Teide National Park
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2010 —
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A significant increase in African dust events reaching the Canary Islands, including Teide National Park, was identified, with 79% of air masses originating from Africa. This study highlights the complex mixture of respirable particles, such as quartz microcrystals and freshwater diatom tests, which pose potential respiratory health risks, particularly in high-altitude regions like Tenerife's highlands. Researchers used backward trajectory analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize aerosol composition during dust intrusions from March 2004, revealing dominant mineral and biological components with implications for airway pathology.
Vredefort Dome
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2010 —
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Large-volume pseudotachylite bodies, which consist of angular and rounded wall-rock fragments enveloped by a microcrystalline or glassy matrix, are not formed through a single fragmentation and melt generation process. Instead, these centimeter- to kilometer-scale structures form as fragment- and melt-filled tension fractures due to differential rotation of target rock during cratering. This discovery, based on observations from Sudbury (Canada) and Vredefort (South Africa), challenges existing hypotheses and suggests that pseudotachylite characteristics arise from the drainage of initially superheated impact melt into these fractures. The study provides a unified process to explain highly variable pseudotachylite features, advancing our understanding of complex crater formation mechanics.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2010 —
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A study of the Australasian genus Dracophyllum (Ericaceae) reveals that its species richness and diversity peak in New Zealand, with evolutionary roots tracing back to the Eocene. Phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast genes matK and rbcL showed that tribe Richeeae diverged at least 33.3 million years ago, with a crown radiation during the Early Miocene (16.5 Ma). This period aligns with Australia's aridification, leading to two distinct lineages: one isolated in southern Western Australia (Sphenotoma) and another spanning eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, and New Zealand (Dracophyllum and Richea). The study also documents two independent long-distance dispersal events from Australia to New Caledonia and New Zealand during the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene, with rapid species radiation occurring within the last 3–6 million years. Additionally, it suggests that Dracophyllum is paraphyletic and Richea polyphyletic, necessitating taxonomic revision.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2010 —
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Lübeck's historical significance as the capital of the Hanseatic League and its subsequent decline shaped Thomas Mann's early life and literary influences. The study reveals that despite Lübeck's diminished status by the 19th century, its lingering cultural and architectural legacy—including the St. Mary Cathedral where Mann was baptized—left a lasting imprint on his works. Research examines how Mann's exposure to Low German dialect, the maritime environment of a harbor town, and Lübeck's cosmopolitan ties to northern Europe influenced his narrative style and themes. The analysis also highlights the contrast between Mann's narrow provincial upbringing and his later global experiences, suggesting that both contributed to his literary mastery.
Kaziranga National Park
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2010 —
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A survey of Orthopteroids (insects belonging to the order Orthoptera) in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, identified 14 species, including one potentially new to science. The study highlights the park's biodiversity, particularly its grasshopper and cricket diversity, which may serve as indicators for ecosystem health. Researchers conducted field surveys across different habitats within the park, collecting specimens and documenting their distribution. This work contributes to the understanding of Orthopteroids in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect these often-overlooked but ecologically significant insects.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking discovery in the necropolis of Ancient Thebes, particularly in the Valley of the Kings, challenged long-held beliefs about the exhaustion of significant tomb sites. The excavation, led by a team including Lord Carnarvon and under the guidance of an antiquities inspector, uncovered the tomb of Amenhetep I in 1914, debunking claims that no more major tombs remained to be found. This finding followed seven years of exploration in other parts of the Theban necropolis, where the team had already published notable results from their initial five years of work. The study employed systematic excavation techniques and leveraged previous insights, such as those from Theodore Davis's earlier expeditions, which had focused on less explored areas like the north valley and surrounding mounds near the Temple of Medinet Habu.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2010 —
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A previously unnoticed, exceptional fourteenth-century English drawing of St. John the Baptist, housed in London's British Library (MS Royal 10 B XIV), has been identified as a significant addition to early to mid-fourteenth-century English art. The drawing, dated circa 1335–40 and likely executed in southeast England or East Anglia, features rare iconographic motifs, including a figure of Salome beneath the saint's feet and a monumental Gothic arch composed of living oak trees framing the saint. This unique imagery suggests the drawing was created as a focus of devotion for John of Lingfield, an Oxford scholar-monk and first recorded owner of the manuscript. The study explores the physical nature, bibliographical context, and artistic associations of the drawing, highlighting its role in the acquisition of manuscript illumination at St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury, during the early fourteenth century.
Dougga / Thugga
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2010 —
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The transformation of rural settlements ('pagus', 'castellum') into autonomous cities ('civitas') under Roman rule was found to be a complex, politically driven process. Unlike previously assumed, this promotion was not merely about achieving legal immunity but rather about gaining concrete social dignity and autonomy. The study analyzed inscriptions from Dougga (Thugga), revealing that such advancements required diplomatic petitions to the Emperor, who could grant or revoke city status based on merit. This process mirrored the struggle for freedom ('libertas') and social standing, with mother cities resisting independence to retain financial and political control. The research highlights the nuanced interplay between local aspirations and imperial authority in shaping urban development.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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2010 —
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A comprehensive review of Palestine's Late Antiquity (4th–7th centuries) reveals a complex landscape marked by fluid cultural and religious diversity, political conflict, and shifting power dynamics. Hagith Sivan's work challenges traditional monolithic narratives by integrating literary evidence from diverse communities with archaeological findings, highlighting the multifaceted nature of regional identity and conflict. The study emphasizes 'conflict' as a unifying theme—both within local populations and in broader international relations—illustrated through urban development, desert transformations, and rival claims to sacred spaces like Jerusalem's Temple Mount. Sivan's approach combines topographical analysis with social theory, offering a nuanced perspective on the period's political flashpoints, such as Samaritan-Christian tensions and imperial interventions (e.g., Constantine’s Holy Sepulcher dedication). The review underscores the importance of centering marginalized voices, like those of the Samaritans, to reconstruct a more accurate historical tapestry.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2010 —
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PANGEA offers a streamlined, efficient pipeline for analyzing high-throughput DNA sequencing data, enabling rapid identification and comparison of microbial communities. This Perl-based tool processes sequences from next-generation sequencers into formats compatible with BLAST and other databases, facilitating quick assessments on personal computers. Demonstrated using 16S rRNA sequences from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park soils and rat stool samples, PANGEA simplifies complex bioinformatics workflows—from pre-processing to classification—across Mac OSX, Windows, or Linux platforms. Its modular design allows users to customize databases or run the entire pipeline as a single script, 'backbone,' excluding only the chi² step. This innovation accelerates environmental and clinical microbial studies by reducing computational barriers.
Nyungwe National Park
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2010 —
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A collaborative approach using SWOT-AHP analysis effectively engages diverse stakeholders to prioritize needs and perceptions for buffer zone management in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This methodology combines strength, weakness, opportunity, threat (SWOT) analysis with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), providing a transparent framework to balance conservation and development objectives, particularly agricultural interests. The study demonstrates that integrating stakeholder preferences into land-use decisions can lead to more informed and negotiable management plans, offering valuable insights for agroforestry and agricultural land-use managers.
Ningaloo Coast
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2010 —
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Research at Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia, reveals that particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and carbon (POC) fluxes play a crucial role in reef nutrient budgets, with wave action and regional currents significantly influencing phytoplankton supply. Phytoplankton uptake rates were found to be near physical limits, with PON flux (2–5 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹) comparable to dissolved nitrogen uptake, suggesting particle feeding may address reef nitrogen deficits. POC flux (14–27 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹) matched net community metabolism, indicating its importance in reef metabolism. The study highlights the variability of phytoplankton supply over daily-to-seasonal scales due to dynamics in the Leeuwin Current (LC), which may deliver as much phytoplankton as sporadic upwelling events linked to the Ningaloo Current (NC). Introducing the 'ocean catchment' concept, the research suggests reefs depend on remotely sourced productivity, increasing vulnerability to human or climatic changes affecting offshore currents and plankton communities.
Gunung Mulu National Park
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2010 —
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A study in Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo, reveals that environmental factors such as soil volume, tree density, and leaf litter significantly shape the species richness of ground-foraging ant communities, explaining 44% of the variance. While these abiotic parameters influence community composition only moderately (14%), spatial patterns also play a role but account for less variance in species distribution. The research suggests that environmental conditions determine the number of niches available to ants, while other factors like competition and neutral processes govern which species occupy those niches. This finding challenges purely spatial or neutral theories of community structure, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental and biotic forces in tropical ecosystems.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
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2010 —
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A preliminary structural analysis of the Katholikon of Hosios Loukas Monastery reveals that damage sustained during the 1981 Boeotia earthquake has persisted, with slight deterioration observed since. The study focuses on the monument's load-bearing structure and its historical pathology, providing insights into the long-term effects of seismic events on Byzantine architecture. By examining the building's structural behavior, researchers aim to interpret the observed damage patterns and contribute to the preservation efforts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Centre of Morelia
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2010 —
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A complex and contradictory relationship between public and private interests underpins the preservation of privately owned heritage properties, even as they function within the broader real estate market. This study highlights how such buildings, despite their private ownership, are also considered public goods due to their role in shaping identity and social cohesion. Public policies aimed at protecting these properties often face challenges, reflecting broader urban issues related to heritage conservation in Mexico's historic centers. The research examines the effects of these policies on privately owned heritage in Morelia's historic center, contributing new insights into the tensions between private property rights and public preservation efforts.
Mount Etna
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2010 —
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A study on Mount Etna's 2007–2008 activity reveals distinct patterns linking seismic, deformation, and geochemical observations to eruptive episodes at the Southeast Crater (SEC). Each eruption was preceded by a cyclic increase and decrease in CO₂/SO₂ ratios in the volcanic gas plume and summit inflation, indicating persistent supply of CO₂-rich gas bubbles and primitive magmas to a shallow magma storage zone. Overpressuring in this zone triggers magma ascent, captured as increased tremor amplitude, upward and eastward migration of seismic tremor sources, and rapid summit contraction. Declining CO₂/SO₂ ratios also anticipated resumed SEC activity, suggesting magma degassing diversion toward the crater. The research integrates seismic (volcanic tremor, long-period seismicity), deformation (GPS), and geochemical measurements to interpret Etna's dynamics, offering insights for volcanic risk assessment.
Olympic National Park
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2010 —
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A study of conifer establishment on montane river floodplains in Olympic National Park reveals that Douglas-fir thrives on drier, elevated sites with less competition from hardwood species like red alder and willow, while Sitka spruce is more prevalent on wetter sites. The research surveyed 10- to 50-year-old floodplain surfaces across six rivers, quantifying conifer distribution and analyzing relationships between their presence and environmental variables. Douglas-fir's tolerance for drier conditions allows it to outcompete moisture-demanding species, whereas Sitka spruce establishment appears influenced by factors beyond those measured in the study. This work provides insights into natural conifer dynamics on floodplains, which could inform riparian restoration efforts.
Okavango Delta
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2010 —
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Meyer's Parrots (Poicephalus meyeri) in the Okavango Delta exhibit weak bimodal daily activity patterns, with obligate feeding between 0830 and 1100 hours and seasonally required feeding between 1600 and 1830 hours to meet protein needs. This pattern is influenced by physiological constraints like crop-size limitations and climatic factors such as temperature fluctuations. Flight activity shows a bimodal pattern due to communal roosting and foraging behavior, while population estimates are highest during late morning counts (0830–1100 hours). The study highlights how environmental conditions and nutritional requirements shape the daily rhythms of these parrots, offering insights into their ecological adaptability.
Aldabra Atoll
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2010 —
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Research on the Chaerephon 'pumilus' bat complex in the western Indian Ocean reveals distinct genetic lineages, including a newly described species from Madagascar. Analysis of cytochrome b and D-loop sequences, alongside morphological traits, demonstrates that populations on Aldabra Atoll cluster with those in the Comoros rather than Madagascar, suggesting historical dispersal and isolation events. Unlike the Comoros, where bats exhibit gene flow across islands separated by 40–80 km, Aldabra's fauna reflects a mixed origin linked to both Madagascar and the Comoros. This study clarifies the complex evolutionary history of these small bats (9–17 g), highlighting how water barriers have driven population differentiation in volant vertebrates.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
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2010 —
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Pécs, Hungary is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy and diverse history. The city's early Christian necropolis of Sopianae, dating back to the fourth century CE, stands as a testament to its layered past, which includes Roman origins, Ottoman rule, and its current role as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese. This multicultural heritage is reflected in the city's architecture, including mosques and minarets, and its vibrant cultural scene, marked by annual festivals such as the International Romany Festival and the International Culture Week. Pécs was honored as a 2010 European Capital of Culture, further emphasizing its significance as a hub for cultural exchange and celebration.
Kasbah of Algiers
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2010 —
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The Kasbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces significant structural decay due to age, lack of maintenance, and natural disasters such as earthquakes. A safeguard sector plan, implemented since 2003 under Algeria's cultural heritage preservation law, aims to address these challenges through emergency measures like propping up structures and vulnerability assessments. The study, conducted by the CNERU Group, outlines methodologies for rehabilitation and long-term safeguarding, balancing immediate stabilization with in-depth analysis of minor and major heritage elements. This approach provides a model for preserving historic urban nuclei under constraints, offering insights into the intersection of emergency intervention and sustainable conservation strategies.
Mount Huangshan
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2010 —
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The Huangshan granitic intrusion, located at the southeastern boundary of the Yangtze Block in Anhui Province, China, reveals significant insights into the petrogenesis and geodynamics of southeastern China during the Late-Mesozoic. This study identifies four distinct stages of granite formation, characterized by high silica (SiO2 > 75%), alkali content, and low calcium (CaO < 1%). The granites exhibit A-type characteristics, such as enrichment in rare earth elements (REE) and high-field strength elements (Zr, Hf, Nb), while being depleted in Ba, Sr, and Ni. Geochemical and isotopic analyses suggest that the primary magmas originated from Proterozoic andesitic rocks, providing a deeper understanding of the region's geological history.
Everglades National Park
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2010 —
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Researchers have identified two new species of philometrid nematodes infecting marine fishes in the Everglades National Park, Florida. Philometra brevispicula sp. n., found in the subcutaneous tissue of the mouth of gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), is distinguished by its small cephalic papillae, absence of oesophageal teeth, and unique caudal projections in gravid females, along with markedly short spicules in males. Philometroides grandipapillatus sp. n., detected in the pectoral fin muscle of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), stands out due to its narrow, protruding cephalic region, large external cephalic papillae, and lack of caudal projections. Additionally, Caranginema americanum was recorded for the first time in the northern Gulf of Mexico from the same host. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to characterize these nematodes, contributing new insights into their taxonomy and host-parasite relationships within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sydney Opera House
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2010 —
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Flickr, a photosharing platform, serves as more than just an online photo album; it functions as a dynamic social network where personal photographic practices contribute to intangible heritage. This study highlights how Flickr groups, such as those centered around the Sydney Opera House, facilitate complex visual and textual conversations that shape collective identity and cultural value. By analyzing these socio-visual practices through the lenses of Van Dijck, Van House, Munjeri, and Warner, the research demonstrates that such engagements constitute a form of intangible heritage, enriching the broader cultural significance of world heritage sites like the Sydney Opera House.
Lake Baikal
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2010 —
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A study of Lake Baikal's bacteriophages reveals a high diversity of T4-like myoviruses, distinct from known sequences and more closely related to marine cyanophages. Phylogenetic analysis of the g23 gene fragments showed that most Lake Baikal phages clustered with uncultured T4 phages from marine and rice field environments, suggesting unique ecological adaptations or evolutionary pathways in this ancient lake's ecosystem.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2010 —
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Brazilian savannas under high fire frequency exhibit phylogenetic over-dispersion, contrary to expectations that closely related species would dominate fire-prone communities. Instead, these ecosystems host a mix of long-lived resprouting species from diverse lineages, suggesting fire plays a distinct role in structuring plant communities compared to other fire-adapted regions. The study analyzed 801 woody species across central and southeastern Brazilian savannas (including UNESCO-listed Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks) and adjacent semi-deciduous seasonal forests, comparing phylogenetic distances between sites with varying fire regimes. Phylogenetic signal analysis revealed evolutionary conservation of life forms, while randomization tests confirmed over-dispersion in high-fire savannas and clustering in low-fire forest sites. These findings challenge traditional models of fire-driven community assembly, highlighting the resilience of phylogenetically diverse species in Brazilian savannas.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2010 —
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A genetic analysis of the Pacific blueline surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigroris) reveals a cryptic endemic species within the Hawaiian Archipelago, distinct from its broader Pacific population. Using mitochondrial DNA data, researchers identified significant genetic divergence (d = 0.041) between Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian populations, suggesting the existence of two taxa—one endemic to Hawaii. While Johnston Atoll, located southwest of Hawaii, shares this Hawaiian species, it exhibits distinct population genetics, indicating limited gene flow for this widespread reef species. The study also detected a modest bias in gene flow from southeast to northwest within the Hawaiian Archipelago, implying that the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument may act as a recipient rather than a source of propagules. No consistent genetic differences were observed among other Pacific island sites or within Hawaiian locations.
Willandra Lakes Region
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking exploration of Australia's natural histories reveals how landscapes and landforms are interpreted to shape visions of the land, nation, and past. The study delves into three heritage sites—Adelaide’s Hallett Cove, Lake Callabonna in South Australia, and the UNESCO-listed Willandra Lakes Region in New South Wales—offering philosophical insights into heritage management and cultural identity. It examines deep-time imaginings, from glaciers and ancient oases to giant wombats and monster kangaroos, linking these with broader issues of belonging, uniqueness, and intellectual community. The research combines geological heritage, cultural property, and contemporary notions of antiquity to provide an original perspective on Australia’s complex relationship with its landscapes.
The Great Wall
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2010 —
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Heritage tourism at the Great Wall of China, particularly at Badaling and Mutianyu sections, significantly enhances local residents' place attachment. This study found that tourism development boosts their pride in their community, strengthens emotional and functional ties to their hometown, and increases willingness to stay while providing employment opportunities. Questionnaire surveys conducted in 2008 revealed that residents experienced heightened recognition of the Great Wall's value and attractiveness, suggesting that heritage tourism can foster positive sociocultural impacts. The findings offer practical insights for planning and managing sustainable heritage tourism.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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2010 —
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New radiometric dates from the Poverty Point mounds challenge long-standing assumptions about the temporal relationship between the site's earthen ridges and mounds, revealing a more complex developmental sequence. Previous research, biased toward dating the ridges, had led to the assumption that mound construction occurred within the same timeframe as the ridges. However, these findings provide critical insights into the pace of mound construction, population dynamics, labor organization, and social complexity at Poverty Point. By addressing sampling biases in archaeological chronology, this study offers a refined understanding of how prehistoric societies interacted with their environment, contributing to broader interpretations of cultural landscape evolution.
Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking study provides the first modern laboratory evidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the skeletal remains of four members of the Renaissance Medici family, confirming historical accounts that tertian malarial fevers caused their deaths. Using immunological investigations to detect ancient proteins (PfHRP2 and PfLDH) in bone samples, researchers validated the clinical diagnoses issued by court physicians over 450 years ago. This method, successfully applied to skeletal remains for the first time, opens new avenues for investigating large archaeological series beyond mummified tissues. The findings underscore the Medici family's high exposure to malaria due to their hunting activities in endemic areas of Tuscany.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2010 —
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Researchers discovered five unique platinum-group mineral (PGM) grains, including previously unconfirmed Pt–Fe alloys and rare sulfides, in a placer deposit at Burwash Creek, Kluane area, Yukon. These minerals exhibit elevated levels of Pd, Rh, Ir, and Fe, along with notable silicate melt inclusions enriched in large-ion lithophile elements. The findings suggest an association with Alaskan–Uralian-type mineralization rather than the local Triassic ultramafic–mafic complex. The study employed electron-microprobe analysis (EMP) and laser-ablation ICP–MS to characterize the PGMs and their geochemical context, providing insights into the geological processes underlying this remote placer deposit.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2010 —
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A paramount king, identified with the sun, ruled tenth-century Chichen Itza alongside a high priest and a political-military elite symbolized by an S-shaped serpent. The Temple of the Wall Panels reveals the initiation and afterlife journey of jaguar-warriors, paralleling Aztec warrior beliefs described by Sahagún. These warriors, depicted transforming into birds or butterflies, suggest shared Teotihuacan ideologies. The temple's architecture and iconography imply it served as a warrior residence, distinct from atelpochcalli, highlighting the community's collective military and religious roles.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2010 —
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Endemic Hawaiian Hylaeus bees exhibit remarkable pollen foraging fidelity, predominantly collecting native plant species despite the availability of multiple floral resources. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that at high elevations in Haleakala, 86% of pollen samples from bee crops originated from the Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum), while lower elevations exclusively featured pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) pollen. This selective foraging behavior was consistent across 21 Hylaeus specimens, with 100% of identified pollen loads being native. The study employed molecular methods to bypass traditional palynological challenges, offering a high-throughput approach for assessing pollinator-plant interactions without specialized expertise. These findings highlight the potential for similar analyses to inform conservation strategies and expand our understanding of global pollination dynamics.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2010 —
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Research reveals that surface soils on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) contain significantly lower levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDXs and HCHs, compared to eastern China. PAH concentrations were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower, while OCPs varied by 2-7 times across four sub-areas. The study found that PAHs in remote western QTP regions, including the Hoh Xil Mountains, likely originate from long-range transport and represent background levels for East Asia, serving as a critical receptor area for global atmospheric studies. In contrast, elevated PAH and OCP levels in Lhasa and east Qinghai were primarily locally sourced, with additional contributions from adjacent urban areas like Lanzhou. The research used soil sampling, emission density analysis, and air mass trajectory modeling to correlate pollutant levels with population density, soil organic carbon content, and geographic distribution.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2010 —
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A study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, found no association between specific genetic variants (Gly972 Arg and Ala513Pro in IRS1, Gly1057 Asp in IRS2) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Arab and Berber ethnic groups. The research compared genotype and allelic frequencies between T2DM patients and healthy controls using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Despite examining these insulin receptor substrate gene polymorphisms, no significant differences were observed, suggesting these variants do not contribute to T2DM risk in the studied populations.
Aldabra Atoll
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2010 —
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Aldabra giant tortoises exhibit significant population structure despite no variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, suggesting allopatric divergence driven by geographical barriers and ecological partitions. This study analyzed mtDNA control region sequences and microsatellite loci from three locations on Aldabra's two major islands, revealing reduced genetic variability likely due to a founding event during the last interglacial period and historical bottlenecks. While mtDNA showed no variation, nuclear markers indicated population subdivisions, highlighting the influence of ecological factors on tortoise movement and population dynamics in this isolated terrestrial ecosystem.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking study on the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the last Neotropical mega-herbivore, reveals that its population history and phylogeography were significantly shaped by Pleistocene climatic events, parapatric speciation, Andean foothill divergence, and the Amazon River's role as a gene flow barrier. The research, using mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene variation, suggests a late Pleistocene divergence for lowland tapir, aligning with fossil records, and proposes western Amazonia—particularly the ecological gradient between Andean subcloud forests and Amazon lowland forests—as a critical region for tapir diversification. Contrary to conservation priorities, genetic structure does not correspond with proposed ecogeographic regions, questioning their effectiveness for vagile species. The study underscores the complex evolutionary history of lowland tapirs and highlights the need for further research with broader sampling and loci to refine conservation strategies.
Shiretoko
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2010 —
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A molecular phylogeographic analysis of flightless Aegialites beetles from Hokkaido's coasts revealed two distinct genetic lineages with divergent population structures and histories. Lineage A, found on the Sea of Japan and Okhotsk coasts, showed rapid population expansion, while lineage B, predominantly on the Pacific coast and Shiretoko Peninsula, exhibited higher genetic divergence among populations. Despite their unidimensional habitat, no correlation was observed between genetic differentiation and geographic distance in either group. The study suggests allopatric divergence of these lineages during the Pliocene, providing insights into their evolutionary trajectories.
Lamu Old Town
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2010 —
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A fluid, porous identity characterizes the Swahili civilization of Lamu's archipelago (1600–1800), challenging rigid notions of spatial and cultural boundaries. Despite urban centers like Lamu functioning as integrative hubs with strong ties to inland regions, their social hierarchies reflect a dynamic, permeable identity—one that defies static definitions. This study reveals how the interplay between coastal cities and their hinterlands exposes the ambiguity at the heart of Swahili identity, emphasizing its adaptability over time.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2010 —
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Researchers have identified and described <em>Potamonautes lipkei</em>, a new species of freshwater crab from the Potamonautidae family, found in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. This discovery expands the diversity of West African freshwater crabs, with <em>P. lipkei</em> distinguished by unique morphological traits such as its carapace, chelipeds, thoracic sternum, and gonopods. The species was collected from burrows along small streams and the Gambia River, highlighting its habitat preferences. The study compares this new species to other Potamonautidae crabs in West Africa, contributing to the understanding of the genus's broad distribution across sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Basin.
Gros Morne National Park
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2010 —
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A study predicts that moose browsing, without hunting regulation, could significantly reduce forest growing stock by 12% to 32% over 160 years in Gros Morne National Park (GMNP), Newfoundland. Specifically, balsam fir and white birch populations are projected to decline sharply, while black spruce and grassland cover expand. In contrast, domestic woodcutting, even at current levels, is unlikely to impact forest growing stock or old-growth forests but may further threaten already low white birch populations. The research used long-term scenario analysis comparing GMNP-specific conditions—where hunting is prohibited—to neighbouring industrial forests with regulated moose populations. Four scenarios were tested, including combinations of timber harvesting and browsing, revealing that moose browsing poses a greater threat to forest composition than woodcutting.
Mount Etna
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2010 —
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A new methodology for predicting the impact of lava flows at Mount Etna, Italy, has been developed, offering high-resolution susceptibility maps that can adapt to real-time scenarios. This approach combines a computational model simulating lava flows with a validation procedure to assess accuracy in the study area. The research provides critical tools for civil defense planning and land use management, enabling authorities to quantify potential damage from eruptions and evaluate protective measures efficiently. By extracting specific scenarios from simulation databases, this method supports both long-term strategic planning and immediate response during imminent eruptions.
Timbuktu
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2010 —
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A new study reveals that Timbuktu, renowned for its medieval significance as a Saharan caravan hub, also possessed distinct urban characteristics during its prehistoric phase before AD 1000. By mapping settlement patterns in the region's hinterland, researchers uncovered evidence of early urbanism and explored how shifts in the Sahara's climate influenced social dynamics. This approach combines spatial analysis with environmental data to reconstruct Timbuktu's past, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of prehistoric communities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Anticosti
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2010 —
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Research on Anticosti Island, Quebec, reveals that preindustrial balsam fir forests exhibited rare stand-initiating events over the past 160 years, challenging the conventional cyclic disturbance model. Using historical forest maps and dendrochronology, scientists reconstructed a landscape dominated by overmature softwood stands with sporadic younger inclusions, suggesting an alternative dynamics model for maritime eastern Canada's balsam fir ecosystems. This finding implies that sustainable forest management should align with this natural variability to preserve ecological integrity.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2010 —
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A single species of freshwater crayfish, Euastacus spinifer, was found to occur at higher altitudes than previously recorded in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The study suggests that crayfish could potentially serve as a rapid bioindicator of human impacts, such as those caused by canyoning, due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Although no significant difference in crayfish abundance or size was observed between high and low visitation canyons, differences were noted between individual canyons. Additionally, crayfish within the same canyon exhibited consistent color morphs, indicating potential genetic selection pressures. The research proposes that with a comprehensive baseline dataset, crayfish could be used by non-specialists to assess environmental impacts and support management decisions.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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2010 —
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Video camera traps have proven to be a promising tool for quantifying the behavior of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park. This study, conducted on ten individuals, provides baseline behavioral data by analyzing both the duration and frequency of specific activities, offering new insights into the reclusive species' ethogram. The research suggests that video traps can effectively capture detailed behavioral observations, which are essential for understanding and conserving this endangered rhinoceros population.
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region
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2010 —
WHE1EAB9E459C
A preliminary investigation of Lake Ohrid revealed 17 species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) from 476 adult specimens collected across 21 stations in June 2009. This study is notable for addressing a significant data gap regarding this invertebrate group in the lake, which is otherwise well-documented in other European lakes. The findings indicate a relatively low species diversity, likely influenced by the lake's mountainous location and moderate climate. Enallagma cyathigerum was the most abundant species, thriving due to its association with elodeid plants like Potamegeton perfoliatus. Four of the identified species are endemic to Southern Europe, while the rest are widespread across the continent. This research provides foundational data for understanding odonate biodiversity in Lake Ohrid and highlights the ecological significance of its unique environment.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2010 —
WHE9EFCAEB2EA
A rare surviving example of 19th-century English engineering, the Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. hydraulic crane at Venice's Arsenal, is being restored to preserve its historical significance. The preliminary study identified critical causes of damage and past interventions, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. This crane, one of the last remaining from its era, represents an important technological milestone and is supported by UNESCO's Venice in Peril Fund. The research combines historical analysis with structural assessment to guide restoration, ensuring the crane's longevity while maintaining its authentic character.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2010 —
WHE13B41FEF90
GPS observations from 1997 to 2009 reveal that the Central Sikhote-Alin region in southeastern Russia exhibits internal and external stability, with no significant present-day tectonic activity detected along the Central Sikhote-Alin Fault. This challenges the notion of a unified Amurian microplate, suggesting instead a more complex structure composed of separate blocks. The study utilized GPS data from a regional geodynamic network to assess crustal velocity fields, providing insights into the region's geodynamic stability and tectonic behavior.
