and local government actors, state institutions, and private-sector entities, has emerged in Turkey since the 2000s, driving neo-liberal urban transformation policies aimed at maximizing land rents and real-estate development. This coalition's influence, bolstered by legal changes and institutional initiatives like those of the Mass Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), has reshaped Istanbul's socio-spatial structure, prioritizing areas with high rent-gaining potential while exerting pressure on squatter housing and historic urban centers inhabited by the urban poor. The study reveals how this hegemonic discourse, supported by developers, landowners, and media, has steered Istanbul toward a vision of international finance, service, and tourism, illustrating broader trends in economic and political spheres.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2011 —
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Researchers have developed a predictive model to estimate the attenuation of vibrations caused by urban trams, addressing concerns about structural stress on historic buildings. The study, conducted in Rome's historic center, identified key parameters influencing tram-induced vibrations and their propagation. By analyzing experimental data, the team derived a transfer function that estimates attenuation levels in historical urban contexts. This model provides valuable insights for preserving cultural heritage sites while managing modern urban infrastructure challenges.
The Grand Canal
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2011 —
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Rapid urbanization significantly degrades surface water quality along the Grand Canal of China, with urban sections showing elevated levels of eutrophic nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as metals that, while within national standards, may still pose risks to aquatic life according to stricter U.S. EPA criteria. The study found a strong correlation between urbanization levels and water quality parameters, particularly electrical conductivity, nutrients, and metals, with industrial activities contributing to metal loadings. These findings highlight the urgent need for mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable urban development along this historic site.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Lagoons of New Caledonia reveals how organic matter (OM) interacts with metals such as Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, providing critical insights into both natural and anthropogenic pollution sources. By combining fluorescence spectroscopy, polarography, and potentiometry, researchers determined the conditional stability constants of OM-metal complexes, enabling predictions about metal pollution's fate in the lagoon. This study also distinguished between terrigenous (natural) and anthropogenic OM origins for the first time, using advanced geochemical modeling with discrete pKa distributions. The findings underscore the sensitivity of nearby coral reef biocenosis to these metal complexes, which originate from nickel extraction and coastal erosion, offering a novel framework for understanding and mitigating environmental impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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Harbor seals in Glacier Bay, Alaska, exhibit distinct foraging and activity patterns depending on whether they use glacial or terrestrial habitats. Glacial seals travel significantly farther to forage (≥40 km) compared to terrestrial seals (<5 km) and spend more time hauled out (26% vs. 11-16%). Despite the increased foraging costs, glacial seals maintain similar body condition by consuming higher-quality pelagic fish diets, which may offset energy expenditures and support lactation efficiency. This study highlights the adaptability of harbor seals to different habitats, providing insights into their resilience in the face of climate change-induced glacial retreat.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2011 —
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Canopy bridges significantly aid arboreal mammals, including rare and endemic species, in crossing roads within the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The study found that nine mammal species, five of which are endemic or listed as rare, utilized three types of rope canopy bridges—single rope, ladder-like, and tunnel-shaped—to traverse a 15-meter-wide tourist road and a highway. Notably, over 50 crossings were observed on an elevated ladder-like bridge, while longer (~40 m) bridges were used by four species. These findings suggest that such structures can mitigate road-kill risks and reduce subpopulation isolation, offering potential broad applications for conserving arboreal mammals in fragmented habitats.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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2011 —
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Research at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveals that marine influence diminished over time during the Pennsylvanian period. Sedimentologic and paleontologic analyses of interbedded limestone deposits, containing marine organisms like ostracodes and bivalves, indicate open marine conditions in older sections transitioning to fluvial and coastal environments higher up. This finding challenges assumptions about the site's paleogeographical position and suggests that Cordaites trees may not represent the earliest mangroves. The study used multiple environmental proxies to track changes in marine influence, providing new insights into the site's complex depositional history.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2011 —
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Research at Uzon volcano caldera, Kamchatka, reveals it as a unique natural laboratory for studying present-day oil formation. Analysis of thermal spring oil shows using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry demonstrates that these compounds share genetic identity with organic matter from Pliocene–Quaternary deposits, confirming their biogenic origin. The study debunks theories suggesting hydrothermal abiogenic synthesis, providing critical insights into naphthide genesis processes in volcanic environments.
The Sundarbans
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2011 —
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Indian visitors to the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's only mangrove forest inhabited by Royal Bengal Tigers, place significant economic value on its biodiversity. This study reveals that visitors perceive the site not just as a tiger reserve but also as a critical habitat for other species like spotted deer, crocodiles, and snakes, contributing to its ecological importance. The research employs economic valuation techniques to quantify visitor preferences, highlighting the region's role in coastal evolution and conservation challenges posed by human encroachment. Findings underscore the need for balanced conservation efforts to protect both the tiger population and the broader ecosystem, which faces threats from rapid forest cover depletion despite recent conservation successes.
City of Quito
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2011 —
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Colonial Quito's urban development, as described by Spanish scientists Antonio de Ulloa and Jorge Juan in the 1730s, reveals a dynamic interplay between Andean traditions and European influences. Their observations highlight the city's plazas, blending indigenous spatial organization with European architectural aesthetics. The study employs historical analysis to dissect this duality, uncovering how power dynamics shaped Quito's urban landscape during its colonial era. This research contributes to understanding the cultural synthesis that defined Latin America's colonial cities, offering insights into the negotiation of space and identity in a multicultural setting.
Great Barrier Reef
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2011 —
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Mesophotic coral reefs (50 to 65 m depth) along the Great Barrier Reef harbor diverse benthic megafaunal communities that vary significantly within and between sites, with phototrophic taxa dominating flatter submerged reef tops and heterotrophic suspension-feeders occupying steeper habitats. Slope angle, water clarity, and productivity were key factors influencing megafauna distribution, while reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) likely excludes most phototrophic taxa from steeper slopes. High-resolution stereo imagery collected via autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) surveys at three sites—Noggin Pass, Viper Reef, and Hydrographers Passage—revealed that non-reef habitats predominated, with megafauna largely confined to reef substrata. This study underscores the ecological complexity of mesophotic reefs on the GBR's outer shelf, highlighting the need for further research into their benthic, fish, and mobile invertebrate communities.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2011 —
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Overfishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) has significantly altered reef ecosystems, with poorly enforced marine protected areas (MPAs) failing to mitigate these impacts. Research across seven large MPAs, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Coiba National Park and Galapagos, revealed that high-protection MPAs exhibit greater biomass of predatory fishes, lower densities of urchins, and higher coral cover compared to fished zones. These findings suggest that fishing down the food web has led to trophic cascades, reducing coral cover by increasing habitat-modifying macroinvertebrates. Notably, continental reefs show more pronounced effects than oceanic islands, highlighting regional differences in ecological resilience.
Olympic National Park
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2011 —
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Prescribed fire effectively restores the open, fire-adapted structure of Douglas-fir/salal forests in Olympic National Park. A randomized controlled study found that low-intensity surface fires significantly reduced fuel loads and understory density without altering tree canopy basal area or sapling density. While most understory species showed delayed recovery, salal—known for resprouting—recovered to at least 50% of pre-fire cover within three years. These findings validate the use of prescribed fire as a management tool to maintain forest health in historically fire-prone ecosystems, supporting a balanced approach that integrates fire suppression and active management.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2011 —
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Venice Incognito reveals that masking in Venice was not merely about indulgence or escaping identity but served as a subversive response to the city's rigid class hierarchy. Johnson's analysis demonstrates that covering one's face allowed individuals across all social strata—from nobles and clergy to imposters—to blend into society, challenging conventional norms. By examining historical accounts and reconstructing the logic behind masking, both during carnival and outside of it, the study offers a fresh perspective on how identity was constructed in Venetian society. This approach contrasts with earlier interpretations that focused solely on pleasure or forgetfulness, providing deeper insight into the cultural significance of masking in one of Europe's most hierarchical cities.
Studenica Monastery
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2011 —
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Archaeological research on late medieval cemeteries in the Central Balkans reveals that vessels, though rare, were sporadically placed in graves as grave goods from the 14th to 17th centuries. Unlike earlier periods where pottery dominated, this study found an equal ratio of glass and ceramic vessels, primarily bottles, pitchers, and beakers. Vessels were typically positioned near the head of the deceased, often on the left side. The findings suggest regional variations in funeral practices, with Serbia and Croatia favoring bottles, while Bosnia and Herzegovina used drinking vessels. This custom persisted into the late 19th century in some areas. The study also highlights the need for further systematic analysis to fully understand this phenomenon.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that vicariant speciation, not faunal interchange, has predominantly shaped the diversity of squamate reptiles in the Cerrado, a Neotropical savanna hotspot. The research, which analyzed 267 species—including 103 endemics (39% of total)—challenges long-held assumptions about low endemism in the region. By mapping distribution patterns and testing predictions of the vicariance model, scientists identified seven biotic elements and ten putative areas of endemism, largely coinciding with topographical and vegetational divisions. Open, elevated plateaus emerged as hotspots for endemism, while peripheral depressions exhibited higher faunal interchange. This study underscores the critical role of vicariant processes in driving biodiversity, suggesting their prevalence across the Cerrado and broader Neotropical regions.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2011 —
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Norse settlers in Mainland Orkney strategically integrated the region's ancient Neolithic monuments into their social identity, blending continuity with traditional Scandinavian practices. This study reveals that Norse occupation, spanning from the late 8th to the 14th centuries, often reused Late Iron Age sites and maintained long-term settlement sequences, while also familiarizing themselves with older landmarks through naming conventions. By mapping archaeological records against prehistoric monuments in two case study regions and analyzing toponymic evidence, researchers found that landscape integration was a key method for Norse colonists to establish ancestry on Orkney, demonstrating both physical and cultural assimilation over centuries.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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2011 —
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Urban development in Vilnius' Historic Centre faces critical challenges in balancing cultural heritage preservation with sustainable expansion. The study identifies three key issues: protecting intangible and tangible cultural assets, ensuring stable urban growth, and enhancing the architectural and natural uniqueness of the city centre. Specific recommendations are proposed for regenerating buildings along major streets like Gedimino and Konstitucijos avenues, aligning with Vilnius' Official Plan (2007-2015). By integrating historical context with modern urban planning, this research offers actionable strategies to safeguard Vilnius' heritage while fostering sustainable development. The approach combines urbanistic, architectural, and conservation principles to address the complex dynamics of a rapidly evolving city centre.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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2011 —
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Vilnius Historic Centre, as the core of Lithuania's urban heritage, embodies the country's historical identity and serves as a living repository of cultural memory. This study highlights that urban historical heritage is not merely a collection of civilizational assets but a dynamic force that strengthens community identities and sustains cultural continuity. The research emphasizes that the Old Town's 'genetic' program of development, inscribed in its urban structure, plays a pivotal role in maintaining and spreading cultural historical memory. It argues that urban developmental criteria should prioritize reinforcing the structural integrity, uniqueness, and identity of the historic centre while fostering cultural industries. The study raises critical questions about the insufficient recognition of Vilnius Old Town's significance in Lithuania for fortifying statehood, national identity, and creative community development.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2011 —
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A collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), NASA, and the University of Hawai`i at Manoa has developed an innovative online educational resource to enhance volcanology curricula. The Volcanoes Exploration Project: Pu`u `Ō`ō (VEPP) provides near real-time access to comprehensive geodetic, seismic, and geologic data from Kilauea volcano's active Pu`u `Ō`ō eruptive vent, along with interpretative background information. This resource addresses the gap in accessible, well-documented datasets for geoscience education, offering a dynamic tool that can be revisited to illustrate diverse volcanological principles. By integrating multiple aspects of volcanology into a single, coherent theme, VEPP effectively engages students and supports educational objectives in college and university settings.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2011 —
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Vostok-2, located in Central Sikhote-Alin, Russia, is identified as East Russia's largest skarn deposit, characterized by high-grade sulfide-scheelite ore with significant base-metal and gold mineralization. This deposit, formed during the Mesozoic orogenic epoch, is part of a gold-tin-tungsten metallogenic belt and exhibits genetic links to reduced-type intrusion-related Au-W and Au deposits. The study reveals that the hydrothermal metasomatic alteration of host rocks progressed from pyroxene skarn through retrograde postskarn and propylitic stages to late, low-temperature quartz-sericite metasomatic rocks, often containing albite, chlorite, carbonate, and apatite. Mineral assemblages correspond to those found in reduced-type tungsten skarn deposits, with zoning controlled by a granodiorite stock. The research highlights the presence of multiple scheelite generations, late ones enriched in Eu, typical of gold deposits, and associated gold mineralization comprising native gold and Au-bearing arsenopyrite.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2011 —
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Pilgrims to the tomb and shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral engaged in a deeply interactive devotional practice, where votive offerings symbolized personal pledges and petitions to the saint. These objects, carefully chosen for their symbolic meaning, were displayed near the shrine, reinforcing the perceived efficacy of St. Thomas's intercession. The study reveals how this ritualistic interaction not only shaped individual pilgrimage experiences but also transformed the sacred space itself over centuries, until the cult's destruction. By analyzing votives as both physical and conceptual artifacts, researchers uncover a dynamic relationship between devotees and their divine patrons, offering new insights into medieval religious practices.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2011 —
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A century after its discovery, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu shows signs of seismic vulnerability despite being located in a region characterized by low seismic activity. Research indicates that historical stone constructions within the site exhibit damage patterns suggestive of past earthquake exposure or other geodynamic forces. The study employed field surveys to assess structural conditions and micro vibration measurements to analyze dynamic characteristics, revealing potential risks even in areas with infrequent seismic events. These findings underscore the need for closer examination of Machu Picchu's resilience to natural hazards, particularly given its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2011 —
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, showcases dramatic geological contrasts driven by its diverse climate and active volcanic processes. Since 1983, ongoing lava flows from Kīlauea have expanded the park's land area by over 560 acres, providing a unique opportunity to study dynamic volcanic activity. The park features distinct coastal environments, including Punalūʻu Black Sand Beach, where endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles are often observed, and Mahana (Green Sand) Beach, composed of volcanic olivine and accessible via a challenging hike. Additionally, the Thurston Lava Tube offers insights into lava flow dynamics. The study highlights the park's dual role as both a natural laboratory for geological research and a destination for scientific observation and tourism.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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2011 —
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A shift in perception of the Kumano forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, has been observed. Originally central to religious beliefs and ascetic practices for centuries, the forest now serves as a destination for modern visitors drawn by wellness trends and a desire to reconnect with Japan's past. This transformation raises questions about how history and memory are perceived in an evolving environment, and what new relationships visitors form with this sacred landscape. The study employs qualitative methods to explore these contemporary dynamics, contrasting them with the historical significance of the forest as both an economic resource and a site of spiritual pilgrimage.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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2011 —
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Minerals once considered waste or byproducts from mining operations in Guanajuato, Mexico, have been transformed into highly valued commodities, fetching thousands of dollars at mineral shows and collector hubs like Tucson, Arizona. This study reveals how these minerals transition from being discarded materials to sought-after scientific specimens and aesthetic collectibles, challenging traditional perceptions of their economic and cultural significance. The research employs a comparative approach, examining the social and economic dynamics in Guanajuato's mines and Tucson's collecting communities. By analyzing the movement and valuation of these minerals, the study highlights their dual role as both industrial byproducts and prized commodities, offering insights into the intersection of mining practices, market forces, and cultural appreciation.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
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2011 —
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Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan, faces severe water scarcity due to declining groundwater levels and exponential population growth. Despite dwindling resources, public behavior regarding water conservation remains unchanged, with excessive usage persisting due to low awareness. The study highlights that urban development authorities can optimize existing water distribution systems by addressing this gap through media campaigns and public awareness programs. This approach aims to mitigate the acute drinking water shortage affecting the city.
Okavango Delta
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2011 —
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A review of water quality data from the Okavango Delta (2000–2010) reveals that despite climatic variations, the ecosystem maintains low salt-water balances through evapotranspiration and chemical precipitation. Electrical conductivity remains below 200 µS.cm⁻¹, with total dissolved solids averaging 40 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen and organic carbon levels range from 1.8–8.8 mg/L and 5–15 mg/L, respectively, while pH varies between 6.7 and 10.3. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations are low, peaking at 1.7 mg/L and 1.6 mg/L downstream. Though water quality parameters suggest potable conditions, the Delta faces threats from anthropogenic activities, including persistent organic pollutants, necessitating ongoing monitoring to safeguard its biodiversity.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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A study of the Chokosna, Gilahina, and Lakina River basins, along with Long Lake watershed in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, revealed that while trace elements like arsenic, chromium, and nickel exceed potentially toxic levels for aquatic life, these concentrations are naturally occurring due to local geology rather than human activity. The research, conducted during the open water periods of 2007 and 2008, analyzed water chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrates, and periphytic algae across six stream sites. Notably, Long Lake exhibited high Secchi-disc readings (17.5 to 23 feet) and strong thermal stratification, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 5 °C in the upper layers and dissolved oxygen decreasing sharply below 26 feet. A logistic model simulating water temperatures at the Long Lake outlet—critical for sockeye salmon—showed no significant trends over a decade (1998–2008), though 2007 recorded the highest temperatures. The study highlights the natural dominance of dipterans in macroinvertebrate communities and suggests that Long Lake’s unique conditions may enhance periphytic algae diversity.
The Sundarbans
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Water salinity intrusion has significantly degraded the quality of rivers in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh, since the diversion of Ganges water at Farakka Barrage in 1975. This study reveals that increased salinity and siltation pose severe threats to mangrove ecosystems, which are vital for coastal protection against storm surges and cyclones. Using a four-year time series dataset from 13 rivers, researchers modeled water salinity to approximate its distribution, providing critical data for decision-making. The findings underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary management strategies to ensure fresh water supply from the Ganges, thereby safeguarding this unique mangrove forest and its ecological functions.
Western Ghats
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2011 —
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Significant weathering processes in the Western Ghats, particularly on windward slopes, are closely linked to landslide occurrences, with rainfall emerging as the dominant factor accelerating chemical weathering. The study analyzed rock and soil samples from hornblende gneiss and granite gneiss, revealing high Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values in lateritic soils and forest loam, indicative of extensive weathering. Landslides are predominantly associated with highly weathered zones, especially lateritic soils and severe erodability areas. Additional factors such as deforestation, land use changes, and soil erosion further exacerbate these processes. The research highlights the critical role of weathering in landslide dynamics, providing insights into the geomorphological vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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Scientists have identified and described <em>Weinmannia marquesana</em> var. <em>angustifolia</em>, a new variety of plant endemic to Tahuata, Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). This discovery highlights its distinct narrow, simple leaves, setting it apart from other varieties of the species and resembling <em>Weinmannia tremuloides</em> in leaf morphology but differing by lacking trifoliolate leaves. The study discusses its affinities and conservation status, providing critical insights for biodiversity research in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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2011 —
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A new fragment of the Mesopotamian flood narrative, part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, has been discovered at Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat). This clay tablet, along with another, provides previously unknown details about the ancient Babylonian account of the great deluge. The findings shed light on the cultural and historical significance of the flood story in Mesopotamian civilization, offering insights into its composition and transmission. The research focuses on two tablets unearthed at Assur, which are believed to be part of a series of twelve dedicated to the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Galápagos Islands
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2011 —
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Galápagos mosquitoes, specifically Culex quinquefasciatus, are competent vectors for West Nile virus (WNV), posing potential risks to the islands' fragile ecosystems. Research revealed that these mosquitoes can transmit WNV with infection rates peaking at 59% and transmission rates at 44%, particularly after 28 days of exposure. Temperature influenced infection rates but not transmission efficiency, while no vertical transmission was detected. The study highlights the need for vigilance in controlling this mosquito population to mitigate risks to both wildlife and public health.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2011 —
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A previously overlooked letter from Tamil-speaking Keling merchants in Melaka (1527) reveals the complex and often adversarial relationship between them and the Portuguese, despite their nominal alliance. The letter, written in Portuguese with Tamil annotations, highlights divergent interests driven by the rise of Portuguese private merchants (casados), whose influence would later lead to the decline of Tamil-speaking traders in Melaka. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the document, offering insights into early colonial dynamics and the economic shifts that reshaped the Straits of Malacca's commercial landscape.
Socotra Archipelago
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2011 —
WHE8BA20EFFEA
Socotra Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its outstanding endemic biodiversity, demonstrates the potential of pre-emptive conservation when implemented before major development. Unlike most regions where development precedes conservation, Socotra's unique position—with conservation interventions starting in 1997 and building on centuries-old low-intensity resource management—has allowed for proactive protection. The Conservation Zoning Plan, approved in 2000, has effectively regulated activities such as fishing, coral stone collection, and biological material export, with strong compliance from local communities and authorities. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding inappropriate road construction driven by non-islanders, highlighting institutional coordination gaps. Despite these hurdles, Socotra's conservation institution has shown significant growth in capacity and respect among locals, underlining the importance of integrating conservation with development from the outset. While landscape integrity is expected to decline, particularly along the northern coastline, Socotri conservationists, supported by international efforts, are uniquely positioned to shape the archipelago's future sustainably.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2011 —
WHE1FB1E87CAA
Researchers identified critical areas for the survival of endangered frog species in Costa Rica, particularly along the Pacific slopes of the Talamanca Range and Central Volcanic Cordillera. These regions, characterized by high humidity (2500–3500 mm mean annual precipitation) and elevations between 1300 and 2500 meters above sea level, serve as potential refugia for relictual populations of anurans. Using a Maximum Entropy Algorithm (Maxent), the study predicted suitable habitats for 17 endangered species and pinpointed approximately 240 km² where rediscovery efforts should focus. The analysis also revealed that around 0.5% of Costa Rica's territory, intersecting with conservation areas but avoiding high Bd risk zones, warrants exhaustive surveys. These findings highlight the importance of targeted fieldwork in undersurveyed regions to locate and protect relictual amphibian populations.
