Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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A balanced approach to heritage management, integrating public participation, planning, legislation, and fiscal mechanisms, can effectively preserve the cultural continuity of traditional Chinese villages like Xidi and Hongcun while fostering sustainable development. This study identifies key governance principles for historic urban landscapes (HUL) by analyzing the evolution of heritage management in Southern Anhui's villages. It highlights the challenges in stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks, and funding models, proposing strategies to optimize HUL governance. By examining case studies, the research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive policies to ensure long-term conservation and development.
Historic Centre of Cordoba
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Researchers developed a novel algorithm to optimize lighting design for heritage residential buildings, demonstrated on Casa de Doña Jacinta in Córdoba's UNESCO-listed historic center. The approach minimizes intrusive light while maximizing spatial contrast and energy efficiency, leveraging DIALux simulations validated with quasi-real models and MATLAB digital metrics. Analysis of 302 luminaire positions revealed that accent lighting with non-uniform distribution—prioritizing solids over openings—enhances perception without compromising residential functionality. This scientific framework can be generalized to other heritage buildings, advancing evidence-based strategies for balanced illumination that preserves both aesthetic integrity and energy performance.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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A novel governance model for terrace restoration in the UNESCO-listed Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China, demonstrates how fuzzy clustering algorithms (FCA) can optimize ecosystem management by analyzing farmer participation and trust in a 'four elements homogeneous' system. This approach reveals that the terraces' resilience to extreme drought—such as the once-in-a-century event studied—relies on the interplay of forest water retention, irrigation ditches, village governance, and terrace productivity. By comparing Hani farmers' trust in these ecosystem functions against tribal bonds, the study identifies key behavioral patterns that could empower autonomous management. The findings suggest a data-driven strategy to enhance sustainability in culturally significant landscapes.
Iguaçu National Park
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Iguaçu National Park, a significant remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Paraná, Brazil, harbors 65 orchid species across 41 genera, with Gomesa and Acianthera being the most prevalent. This study highlights that Epidendroideae subfamily dominates the park's orchid flora, accounting for 78% of the total richness. Notably, 31 new records were documented, including five species endemic to Brazil and one to Paraná. The research also reveals distinct species distributions between Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (29 exclusive species) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (20 exclusive species), with 16 species shared across both phytophysiognomies. Among the orchids, epiphytic habits are most common (39 species), followed by terricolous (15 species). This comprehensive inventory underscores Iguaçu National Park's ecological significance and the importance of floristic studies in cataloging its diverse flora.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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A track analysis of oribatid mites (moss mites) in the Sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica reveals that South Georgia Island serves as a key hub for species dispersion, linking three distinct biogeographical tracks. One track connects South Georgia to the Sub-Antarctic Islands of the South Atlantic, southern Indian Ocean, and southern Australia and New Zealand; another links South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula; while a third extends from South Georgia to the Falkland Islands. This pattern suggests that South Georgia Island was likely the ancestral zone for these species, from which they spread to colonize Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and potentially southern South America. The study combines literature analysis with track analysis to uncover these dispersion patterns, providing insights into the biogeographical history of non-marine mites in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent
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A significant exploration of the Novodevichy Convent's role as a bridge between spiritual and secular traditions reveals its enduring influence on Russian culture. The 500th anniversary celebration book highlights how the convent's legacy, preserved through literature from the 18th to 19th centuries—such as sermons, memoirs, diaries, and letters—embedded Christian values and national ideals into Russia's societal fabric. This continuity underscores the convent's historical significance in fostering a harmonious union of faith and governance, offering a unique lens on Orthodox-Science-Culture interactions.
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
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A study of the Roberto Burle Marx Gardens at the Banco do Nordeste headquarters in Fortaleza, Brazil, reveals that despite significant modifications since its 1984 design, core elements of Burle Marx's modernist approach persist. The research, conducted by the Jardins de Burle Marx study group, analyzed formal, constructive, and botanical aspects through literature review, documentary research, and field visits. Findings highlight the resilience of Burle Marx's design principles, offering new insights into the evolution of landscaping in Fortaleza. This work contributes to the broader understanding of his legacy while documenting changes over time.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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Early dinosaurs from the Ischigualasto Formation exhibited elevated growth rates, comparable to or exceeding those of later Mesozoic sauropodomorphs and theropods. Unlike later dinosaurs, these early species grew more continuously rather than in rapid bursts. This suggests that high growth rates were an ancestral trait for Dinosauria and played a key role in their ecological success, though they did not uniquely set them apart from contemporaries like crocodylomorphs and pseudosuchians.
Rideau Canal
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The Rideau Canal serves as a focal point for the 2025 GAC–MAC–IAH–CNC Joint Annual Meeting, held May 11-14 at the University of Ottawa. This event offers diverse field trips, including pre-conference excursions that explore the geological heritage of central Canada, from the Cambro-Ordovician Potsdam Group in the Ottawa Embayment to the Sudbury Impact Structure in Ontario. One notable trip examines the stratigraphic archive of the Ottawa Embayment, revealing insights into rift reactivation, climate change, and eustatic rise during the early Ordovician transgression of Laurentia. Additionally, a collections tour provides access to significant geological repositories, such as those at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Geological Survey of Canada. These field trips aim to showcase the rich geological layers of Ottawa while addressing broader questions about regional geology and heritage conservation.
Land of Frankincense
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Overgrazing significantly hinders the natural regeneration of endemic frankincense trees (Boswellia spp.) on Socotra Island, threatening their survival. A two-to-three-year experiment across four Boswellia taxa compared seedling mortality and growth in fenced (grazing-excluded) and unfenced control plots. Results showed higher mortality and slower height increment in open areas, with up to 772 seedlings emerging in fenced plots—560 surviving—versus only 176 survivors in unfenced controls. While grazing is a primary threat, high seedling mortality even within exclosures suggests additional challenges for conservation. This study underscores the critical need to address overgrazing and other stressors to protect Socotra's unique frankincense ecosystems.
Komodo National Park
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Komodo National Park, Indonesia, faces significant challenges from overtourism despite being a key economic driver and global attraction. The study highlights that Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the park, is poised to become one of Indonesia's 'New Balis,' but its rapid growth threatens sustainability due to high visitor numbers, limited infrastructure, and environmental strain. The research identifies critical gaps in sustainable tourism management, emphasizing the need for balanced development to mitigate ecological damage while preserving economic benefits. It employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing data on tourism impacts, policy frameworks, and stakeholder perspectives to propose strategies for long-term conservation and visitor management.
China Danxia
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Researchers have identified Oxalis xishuiensis, a new species of Oxalidaceae, from the Danxia landforms in Xishui County, Guizhou, China. This discovery is notable for its distinct morphological traits compared to its closest relative, O. wulingensis, including nearly square-shaped lateral leaflets, shorter peduncles, elongated capsules (1.2–1.5 cm), and alveolate seeds. The study highlights the botanical diversity of Danxia landforms, which are renowned for their colorful rock formations and unique ecosystems. The identification was based on detailed morphological comparisons, emphasizing the importance of field surveys in uncovering new species within protected natural sites like UNESCO World Heritage areas.
Ellora Caves
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Street art in India, with roots tracing back to ancient cave carvings and tribal paintings, has evolved significantly since the 1970s. Modern street artists use urban spaces as platforms for communication, addressing contemporary societal issues through their work. This study examines the works of select Indian street artists to understand the current landscape of street art in India, highlighting its role as a dynamic medium for political and social expression.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
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Liu Dunzhen's innovative approach to rockery making in Zhan Garden demonstrates the successful modernization of traditional Chinese gardening concepts, particularly 'painterly landscape gardening.' By integrating techniques from classical painting, such as Yan Ciping's 'Small Axe-cut Texture Stroke' and Ni Zan's 'Bent-ribbon Texture Stroke,' Liu created a harmonious blend of artistic expression and functional design. The study reveals that his method involved three key steps: conceiving the rockery form, selecting referential paintings, and adapting to stone materials during construction. This practice not only preserved traditional gardening wisdom but also provided valuable insights for contemporary landscape architecture, showcasing an effective translation of pictorialism into modern garden design.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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A temperate climate, with variations between Mediterranean and boreal influences, has dominated the Sierra de Atapuerca for nearly one million years. This finding emerges from a palaeoclimatic analysis of small mammal assemblages across six archaeological sites spanning the Early Pleistocene to Late Holocene. Researchers applied the Bioclimatic Model (BM) to reconstruct qualitative and quantitative climatic conditions, revealing warmer-than-current conditions at the base of Sima del Elefante's sequence and thermal increases linked to glacial pulses in the Upper Pleistocene. The study also identified shifts in altitudinal belt boundaries, reflecting regional-scale climate changes. This diachronic analysis provides an updated synthesis of long-term climatic reconstruction over more than a million years.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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NIGPAS has achieved significant milestones in palaeontologic and stratigraphic research, including the determination of Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) and groundbreaking studies on the Chengjiang Fauna and Wuda Tuff Flora. These discoveries, both recognized as IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, highlight China's rich fossil lagerstätten and ideal geological sections, which have become global focal points for addressing geoscience challenges. NIGPAS, supported by CAS, fosters extensive domestic and international collaboration, driving continued exploration and research in invertebrate palaeontology and palaeobotany.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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Typhoon Odette (Rai) caused significant shifts in the habitat suitability of the Palawan Peacock Pheasant (<em>Polyplectron napoleonis</em>), an endemic bird species, within Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Post-typhoon analysis using MaxEnt modeling revealed that elevation and land cover became dominant factors influencing its distribution, surpassing precipitation and aspect, likely due to extensive forest damage. The study suggests that conservation efforts must adapt to these changes, as suitable habitats appear to be migrating toward highland forests—possibly in response to human disturbance rather than climate change, given the species' temperature tolerance. The findings underscore the need for reevaluating mitigation strategies against typhoon impacts on forest ecosystems.
Yakushima
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A new study reveals that Yakushima Island, Japan, has experienced frequent large wave events throughout the Holocene, with potential tsunamis and storm surges occurring at intervals of approximately 1500 to 2000 years. Researchers dated fossilized coral within beach boulders deposited above sea level, identifying four distinct deposition events between 6187–2692 calibrated years before present (cal yr BP). These findings suggest that the island's proximity to active volcanic and subduction zones poses a significant risk of future geohazards. Additional modeling could further clarify whether these deposits resulted from storm surges or tsunamis, providing critical data for hazard prediction in southeast Japan.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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Fossil evidence from Argentina and eastern Australia reveals that biodiverse rainforests with abundant Eucalyptus existed over 50 million years ago, shaped by nonfire disturbances like landslides and volcanic flows. The dominance of fire-adapted eucalypts is linked to more recent geological and climatic changes, including C4 grassland expansion and human activity. This challenges the narrative that tall eucalypt forests (TEFs) are threatened by 'invasive' neighboring rainforests, suggesting instead that both ecosystems are part of a single humid forest system with ancient, evolving interactions. The study urges a reevaluation of management practices to protect the outstanding World Heritage values and carbon storage of these areas, emphasizing the need for restoration and research focused on rainforest margins.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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A groundbreaking discovery of paleokarst landforms in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Vietnam) and Hin Nam No National Park (Laos) reveals karstification dating back to the Triassic, predating previous estimates by millions of years. This study, confirmed through field surveys and thin-section analyses, identifies buried karst surfaces and filled fissures/caves developed on Devonian to Carboniferous-Permian limestones, providing critical evidence for karst evolution from the Triassic to Middle Jurassic. The findings suggest a new direction for karst research in Vietnam and propose that these paleokarst sites could represent significant Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for the combined PNKB HNN region.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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A paleomagnetic study of the Capo di Bove lava flow near Rome, Italy, reveals that the ancient Appian Way's brief deviation from its straight SE-NW trajectory was not due to tectonic deformation. The research, conducted on samples collected along a 10 km transect, found no evidence of post-emplacement tectonic rotations, ruling out the presence of previously undetected faults. Instead, the bend in the Appian Way is likely attributed to pre-existing morphology and historical factors. The study employed rock magnetic, paleomagnetic, and petrographic analyses, with reliable paleomagnetic data obtained from three sampling sites indicating a consistent lava flow direction from SE to NW.
Darien National Park
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Over one million migrants traversing the Darien National Park since 2021 have accelerated deforestation, environmental degradation, and pollution, posing severe threats to biodiversity and local communities. Enhanced connectivity for migration control risks exacerbating illegal logging and mining, while increased human activity may disrupt animal behavior and food chains. Despite migrant flights to northern countries like Nicaragua gaining traction, they are unlikely to replace the Darien route, leaving long-term ecological and cultural impacts challenging to mitigate.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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A novel approach to documenting survey and modeling methods through qualitative and quantitative parameters, termed paradata, has been developed to ensure the trustworthiness and reusability of digital models for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This method, applied to the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and Castrum Caetani in Rome, Italy, enables diverse users—including archaeologists, designers, conservators, and XR-VR developers—to leverage holistic HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling) quality models across multiple Levels of Development (LODs100-600) and Levels of Geometry (LOGs100-600). The study identifies critical parameters for documenting the accuracy of surveys and object models, facilitating future applications such as BIM-to-FEA analysis, seismic vulnerability planning, remote monitoring, and extended reality experiences. This framework addresses the complexity of interconnections among users and contributors over time, ensuring robust data citation and long-term management.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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A progressive succession of woody plants on pastures, driven by factors such as conservation measures and natural conditions, threatens the preservation of valuable habitats and visually attractive karst landscapes within the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study assessed land cover changes over three decades in transtermitant farm operational areas and Biosphere Reserve (BR) zones, identifying that karst microreliefs were excluded from pastoral activities due to inherent nature of transtermitance and type of farmed animal. The research highlights the critical need for agreed-upon grazing conditions between farmers and BR administration to safeguard high nature value farmland, clean underground water, and the unique cave system.
Amiens Cathedral
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R. Howard Bloch's 'Paris and Her Cathedrals' offers a unique blend of scholarly insight and accessible narrative, providing new perspectives on the history, architecture, and artistry of six significant cathedrals: Saint-Denis, Notre-Dame, Chartres, Sainte-Chapelle, Amiens, and Reims. The book bridges the gap between academic rigor and popular appeal, featuring Bloch's own photographs and detailed analyses that guide readers to notice subtle yet significant artistic and architectural details. For instance, it highlights parallels between medieval court intrigues depicted in stained glass and historical events, such as the challenges faced by Louis IX and Blanche of Castile. Additionally, it situates these cathedrals within their broader cultural and historical contexts, including discussions on their preservation over centuries, such as the recent fire at Notre-Dame. This work serves as both a travel guide and an educational resource, enriching understanding for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike.
Kaziranga National Park
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Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its successful conservation of the Greater One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), employs participatory security measures that serve as a form of indirect control over local communities. This study reveals how these mechanisms, supported by state and non-state agencies, complement militarized anti-poaching efforts, contributing to structural violence and national building in Assam. The research analyzes the revitalization of two key bodies—the eco-development committee and the voluntary defense organization—demonstrating their role as 'counterinsurgency practices.' By examining these participatory protection strategies, the study sheds light on the dual nature of conservation efforts: while aiming to enhance security and biodiversity preservation, they also reinforce broader social control dynamics.
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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A data-driven approach reveals that passive cooling strategies, such as optimizing natural ventilation and reducing surface temperatures of building envelopes exposed to solar radiation, can significantly improve indoor thermal comfort in historic religious buildings like Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Rome. These strategies, when integrated into design scenarios, effectively mitigate overheating issues caused by climate change while preserving the cultural asset. The study demonstrates how digital environment analysis contributes to identifying optimal solutions for energy efficiency and indoor climate suitability in architectural heritage.
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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A rare depiction of Pope Honorius III (1216–1227) in proskinesis, a Byzantine courtly gesture uncommon in Western art, has been identified in the mosaic of Christ’s feet at San Paolo fuori le Mura. This portrayal, likely intentional, raises questions about its symbolic meaning and possible influence from Pope Innocent III’s theological legacy. The study examines the visual and historical context of this mosaic, drawing on prior scholarship by Wilpert and Ladner, to explore whether it reflects deeper theological or political implications for the papacy in the early 13th century.
Medina of Tunis
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A novel framework for analyzing the Medina of Tunis introduces 'webs' and 'clouds' to Richard T.T. Forman's land mosaic theory, integrating intangible social and subjective elements alongside traditional tangible components. This approach moves beyond conventional preservationist methods, addressing marginalized communities affected by capitalism-driven heritage management and tourism. By combining literature review with landscape fieldwork, the study advocates for an inclusive, sustainable analysis that considers both physical and intangible dimensions of urban landscapes. Applicable to other historic urban areas, this method aims to re-signify medinas across North Africa while embedding sustainable practices in response to climate change challenges.
Churches of Moldavia
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Paul of Aleppo's <em>Journal</em> offers a rare and detailed firsthand account of 17th-century Eastern Europe, providing invaluable insights into the history, culture, and religious life of Moldavia, Wallachia, and Cossack lands during his travels (1652-1654). The text includes his observations on contemporary events in Ottoman Syria, as well as a record of the patriarchs of Antioch and his father's tenure as bishop. This work enriches our understanding of transregional connections, religious practices, and societal dynamics during this pivotal period.
The Historic Centre of Odesa
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The study identifies the unique characteristics of 'Provincial Secession' style buildings in Ukraine's regional centers, distinct from both European Secession and major urban centers like Lviv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. These provincial structures, influenced by local cultural strata and imperial affiliations (Austro-Hungarian or Russian), face significant preservation challenges due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which has led to widespread destruction of valuable background buildings. Despite this, planned repairs and restorations for even undamaged monuments remain neglected, highlighting urgent conservation needs.
Historic Cairo
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Restoring Al-Azhar Street to its original pedestrian promenade could significantly revitalize the urban fabric of Historic Cairo, enhancing accessibility, aesthetics, social dynamics, and economic activities. The study highlights how vehicle roads, such as Al-Azhar Street, constructed in the early 20th century, disrupted the historical area's integrity by dividing streets and altering social and economic functions. By analyzing the impact of pedestrianization on open spaces, the research suggests that reverting to a bustling pedestrian zone could serve residents, artisans, and tourism while preserving Cairo's cultural memory. This approach offers a model for balancing contemporary infrastructure needs with heritage conservation in historically significant urban areas.
Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto
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Rack railway systems were introduced in West Sumatra during the Dutch colonial period to overcome steep terrains, showcasing advanced technical innovation. This study highlights how the construction of the Ombilin coal mines and their associated railway network significantly boosted the local economy but also exposed labor exploitation. By analyzing colonial archives, technical reports, historical books, and scholarly articles, researchers revealed the interplay between technology, colonialism, and local society, emphasizing the importance of geographical adaptation in infrastructure development.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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Lenggong Valley's traditional cuisine reflects the region's natural and cultural heritage, shaped by generations of ingenuity. This study reveals that the valley's food traditions stem from abundant local resources and diverse cultural influences, offering a tangible link to its history. Researchers used qualitative methods—semi-structured interviews with 10 experts, snowball sampling for saturation, and participant observations at restaurants, events, and homestays—to uncover two key themes: resource-driven cuisine and the impact of cultural diversity. Findings highlight Lenggong's culinary heritage as both an intangible treasure and a potential tourist draw, urging preservation efforts to sustain its uniqueness for future generations.
Robben Island
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A strong link between adult penguin survival rates and sardine abundance off Cape Agulhas has been identified on Robben Island. The study, using moult count data, demonstrates that the reproductive success and survival of penguins are significantly influenced by pelagic fish availability. While this initial model provides valuable insights, challenges arise when applying Bayesian estimation due to biological constraints on demographic parameters. Future work aims to refine these models by incorporating a beta distribution and additional population data to improve accuracy.
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
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A study on the perception of arachnids in four rural communities near El Tajín, Veracruz, Mexico, revealed that while residents recognize spiders and scorpions as common elements of their environment, they largely view them as harmless. However, there is a widespread tendency to eliminate them upon encounter, despite limited awareness of their potential medical significance. The research involved open sessions where participants identified images of local arachnids, including the recognized capulina spider but not the violin spider, which was only known through social media references. Notably, no traditional remedies for accidental encounters were reported, indicating a lack of perceived danger from these creatures.
Mount Wuyi
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Tourists' preferences for guided education, open spaces, and interactive facilities significantly enhance the effectiveness of environmental education in national parks. A study at Mount Wuyi National Park found that both educational modes and spatial elements positively influence public perception and learning outcomes. Demographic factors, particularly educational background, also play a key role. The research recommends designing personalized environmental education programs to improve readability and engagement, supporting the high-quality development of such initiatives in protected areas.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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Pedestrian perceptions of the historic international settlement of Kulangsu vary significantly between residents and tourists, reflecting their distinct experiences and priorities. Residents' comfort is primarily influenced by factors such as lighting, building maintenance, commercial attractiveness, and the presence of historic buildings, while tourists prioritize road cleanliness, signage systems, building facades, and overall walking pleasure. These findings, derived from a logistic regression analysis using SPSS, highlight the nuanced relationship between environmental factors and pedestrian perceptions in car-free heritage sites. The study underscores the need for tailored urban planning to balance the diverse needs of both groups, ensuring a functional and enjoyable walking environment that respects historical integrity.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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A perception study of Linpan cultural landscape heritage reveals that indigenous villagers in Dujiangyan City generally support the conservation of water systems and fields, recognizing its vacation and health benefits. The research found a preference for land market transfers, particularly for arable land and homesteads, while also highlighting significant differences in perceptions based on location and local characteristics. Conducted through questionnaire surveys and quantitative analysis, this study provides valuable insights into villagers' perspectives on Linpan conservation and utilization, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing factors in cultural landscape revitalization efforts.
Keoladeo National Park
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A perception-based survey reveals severe degradation of ecosystem services in Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site renowned for its rich biodiversity. The study, involving national and international tourists, staff members, workers, and dependent villagers, identifies key threats including the reduction of water bodies, land cover changes, and anthropogenic disturbances. These factors are significantly impacting the park's ecological equilibrium, particularly affecting migratory and indigenous bird species such as the Painted stork, Saras crane, and Siberian crane. The findings underscore an urgent need for restoration and maintenance of terrestrial forest areas and wetlands to sustain species and ecosystem functions.
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
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A critically endangered subspecies of the Northwest African cheetah (<em>Acinonyx jubatus hecki</em>) persists at alarmingly low densities, with estimates ranging from 0.17 to 0.37 individuals per 100 km² in two key strongholds: Pendjari (W-Arly-Pendjari Complex) and Zakouma (Greater Zakouma Ecosystem). Using camera trap surveys and spatially explicit capture-recapture methodologies, researchers detected only nine cheetahs during the dry season in Pendjari (2021), four in Zakouma (2023), and none in Siniaka Minia. These findings suggest an overall population size of 68 ± 29 individuals across the studied areas, among the lowest recorded for cheetahs in Africa. The study highlights severe threats from human encroachment and livestock presence, emphasizing the urgent need for regional conservation strategies, genetic monitoring, and international awareness to prevent further decline.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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Research reveals that the engraved portraits of Flemish painters by Jan Meyssens (1649) served as a key source for Lázaro Díaz del Valle's biographical manuscript, <em>Origen e Ilustración del nobilísimo y real arte de la pintura</em> (1656–1659), predating its inclusion in Cornelis de Bie’s <em>Het Gulden Cabinet</em> (1661). The study identifies this as an early instance of diffusion outside Flanders, analyzing two series from the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD) and the Plantin-Moretus Prentenkabinet in Antwerp. This finding sheds light on the cross-cultural influence of Flemish art discourse in 17th-century Spain.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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Research reveals that the Atacama Desert's endemic plant, <em>Malesherbia auristipulata</em>, exhibits dynamic interactions with endophytic fungi, varying across its organs. Key fungal species like <em>Alternaria sorghi</em> and <em>Fusarium circinatum</em> were identified in roots, stems, and leaves, suggesting a complex mycoflora that may contribute to the plant's resilience in extreme conditions. The study, conducted at Cuesta El Águila in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, monitored phenological phases and fungal communities, providing critical insights for conserving this species and its ecosystem.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A new study confirms deltamethrin resistance in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes on Bubaque Island, part of the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau, using WHO tube tests. The research identified six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to insecticide resistance, including mutations in the vgsc and gste2 genes, with four SNPs appearing at frequencies over 5% in the population. Genome-wide selection scans revealed two selective sweeps on chromosomes X and 2R, overlapping with metabolic genes such as cyp9k1 and the cyp6aa/cyp6p cluster, both associated with insecticide resistance. This is the first phenotypic testing for deltamethrin resistance and the first whole genome sequence data for Anopheles gambiae in this region, providing critical insights for vector control policies.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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Phoenician cities, flourishing from the 12th to the 4th centuries BCE along the Levantine coast, were independent city-states characterized by strategic topography, fortifications, harbors, and religious centers. While their homeland included Tyre and Sidon, Phoenicians expanded westward, establishing trade-focused settlements across the Mediterranean, notably in Carthage (modern Tunisia). Though early archaeological evidence for Carthage is limited, historical records provide insight into its development as a key hub for raw material procurement and maritime trade. This study synthesizes topographical and architectural features of Phoenician cities, contrasting their urban planning with later Punic adaptations.
Sangay National Park
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Research on the Pristimantis anaiae species group in Ecuador's Andes reveals a new frog species from Cerro Candelaria, expanding the genetic diversity of the group. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear genes identified two well-supported subclades, with the new species closely related to P. kunam from Sangay National Park but distinguished by unique morphological traits. The study highlights the Llanganates – Sangay Ecological Corridor as a significant zone for adaptive radiation and conservation, underscoring its importance in understanding evolutionary processes.
Ogasawara Islands
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A comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of three dioecious Callicarpa species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands reveals their evolutionary origins and colonization timeline. Using chloroplast genomes and 86 nuclear single-copy genes, researchers determined that these species diverged from East Asian continental relatives approximately three million years ago, likely through long-distance dispersal during the late Pliocene. The study highlights adaptive radiation and shifts in dioecious sex expression as key evolutionary trends on oceanic islands. Phylogenetic trees based on over 10,000 nuclear genes placed the insular species within an East Asian clade, though discrepancies with chloroplast tree topologies suggest incomplete lineage sorting or hybridization events.
Mount Wuyi
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2024 —
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Phylogenetic relationships play a more significant role than environmental factors in shaping leaf silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) stoichiometry along elevation gradients in subtropical forests. Researchers analyzed dominant tree species across Mount Wuyi National Park, China, from 800 to 1700 meters, finding that leaf Si and Si/Ca ratios decreased while Ca content increased with altitude. Environmental factors like precipitation, soil available silicon, organic matter, and bulk density influenced stoichiometry but were secondary to phylogenetic conservatism—closely related species exhibited similar traits. Structural equation modeling revealed that phylogeny dominated over environmental effects, suggesting evolutionary lineage is a stronger determinant of leaf Si and Ca patterns than elevation-driven ecological changes.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2024 —
WHE418FE9CA30
The Central Andes, characterized by its diverse geography and ecology, can be divided into three distinct regions—North, Center, and South—each with unique cultural trajectories shaped by environmental challenges. While the North exhibited remarkable continuity in complex polities until the 16th century, the South emerged as a dominant force from around AD 700/800, marked by the rise of Wari and Tiwanaku cultures before the Inca era. This study highlights how climatic impacts influenced political collapse and resilience, fostering segmentary polities and later expansive states or empires. By integrating interdisciplinary data, it underscores the importance of regional perspectives in understanding the complex history of the Central Andes, where changing networks played a pivotal role despite the absence of written sources.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2024 —
WHEF1DE358E00
Eutrophication acts as an environmental filter, promoting trait convergence and selecting specialist phytoplankton species along an urbanization and eutrophication gradient. This study analyzed phytoplankton diversity across the Sepetiba Bay—Ilha Grande Bay continuum in Rio de Janeiro, revealing significant community differences driven by species replacement rather than loss. Sampling conducted in November 2021 and April 2022 captured functional groups such as strict autotrophs (diatoms and filamentous cyanobacteria) and mixotrophs (dinoflagellates), with increased eutrophication in Sepetiba Bay reducing the dispersion of functional traits. The research used classical diversity indices and Beta-Turnover analyses to assess community structure, highlighting how human settlement impacts coastal ecosystems.
