Grand Canyon National Park
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2010 —
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Ensemble habitat mapping proves more robust than individual models for predicting the spread of invasive plant species, offering significant advantages for risk analysis. The study tested five distinct species distribution models—logistic regression, boosted regression trees, random forest, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and Maxent—alongside ensemble modeling across multiple U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon. Ensemble models consistently ranked in the top three for both field validation and test data, demonstrating their superior accuracy and reliability. This approach combines the strengths of individual models while mitigating their weaknesses, providing a more dependable tool for assessing the environmental suitability of invasive species. The research leverages field data from park staffs, integrated with satellite-derived topographic, climatic, and vegetation predictors, to enhance predictive power and inform conservation strategies.
Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops
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2010 —
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Research at Žatec, Czech Republic, reveals an early agricultural shift to a three-field system by the 11th century, predating the broader High Medieval transformation typically associated with the 13th century. Archaeological and archaeobotanical analyses of urban layers, macroremains, pollen, and charcoal samples—collected primarily from sunken settlement features and fortifications—demonstrate a transition from dominant naked wheat cultivation in the 9th–10th centuries to increased rye and winter crop weeds by the 11th century. Pollen data also indicate extensive deforestation and a shift toward synanthropic taxa, while charcoal analysis shows a prevalence of pine and oak, with rising fir, beech, spruce, and yew likely linked to ironworking expansion. This study provides critical evidence for the timing and environmental context of medieval agricultural intensification in Central Europe.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2010 —
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A spatial analysis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in France reveals two distinct eco-epidemiological patterns, each associated with specific environmental conditions and sandfly vectors. The first pattern is found in the Cévennes region of the southern Massif Central, characterized by moderate altitudes (200–1000 m), cooler winter temperatures (1.9°C average), high annual rainfall (1042 mm), and dense forest cover—conditions favorable for <em>Phlebotomus ariasi</em>. The second pattern occurs on the Mediterranean coastal plain, marked by warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and less forest cover, aligning with the preferences of <em>Phlebotomus perniciosus</em>. Using niche modeling (Maxent) based on climate, land cover, and population density data, researchers generated France's first risk map for CanL, illustrating how environmental factors shape disease distribution. This ecological approach deepens understanding of CanL dynamics, offering insights into its maintenance and emergence in southern France.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
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2010 —
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A significant finding from this study is that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Jaipur's craft sectors—blue pottery, handloom, and gota patti—are driven by complex risk factors that extend beyond physical design issues. While tools and workstations play a role, the research reveals that non-physical factors such as work/rest cycles, process design, physical exercise, and training are equally critical in mitigating these risks. The study employed a rigorous, multi-method approach including Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), OVAKO for postural analysis, and the Occupational Repetitive Action Index (OCRA) and Strain Index (SI) to quantify repetitiveness and strain. These methods collectively underscored the hazardous nature of current working conditions in these sectors, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions that address both physical and non-physical design elements.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2010 —
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A comprehensive inventory of non-marine invertebrate fauna on Ilha Grande, a UNESCO-listed site within the Paraty and Ilha Grande World Heritage Area, reveals significant gaps in biodiversity knowledge. The study identifies 465 taxa, predominantly arthropods (72.9%) and mollusks (22.15%), with most records at the genus level (60%). Notably, data collection has intensified since 1999, primarily around Vila Dois Rios, highlighting the need for broader taxonomic and geographic surveys to address critical knowledge gaps. This research underscores the importance of systematic biodiversity inventories in informing conservation efforts within this ecologically significant Atlantic Forest remnant.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2010 —
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Dinosaur Provincial Park (DPP), Alberta, Canada, has lost 60% of its original volume to erosion, taking with it an estimated 1.5 million dinosaur skeletons—including 6,310 hadrosaurs, 1,640 ceratopsians, 1,030 ankylosaurs, and 1,600 theropods. Using digital elevation modeling to calculate exposed rock volumes and fossil densities across 5-meter slabs, researchers estimated that the remaining 40% of DPP could yield similar quantities—6,700 hadrosaurs, 1,700 ceratopsians, 1,010 ankylosaurs, and 1,720 theropods. This method, validated with a raisin-bread analogy, provides minimum estimates, as it excludes bone beds and isolated bones. The study highlights the significant fossil potential of DPP while underscoring the impact of erosion on paleontological discoveries.
Shiretoko
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2010 —
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Researchers estimated the spawning escapement of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in the Rusha River, Shiretoko Peninsula, using the area-under-the-curve (AUC) method combined with visual counts. The study found that while the estimated escapement was reasonable, the actual number of spawning grounds was significantly lower than expected based on escapement numbers and available spawning areas. This highlights a potential mismatch between salmon population dynamics and habitat utilization in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The AUC method proved effective for assessing spawning escapement, providing valuable insights into the ecological role of pink salmon in transporting marine-derived nutrients to terrestrial ecosystems.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2010 —
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A significant episode of tree mortality in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, was linked to climatic anomalies between 1997 and 2001, rather than natural succession or population senescence. The study analyzed growth rings of <em>Schizolobium parahyba</em>, a native species of the Atlantic Forest, revealing that trees died at varying ages and that ring width correlated strongly with local rainfall patterns. This suggests that extreme weather conditions, rather than age-related decline, were the primary cause of mortality. The research used dendrochronological methods to assess tree ages and environmental factors, providing insights into the resilience and vulnerability of this species in the face of climate change.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2010 —
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A study of the Lower Omo River Valley, Ethiopia, identified 38 wild edible plant species used by Kara and Kwego semi-pastoralist communities as dietary supplements or famine foods. The plants, primarily trees (50%) and shrubs (29%), were consumed for their fruits (59%), leaves (33%), roots (8%), and seeds (3%). No significant differences in species richness, growth forms, or plant parts used were found between the two groups. Most plants were gathered during specific seasons, with 41% serving as substitutes for cultivated vegetables when scarcity struck. The research highlights the cultural significance of wild edible plants in food security strategies, while also noting gaps in nutritional and toxicological data that warrant further investigation.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2010 —
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A study of the Santa Cruz canal, a key tourist site in Xochimilco, Mexico, revealed that freshwater ascomycete diversity is highest in less urbanized areas with more vegetation, such as nursery zones, and lowest near heavily trafficked docks. Seasonal variations also play a significant role, with rainfall periods showing reduced fungal diversity likely due to environmental disturbances. Researchers used wooden blocks submerged for eight weeks across four stations with varying urbanization levels, measuring physicochemical parameters and bacterial load to assess diversity using Shannon and Sørensen indices. The findings highlight the impact of urbanization and seasonal changes on aquatic fungal ecosystems in this UNESCO-listed heritage site.
Jaipur City, Rajasthan
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2010 —
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Stone carving in Jaipur, India, poses significant ergonomic risks to workers, with findings indicating that the majority of activities fall into high-risk categories for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries. The study, involving 75 male workers across three sections of a stone carving unit, employed non-invasive tools such as REBA, RULA, and OCRA, along with psychophysical measures like body part discomfort maps and perceived exertion scales. Objective measurements revealed a working heart rate of 112.4 beats per minute after 30 minutes, classifying the work as moderately heavy. High scores in postural analyses (REBA: 13/13; RULA: 7/7) further underscored the vulnerability to MSDs. The research highlights the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, including tool and workstation redesign, to mitigate these risks, suggesting collaboration with NGOs, political parties, and human rights departments for implementation.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2010 —
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Pleurophyllum, a small genus of megaherbs endemic to the subantarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand, likely survived Pleistocene glaciation on these islands and dispersed northward in response to glacial advance. This study provides strong evidence for this hypothesis through phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from four genes (ITS, ETS, trnK, and trnL). The research suggests that the subantarctic islands served as refugia for Antarctic plants, preserving remnants of a once-diverse flora. By reconstructing the genus's evolutionary history, the study sheds light on the biogeographical patterns of austral plant groups and the role of Antarctica in shaping southern hemisphere plant distributions.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2010 —
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Research on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Northern Italy) reveals that karst caves in Messinian gypsum formations likely began forming during a brief intra-Messinian emersion phase, with subsequent slow enlargement during the Quaternary. Cave sediments contain foraminiferal associations dating from Burdigalian to Upper Pliocene, suggesting recent deposition, though Upper Messinian accumulation cannot be entirely ruled out. The study suggests that caves initially developed under epigenic conditions and later expanded within a confined hypogene karst system. This finding provides new insights into the evolutionary history of karst landscapes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the 1998–2000 eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Réunion Island were driven by lateral dikes rooted at shallow depths, typically less than 1000 meters. These dikes, which account for 17% of the emitted lava volume, highlight the significant role of exogenous growth in volcanic edifice construction. The research used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data combined with 3-D boundary element models and Monte Carlo inversion to analyze coeruptive displacements, providing unprecedented insights into magma conduit evolution. Additionally, the study found that dikes initially propagate vertically from a deep source before being injected laterally at shallow depths, consistent with neutral buoyancy levels in the edifice.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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2010 —
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Singapore Botanic Gardens' orchid conservation program has successfully re-introduced five native orchid species, including Grammatophyllum speciosum and Bulbophyllum vaginatum, demonstrating effective ex situ conservation strategies. The study highlights the potential of cryo-seed banking for long-term germplasm preservation, with promising results achieved for multiple endangered species such as Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Dendrobium crumenatum. By monitoring existing populations and exploring innovative conservation techniques, the program aims to restore native orchid diversity in Singapore's managed habitats. A dedicated area at the National Orchid Garden showcases this biodiversity, serving both conservation and educational purposes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2010 —
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A comprehensive examination of terrestrial algae within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA, revealed 42 distinct taxa, including 20 new records for the park. The study, part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, sampled soils from both mature and secondary growth forests, as well as rocks and tree bark, highlighting the rich algal diversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the identified species were representatives from Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Klebsormidiophyceae, Zygnematophyceae, Tribophyta, Eustigmatophyta, Euglenophyta, and Dinophyta. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of algal biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems.
Ephesus
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2010 —
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The Camel Wrestling Festival in Selçuk, Ephesus, stands out as a culturally authentic and non-commercialized attraction that significantly draws foreign visitors seeking unique cultural experiences. A survey of 56 international attendees on January 18, 2009, revealed their fascination with this traditional event, underscoring its potential as a sustainable tourism product. While the festival remains vulnerable to the impacts of mass tourism, its cultural integrity can be preserved through strategic policies that balance heritage conservation with visitor engagement. This study provides actionable insights for developing a sustainable tourism framework to safeguard the festival's authenticity and ensure its longevity as a globally recognized cultural asset.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2010 —
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The Mshatta Facade, one of the earliest Islamic architectural monuments exhibited on Museum Island in Berlin, has significantly advanced the study and representation of Islamic art. Its transportation to Berlin in 1904 led to the establishment of an Islamic Department within the museums, sparking extensive research into Islamic art through archaeological fieldwork. This facade, however, presents unique challenges in museum presentation due to its monumental scale and the need for compromises in interior space design. Current discussions on relocating the facade to the Pergamon Museum's north wing aim to address these issues while preserving its historical significance.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2010 —
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A participatory modeling framework combining hard and soft methodologies has been successfully applied in two high-altitude protected areas, Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) and Central Karakoram National Park (Pakistan), to address complex social-ecological challenges. This approach, tailored to local stakeholders' needs, facilitates collaborative knowledge synthesis and problem-solving, fostering sustainable development pathways. The framework's five modules enable evidence-based management decisions while ensuring stakeholder relevance through iterative feedback loops. Notably, the model triggers valuable discussions among stakeholders, guiding research and policy efforts in fragile mountain ecosystems where livelihoods are deeply intertwined with ecological systems. Its adaptability suggests potential for replication in similar contexts globally.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2010 —
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A Late Neolithic house at Crossiecrown, Orkney, revealed through magnetic prospection and excavation, shows distinctive correlations between element distributions on its floor and the locations of fixed furniture or stone tools. Soil micromorphology traced the house's lifecycle from construction to abandonment, while geochemical analysis linked specific elements to architectural features and artifacts. This study demonstrates how advanced methods can uncover functional insights into Neolithic settlements, offering new perspectives on their organization and use.
Galápagos Islands
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2010 —
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A study on the Galápagos Islands revealed that both Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants exhibit exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a common protozoan parasite. Surprisingly, higher antibody prevalence was found in penguins on Fernandina Island, which lacks feral cats, compared to Isabela Island where cats are present. While the difference was not statistically significant for cormorants, this is the first evidence of T. gondii exposure in these endemic avian species, suggesting potential disease risks linked to the archipelago's feral cat population.
Monte San Giorgio
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2010 —
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A pioneering analysis of the Ladinian Cassina beds at Monte San Giorgio reveals the presence of a quasi-anaerobic biofacies characterized by monotypic benthic foraminiferal meiofauna, marking the first documentation of such conditions across the entire Monte San Giorgio sequence. This discovery sheds light on the depositional environment of this renowned Lagerstätte, which experienced background sedimentation under anoxic to episodically suboxic seafloor conditions, interspersed with event depositions linked to sediment input and volcanic eruptions. The study also highlights the proliferation of benthic microbial mats, inferred from microfabrics and taphonomic features, which contributed to the exceptional preservation of vertebrate fossils, including new finds of fishes such as Saurichthys and Archaeosemionotus. Additionally, the research provides insights into the shallow-waters of the adjoining Salvatore platform and critically reviews available biostratigraphic data.
Western Caucasus
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2010 —
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Variation in the saturation of herbaceous communities with adventive species in the Western Caucasus is primarily driven by the number of such species in larger areas, their species-holding capacity, and community completeness. This finding emerged from a study that analyzed field data using ordinary and multivariate regression techniques. Researchers examined 0.5-m² plots to assess adventive species saturation while considering factors like herbaceous layer coverage, species richness, and the counts of adventive and indigenous species in larger 15-m² plots. The results highlight how local-scale community dynamics are influenced by broader ecological patterns, offering insights into the structure and resilience of herbaceous communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2010 —
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Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea exhibit distinct fall and winter migration patterns, with key stopover sites identified as Point Barrow (Alaska), Wrangel Island (Russia), and northern Chukotka. Satellite tagging of 19 mostly immature whales between 2006 and 2008 revealed that most crossed the Chukchi Sea in 6–9 days, while some lingered near Wrangel Island for up to 21 days before moving southeast along the Chukotka coast. Kernel density analysis highlighted these areas as critical feeding grounds. Notably, all whales traversed a potential petroleum development zone, with one whale remaining there for 30 days, raising concerns about habitat overlap with industrial activity.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2010 —
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Only 20 out of the 66 nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls (1946-1958) resulted in substantial radioactive fallout deposition on inhabited Marshall Islands, according to a comprehensive analysis. Researchers estimated deposition densities for 63 radionuclides from these tests using historical data, contemporary soil samples, and meteorological analyses. The findings align with measurements of cesium-137 (137Cs) deposition, validating the approach. This study provides the most detailed estimates of fallout composition, fractionation, and transit times, enabling accurate dose assessments for external and internal radiation exposure.
Mogao Caves
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2010 —
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Mogao Caves, particularly Cave 231, exhibit a unique integration of family references into Buddhist art and architecture from the ninth century, representing a significant shift in medieval Chinese religious space. This study reveals that cave temples served as hybrid spaces where ancestral commemoration and Buddhist devotion intersected through figural representations, epigraphic inscriptions, and decorative elements like domestic furniture. By analyzing these visual and textual cues, researchers demonstrate how Mogao Caves functioned as a multifacetional environment, blending the sacred with familial memory while bridging the boundaries between image, object, and architecture.
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
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2010 —
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A unique façade constructed with historical hand-strich bricks and a specially formulated elutriation mortar has demonstrated both architectural innovation and durability, earning second place in the 2008 ECOLA European Architecture Prize. The study, led by Bau-Ing. Thomas Bauer of Dreßler Bau GmbH, details the challenges and solutions associated with reusing historical bricks in modern construction, including sourcing, testing, cleaning, sorting, and mortaring techniques. It also introduces a novel handcrafted elutriation technique developed through extensive experimentation, which enhances both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This research provides valuable insights for architects and builders aiming to incorporate historical materials into contemporary designs while ensuring longevity and technical performance.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2010 —
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A study on the feeding ecology of <em>Phalloceros anisophallos</em>, a fish species from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals significant ontogenetic and seasonal variations in its diet. Adults primarily consume algae and detritus, while juveniles rely more on animal matter such as aquatic insect larvae and terrestrial insects. The research used quantitative analysis, including the alimentary index (IAi) and food volume (Vo), to assess dietary composition. Notably, detritus consumption was significantly higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season, despite no seasonal variation in IAi values for other food categories. This suggests a dynamic feeding strategy influenced by both life stage and environmental conditions.
Galápagos Islands
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2010 —
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Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Galápagos Islands exhibit significant variation in their diet, both spatially and seasonally. The study identified Ulva lactuca as a dominant algae species consumed across foraging grounds, with dietary composition differing notably between Bahia Elizabeth, Caleta Derek, and Punta Nuñez. Seasonal shifts were also observed, with diets during the warm season showing greater algal diversity compared to the cold season. This research, based on 65 oesophageal samples collected in 2006 and 2007, highlights the importance of spatial and temporal factors in shaping the feeding ecology of this species. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for these dietary dynamics.
Simien National Park
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2010 —
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Geladas exhibit stable, maternally inherited female dominance hierarchies and female philopatry, challenging previous assumptions about their social structure. A four-year study of wild gelada units in Ethiopia's Simien National Park found no interunit migrations and a mortality rate consistent with philopatric behavior, confirming that females remain in their natal groups. Contrary to earlier reports, the study also revealed linear and stable dominance hierarchies, akin to other cercopithecine primates, with no evidence of aggressive targeting by alpha females or clear reproductive advantages for dominant individuals. These findings support the allostatic load model and underscore the importance of female philopatry in shaping kin-based dominance systems.
Serengeti National Park
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2010 —
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Bat-eared foxes (Otocyon megalotis) in the Serengeti National Park exhibit complex social structures, with group dynamics characterized by cooperative behaviors and defined home ranges. This study reveals that these foxes engage in intricate intra- and inter-group interactions, including marking behavior and daily activity patterns that suggest a highly organized social system. Observations also highlight their food habits, which are closely tied to the park's ecosystem. The research employed long-term field observations to document these behaviors, providing insights into the ecological and social adaptations of this unique species within its natural habitat.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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2010 —
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A study using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) reveals that the Vilnius Historic Centre, Lithuania, exhibits remarkable ground stability, with annual surface movement velocities ranging from –1.5 to +1.5 mm/year over an 8.5-year observation period. This stability suggests minimal deformation in the city centre, despite challenges in interpreting PSI data due to complex local geology and anthropogenic factors. However, localized areas of downward movement were identified through satellite-based radar observations (SAR), indicating potential subsidence risks. Field reconnaissance confirmed these findings, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between natural ground movements—such as landslides and karst processes—and structural deterioration in urban settings. The research underscores the utility of PSI in monitoring ground conditions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, supporting efforts to protect cultural heritage from geotechnical hazards.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2010 —
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Fire management in grasslands of the Cerrado, Brazil, significantly enhances nesting conditions for Burrowing Owls (<em>Athene cunicularia</em>), with firebreaks supporting 19 burrows compared to just one and two in adjacent and distant unmanaged grasslands, respectively. The study, conducted in Emas National Park from October to November 2009, found that frequent burning in firebreaks likely creates more attractive conditions due to the short herbaceous stratum, facilitating successful reproduction with one to three young reaching adult size by early November. Burrows were predominantly single-entrance and associated with termite or ant nests, while sentinel perches for adults included mounds, termite nests, shrubs, and trees, typically under 2 meters high and within 10 meters of the burrow entrance. These findings suggest that fire management can play a crucial role in supporting the reproduction of this species in tropical grasslands.
Yosemite National Park
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2010 —
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A 2125-hectare old-growth mixed-conifer forest in Yosemite National Park exhibited frequent, low-severity fires with a median return interval of 10 years and an average burn extent of 115 hectares before Euro-American settlement. These fires created small canopy openings (<0.2 ha) and showed self-organizing behavior, with area burned increasing tenfold when an area had not been affected by the previous fire. Post-1905 fire suppression led to a significant increase in forest density, basal area, and a shift toward shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant species. The study suggests that restoring frequent, low-severity burns can mimic historical conditions, reducing surface fuels and creating small canopy openings characteristic of the reference forest.
Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)
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2010 —
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A comprehensive analysis of fossilized cranial material from Nimbadon lavarackorum, a middle Miocene marsupial, reveals significant intraspecific morphological variation within the species. This challenges previous distinctions between N. lavarackorum and its junior synonym, N. whitelawi, demonstrating that such variations likely fall within natural species boundaries rather than representing distinct taxa. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess cranial and dental dimensions, providing a benchmark for determining species boundaries in extinct marsupials. Findings suggest that N. lavarackorum was a relatively small (75–120 kg), possibly gregarious browsing species adapted to closed-forest habitats, with lower overall morphological variation compared to its contemporary Neohelos stirtoni, reflecting differences in body size, home range, and habitat preference.
Mistaken Point
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2010 —
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Fossil evidence of locomotion from the Ediacara biota, dating back approximately 565 million years, has been discovered in deep-water environments at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland. This finding extends the record of complex trace fossils into the earliest stages of the Avalonian biota, suggesting that some of these early organisms were likely muscular and metazoan-grade. The study describes an assemblage of macroscopic locomotory traces, providing new insights into the behavior and biological affinities of Precambrian organisms. Researchers analyzed these trails to infer the presence of large motile organisms on the seafloor during this time, challenging previous assumptions about the simplicity of Ediacaran trace fossils.
Mistaken Point
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2010 —
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A critical reassessment of claims regarding the first evidence for locomotion in the Ediacara biota challenges the interpretation of putative locomotion traces from the 565 million-year-old Mistaken Point Formation in Newfoundland. The study argues that if these traces are to be considered the earliest geological evidence of animal movement, they must undergo rigorous re-evaluation against established criteria. By analyzing sedimentological and taphonomic contexts, the research aims to determine whether these features genuinely represent locomotion or could stem from other processes such as currents or bioturbation. This commentary underscores the need for cautious interpretation of fossilized traces in the absence of definitive proof, emphasizing the importance of contextual evidence in reconstructing ancient behaviors.
Mistaken Point
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2010 —
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Researchers at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, have provided definitive evidence that the ancient trace fossil assemblage from the 565-million-year-old Mistaken Point Formation represents locomotion behavior in Ediacara biota. Contrary to earlier shallow marine interpretations, sedimentological studies consistently support a deep-water turbidite or contourite depositional environment, reinforcing the significance of these findings. This conclusion challenges prior assumptions and solidifies Mistaken Point as a key site for understanding early complex biological activity.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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2010 —
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Research at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, part of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, has uncovered the first records of three moth species (Cisthene perrosea, Schinia intrebilis, and Tolype meyelisae) in the state, significantly extending their known ranges. These discoveries were made possible through systematic black-light trapping efforts initiated by the National Park Service in 2006, which aimed to document the Lepidoptera fauna of the region. The findings highlight the importance of such studies in revealing biodiversity hotspots and range expansions in understudied desert ecosystems.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2010 —
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A decade-long monitoring of unmanaged beech stands in Plitvice Lakes National Park reveals that, without human intervention, these forests naturally progress toward the 'optimum phase' of secondary virgin forest. The study, conducted on a 100×100m permanent plot, found that structural elements such as diameter distribution, tree density, basal area, and volume align with natural development patterns rather than managed stands. However, it also observed a decline in stand vitality, marked by an increase in dead trees and damaged individuals, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of unprotected forests. The research compared findings from 1998 to 2008, using growth-yield tables for managed beech stands as a benchmark, highlighting discrepancies that suggest natural processes may lead to reduced forest health over time.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
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2010 —
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A recent study has uncovered five new species of Hydroptilidae, a family of caddisflies, within the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The newly described species include Orphninotrichia barbarae, O. desleyae, O. alata, Orthotrichia rentzi, and O. andicairnsae. Additionally, the research extends the known distribution of one species from each genus, providing new insights into their biodiversity. The study also offers brief remarks on the probable classification of Orphninotrichia and deduces biological information based on collecting data. This discovery significantly contributes to our understanding of the region's aquatic insect diversity.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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Fjords act as temporary sediment traps, significantly influencing glacial erosion and deposition patterns. A study of Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park, revealed two prominent glacial erosion surfaces: one from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and another from the Little Ice Age (LIA). The LGM ice sheet, which was 1700 meters thick in Muir Inlet, eroded bedrock extensively, leaving deposits over 300 meters thick beneath the LIA erosion surface. The study used high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles to model sediment flux, ranging from 1.3 × 10^6 m³/yr to 4.6 × 10^7 m³/yr, increasing logarithmically with drainage basin area. This sediment flux includes contributions from bedrock erosion, persistent tributary glaciers, and LGM sediments stored in deeper basins. The research highlights the importance of sediment gravity flows originating from sills and fjord walls in shaping these landscapes.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park
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2010 —
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A comprehensive survey of wetlands in the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) identified 36 distinct plant communities, categorized into five main types based on altitude and soil conditions. These include high-altitude fens, hygrophilous grasslands, shrubby wetlands, mixed sedgelands, and low-altitude sedge and reedlands. The study found that altitude and soil wetness are the primary factors influencing wetland vegetation composition. Conducted across six catchments along altitudinal gradients, this research provides critical insights into the ecological diversity of MDTP wetlands, contributing to conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Białowieża Forest
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2010 —
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Fluctuations in large herbivore populations, particularly red deer, significantly influence tree recruitment and species composition in the Białowieża National Park. Over 70 years of natural forest dynamics, higher ungulate densities were linked to increased recruitment of preferred forage species like Carpinus betulus, while less preferred species showed negative correlations with herbivore density. Contrary to expectations, rising herbivore numbers did not hinder tree regeneration but instead facilitated the growth of browsing-tolerant species. Climate and forest openness played minimal roles in overall recruitment patterns, except for specific species like Alnus glutinosa and Ulmus glabra. The study suggests that periodic crashes in ungulate populations—whether natural or human-induced—create opportunities for diverse forest regeneration, promoting dynamic and varied tree species development.
Namib Sand Sea
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2010 —
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Research on fog-basking behavior in Namib Desert Darkling beetles reveals that the efficiency of water collection from fog is more dependent on behavioral adaptations than structural differences in their elytra. Despite variations in size and elytra surface structure—ranging from smooth to bumpy—beetle species like Onymacris unguicularis, O. laeviceps, Stenocara gracilipes, and Physasterna cribripes showed only minor differences in fog water harvesting efficiency when corrected for body size. The study highlights that the fog-basking stance itself is a critical factor in water acquisition, particularly for species like O. unguicularis, which exhibits a distinct head-standing behavior triggered by fog presence. This finding underscores the importance of behavioral adaptations in survival strategies within extreme desert environments.
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain
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2010 —
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Both foot-pilgrimage along the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela and backpacker’s trails represent modern forms of travel that have boomed over the past 25 years, challenging traditional stereotypes. While pilgrims are often seen as devout individuals with religious motives and backpackers as pleasure-seeking globetrotters, this study reveals significant similarities between these two ways of traveling. Both involve an exterior journey that correlates with an inner transformation, such as increased self-confidence or personal insights, occurring on an individual rather than social level. Unlike traditional rites de passage, these journeys lack fixed starting or ending points and are self-imposed, serving as a means to escape daily routine and societal pressure while seeking personal change or improvement.
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
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2010 —
WHEA1B4B96D94
A novel approach to handling foreground and shadow occlusion in outdoor augmented reality (AR) has been developed, addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable illumination changes. The method introduces outdoor illumination constraints that improve the segmentation of foreground objects when integrated into a probabilistic model using multiple cues. Additionally, an effective technique for resolving shadow occlusion is presented, utilizing shadow detection and recasting with a spherical vision camera. These advancements were tested in the Virtual Asuka (VA) project, demonstrating their effectiveness in synthesizing virtual objects accurately within real-world scenes.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2010 —
WHE737E0DBF50
A significant late Holocene deposit of bird fossils on subantarctic Campbell Island, New Zealand, has revealed the first specimen of a Cyanoramphus parakeet from the island. Preliminary ancient DNA analysis confirmed its generic identification, offering potential for re-introduction efforts by identifying a closely related taxon to the extinct population. The study highlights the importance of fossil sites in understanding the island's biodiversity and evolutionary history. The research involved a brief survey of potential fossil sites, with implications for both conservation and scientific inquiry.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2010 —
WHEFA460F0847
The creation of the Cévennes National Park (1950–1970) challenges conventional narratives about environmental participation, revealing a complex, locally driven process that predates modern 'ecocitizen' engagement. Unlike the state-centric, authoritarian model often associated with post-war France, this landscape's genesis involved deep collaboration between local actors and policymakers, characterized by strong interpersonal connections and subjective governance dynamics. This study reexamines the period through a historical lens, demonstrating that participatory modes were more nuanced than previously assumed—balancing modernization with grassroots involvement.
The Forth Bridge
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2010 —
WHEDD86C050D4
A first-of-its-kind internal inspection of the Forth Road Bridge's main cables in 2004 revealed significant wire corrosion, prompting a feasibility study for cable replacement or augmentation. The study, commissioned by FETA, evaluated options to mitigate corrosion progression while balancing structural integrity and operational demands. Findings underscored the necessity of retrofitting dehumidification systems and acoustic monitoring to prevent further deterioration, ensuring the bridge's continued functionality as a critical transport artery carrying over 24 million vehicles annually.
