Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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Researchers have uncovered evidence of shear-dominant continental rifting in the northern Ryukyu Arc, challenging traditional models of backarc extension. Using ambient noise tomography with ocean-bottom seismometer data, they revealed distinct crustal deformation structures, including arc-parallel and arc-perpendicular seismic anisotropy in the upper to mid-crust and lower crust to uppermost mantle, respectively. The findings suggest that vertical shearing from right-lateral arc retreat and horizontal shearing from mantle wedge corner flow drive the rifting process. Additionally, arc-perpendicular anisotropy in the forearc upper crust may indicate crack alignment due to the Amami Plateau collision. This study highlights the transtensional nature of the northern Ryukyu rift system, offering new insights into continental rifting mechanisms.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
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A study on Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest mountain, reveals that species richness and abundance of medium and large mammals decline with increasing elevation, contradicting the mid-domain effect hypothesis. Instead, the findings align with the energy richness hypothesis, where biodiversity peaks at lower elevations due to higher gross primary productivity. Camera trap transects across 219 sites from 2329 to 4657 meters above sea level on the western slope of Mount Kenya showed that protected natural habitats at lower elevations support the highest diversity and abundance of native species, while degraded agro-forestry lands adjacent to the park exhibit reduced biodiversity due to domestic animal activity. The research highlights significant differences in community structure between protected and unprotected areas, with large carnivores remaining consistent but dominant herbivores shifting along the elevation gradient. This underscores the high conservation value of protecting mountain ecosystems for biodiversity preservation.
Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia
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Human activity sustains aquapelagic assemblages, as demonstrated by the case of Nan Madol in Pohnpei (Micronesia). The study reveals that these cultural landscapes, characterized by artificial stone structures and megaliths built above sea level, thrive on continuous 'disturbance'—whether through prehistoric construction or modern tourism. This finding parallels the concept of shima in Japanese culture, where human intervention shapes island ecosystems. By analyzing Nan Madol's micro-ecosystem, the research illustrates how cultural practices maintain sustainability, offering insights into the resilience of such assemblages over time.
Proto-urban Site of Sarazm
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A new study reveals the significant role of ethnocultural interactions between agricultural and pastoral communities in shaping the ethno-genesis of the Uzbek people. Focusing on the Proto-urban Site of Sarazm, the research highlights how the migration and settlement patterns of nomadic herders from northeastern regions and their integration with sedentary populations influenced cultural dynamics in Northern Bactria and the Zarafshan Valley. The study provides insights into the historical processes of agricultural expansion and pastoralist movements, emphasizing their lasting impact on the formation of Uzbek ethnic identity. By analyzing archaeological evidence from sites like Sarazm and Sopollitepa, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how these interactions contributed to the cultural and societal development in Central Asia.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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Research identifies the 'black-grey-white' tri-color sequence as a stable and defining feature of Huizhou's color identity, shaping regional perception. The study analyzed color attributes—lightness, chroma, and hue—in three ancient villages (Hongcun, Nanping, Xidi) using 3D laser scanning and descriptive statistics to assess absolute color features and visual similarity across architectural elements. This systematic approach advances psychological cognition of systemic color stability, offering scientific rigor for urban design applications.
Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale
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Twelfth-century mosaics in the Cappella Palatina of Palermo and Monreale Cathedral depict a fictionalized account of Simon Magus, blending historical and mythological elements. The sequences show Peter and Paul meeting in Rome, with Peter leading a delegation, and their confrontation with Simon before Emperor Nero. A third mosaic illustrates Simon's downfall after attempting to fly, escorted by demons—a narrative echoing Icarus' myth. While the mosaics adhere closely to biblical texts when apostles are shown separately, together they introduce wholly fictitious episodes, including Simon's rebuke and subsequent fall. The study highlights how these artistic representations merge history with legend, offering insight into medieval storytelling and religious symbolism.
Mount Wuyi
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A study on the Wuyi Mountains, China, reveals significant spatial heterogeneity and mismatch between water yield service supply and demand from 2000 to 2020. The research found that high-supply areas often do not align with high-demand regions, particularly around provincial capitals and coastal economic zones. Urbanization and economic development have marginalized deficit nodes in the water yield service flow network, reducing its density and connectivity, thereby weakening the ecosystem's ability to provide water services. The study employed a novel methodology integrating InVEST, Geoda, and Gephi models to analyze spatiotemporal evolution, regional alignment patterns, and network characteristics of water yield service flows. This approach provides strategic insights for rational water resource allocation, ecological protection, and sustainable development in regional ecosystems.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is developing a sophisticated Telescope Control System to manage its two cutting-edge radio telescope arrays, the SKA Low Frequency Telescope and the SKA Mid Frequency Telescope. Located in Western Australia and South Africa respectively, these telescopes will operate across a broad frequency range, from 50 MHz to 15 GHz, with up to 131,072 antennas and 197 dishes spanning vast distances. The control system is designed to support incremental development, enabling early functionality during construction to facilitate integration and verification of other systems. This paper provides an overview of the system's design patterns, technology choices, achievements, and lessons learned, highlighting its role in advancing astronomical observations and data processing capabilities.
Putorana Plateau
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Small glaciers on the Putorana Plateau exhibit greater stability compared to larger glaciers and small glaciation forms in warmer zones, despite adverse climatic conditions. This resilience was observed through expeditionary studies conducted between 2002–2004 and 2019, which provided new insights into the regime and evolution of these glacial features against recent climatic trends. The research highlights the contrasting responses of small glaciers to climate change, offering valuable data for assessing their current state and future trajectory.
Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra Atoll serves as a critical study area for understanding the movement and site fidelity of immature green and hawksbill sea turtles. Analysis of long-term capture–mark–recapture (CMR) data from 1981 to 2021 reveals that green turtles exhibit lower site fidelity compared to hawksbill turtles, with some sites showing avoidance behavior. This behavior is not correlated with season or turtle size and varies between species, indicating distinct ecological roles. The study highlights the potential of CMR methods for detecting fine-scale movement patterns but underscores the need for further research into habitat characteristics to fully understand these behaviors.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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Afar pastoral societies along the Lower Awash Valley maintain a rigid social structure rooted in clan networks, customary law (maa'da), and traditional communication (dagu). These elements govern social interactions, enforce norms, and regulate behavior consistently across clans. The study found that while network ties facilitate intra-clan relationships, clan territories (dinto) remain fixed regardless of seasonal changes. However, urbanization, economic disparities, and drought have eroded mutual trust and weakened traditional norms. To preserve this sociocultural heritage, the research advocates for policy interventions to sustain traditional knowledge and social cohesion, benefiting Afar societies and broader stakeholders.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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Researchers demonstrate that social tolerance and success-biased social learning are critical for the cultural transmission of extractive foraging traditions in wild bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus) within Serra da Capivara National Park. The study, using social network analysis and an open diffusion experiment with an induced foraging task, found that while general social tolerance facilitated opportunities for learning, tolerance during task introductions directly influenced the pathways of information diffusion. Capuchins primarily learned through direct observation, showing a bias toward successful males, supporting evidence for cultural transmission in these tool-using primates. These findings highlight the role of social dynamics and learning strategies in both human and nonhuman primate cultural evolution.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
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A striking similarity between ancient rock art and contemporary wooden art of tribal communities in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, suggests shared cultural motifs across millennia. This study reveals that motifs found in the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka—part of a vast distribution spanning India—mirror those crafted by present-day tribal artisans, hinting at enduring traditions. By analyzing 700 concentrated rock shelters, the research sheds light on social and cultural aspects of past societies, including material culture, economic activities, and human-animal relationships. The investigation employs ethno-archaeological methods to compare ancient rock art with modern wooden art, offering insights into the enduring significance of these motifs despite their cryptic functions and hidden locations.
South China Karst
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Social-ecological heterogeneity significantly influences tree cover restoration in the South China Karst, the world's largest continuous karst zone. The study found that only 33.67% of the area (652,457 km²) experienced increased tree cover, highlighting the challenges posed by carbonate geological constraints and the need to recognize synergies within social-ecological systems. Rural population decline in undeveloped areas was identified as a key driver for restoration. Additionally, the correlation degree of social-ecological networks was lower in karst areas compared to non-karst areas, indicating higher heterogeneity in these systems. These findings underscore the importance of shifting focus from natural ecosystems to coupled social-ecological systems for sustainable forest management.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
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Greek society's investment in archaeological sites, including the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae and Delphi, during the interwar period (1918–1939) was driven by national political and diplomatic agendas. This study reveals that while antiquities were promoted for their cultural value, their management often involved contradictions and conflicts between local communities, authorities, and the Greek Archaeological Service. High tourist interest during this era further complicated these relationships. The research draws on archival materials from the Directorate for the Management of the National Archive of Monuments (DMNAM) to analyze these dynamics, highlighting the complex interplay between heritage preservation, tourism, and societal priorities in modern Greece.
Borobudur Temple Compounds
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Borobudur Temple's Super Priority Tourism Development has significantly enhanced the socioeconomic conditions of the Borobudur Subdistrict community, marked by increased education levels, strengthened collaboration, and economic growth. The study, employing qualitative methods including interviews, documentation, and observation with key informants such as local authorities and tourism managers, found that tourism expansion has led to higher income levels, diverse job opportunities, and new business ventures. Drawing on Rostow's Modernization Theory, the research highlights positive social impacts while emphasizing the need for coordinated development with nearby attractions to maximize benefits for all communities in the subdistrict.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
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Tourism development on the Kazakhstan section of the Great Silk Road, particularly around UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, significantly boosts socio-economic welfare and cultural exchange. The study reveals that tourism enhances local infrastructure, increases tourist influx, and generates revenue while fostering peace and mutual understanding between cultures. Key findings include a 40.9% satisfaction rate with transport infrastructure among respondents, highlighting room for improvement in road quality (34.1% rated it as 4/5 points). The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi emerged as one of the most visited sites, underscoring its cultural and historical significance. Recommendations include strengthening internet resources, advertising, and film production to further popularize these sites while attracting skilled personnel in the tourism sector.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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Recent studies have broadened the understanding of Roman frontier dynamics by examining the army's role as a 'social instrument' beyond its military function, particularly in Numidia. This approach reveals complex economic and social relationships between soldiers and local populations, contributing to political integration into the Roman Empire. Building on works like Elizabeth Fentress's <em>Numidia and the Roman Army</em> and Michel Janon's methodologies, these syntheses offer novel insights into frontier studies, addressing gaps left by earlier technical-military analyses. By deploying new research methods, they challenge traditional narratives and deepen our comprehension of how peripheral regions became part of the Empire.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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New carbon-14 dates from Gezer Field IV provide conclusive evidence for the existence of an early Judahite state by the late eleventh to tenth century BCE, effectively dismantling the 'low chronology' paradigm proposed by Israel Finkelstein. This paradigm, which sought to down-date monumental archaeological evidence and eliminate the historical validity of the united monarchy described in biblical narratives, has been widely discredited due to its reliance on selective data and propaganda tactics. The study employs a rigorous comparison of carbon-14 dates from multiple sites, including Megiddo, Tel Rehov, Khirbet Qeiyafa, and others, demonstrating that the conventional chronology is supported by a preponderance of evidence. Unlike Finkelstein's approach, which often ignored opposing data, this research adheres to patient, well-documented scholarship, advocating for a shift from arbitrary phasing (e.g., 'Iron IIA') to absolute, high-precision dating methods. The findings underscore the importance of scientific rigor over ideological agendas in reconstructing ancient history.
Maritime Greenwich
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Soils on Greenwich Island, Antarctica, show distinct chemical and mineralogical properties influenced by giant petrel activity, even though their guano input is less significant compared to penguins. The study found that soils currently under ornithogenic influence exhibit higher concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic carbon, while those without recent bird activity contain elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. Researchers analyzed eight soil profiles and topsoil samples using physical, chemical, and mineralogical techniques, revealing that giant petrels modify soil properties sufficiently to contribute to the formation of weakly ornithogenic soils. This research highlights the nuanced impact of different seabird species on Antarctic ecosystems.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer effective strategies to address water stress, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. A recent study highlights three case studies from Brazil, Panama, and Portugal, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of NbS in providing water security while also supporting ecosystem resilience and cultural heritage. The Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro demonstrates centuries of forest management that initially aimed to secure water for the city during the 19th century. Similarly, the Panama Canal Watershed and traditional weirs in Portugal's Alentejo Region illustrate how NbS can sustain water provisioning even under climate change pressures. These cases underscore the importance of integrating traditional human activities with modern conservation efforts to ensure social equity and long-term sustainability.
Proto-urban Site of Sarazm
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French Central Asian studies, rooted in the 18th century, have significantly advanced the understanding of the region's history and culture through archaeological excavations at key sites like Sarazm, Afrasiab, and Ulug Depe. This long-standing tradition involves multidisciplinary research conducted by institutions such as the College de France, INALCO, CNRS, and IFEAC, focusing on archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and more. Since 1990, there has been a steady development of regional studies in France, covering historical, cultural, and socio-political dynamics across Central Asia.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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Recent archaeological findings from the Valongo Wharf site in Rio de Janeiro and an historic cemetery in New York reveal significant insights into the human valuation of amber, spanning millennia. These discoveries highlight amber's role in artisanal practices, trade, and cultural exchange, particularly within African and diasporic communities. The study integrates sourcing, manufacture, usage, and display methods, offering a nuanced understanding of how amber has been cherished and shared across different societies. By analyzing these elements, the research sheds light on the enduring significance of amber in both private and public contexts, from Neolithic times to the present.
Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments
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A groundbreaking study reveals the significant role of institutional care for visually impaired youth in interwar Czechoslovakia, with a focus on the Czechoslovak State Institute in Levoča. This research highlights the comprehensive social and health care provided to this vulnerable group, emphasizing education as a crucial component for their future integration. The study meticulously analyzes the organizational structure and daily life within three key institutions: the Czechoslovak State Institute in Levoča, the Institute for the Blind in Báhon, and the Private Craft Institute for the Blind in Prešov. Notably, the Institute in Levoča stands out as a pivotal institution that offered both care and education, addressing critical gaps in Slovak historiography regarding social-health care for the visually impaired.
Göbekli Tepe
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Recent archaeological investigations at Göbekli Tepe have shed new light on the domestic structures of the Early Neolithic settlement, which have been largely overlooked despite the site's fame for its T-shaped pillars. The study reveals that these domestic buildings, though less prominent, played a crucial role in the built environment and societal organization of the period. By focusing on previously neglected architectural features, researchers have uncovered insights into the spatial dynamics and social complexity of Neolithic communities in South-West Asia. This approach combines detailed archaeological excavation with architectural analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Göbekli Tepe's significance.
Arslantepe Mound
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A monumental wall at Arslantepe Mound, initially thought to have lost its defensive function by the late Early Bronze Age (EBA), was found to play a multifaceted role. Use-wear analysis of macro-lithic and chipped stone tools from phase VI B2 (2900–2750 BCE) revealed that rooms adjacent to the wall served dual purposes: storage and active workspaces, indicating sustained utility beyond defense. These findings contrast with the village's apparent lack of internal hierarchy, suggesting the wall's function evolved over time. By comparing tool-use data from inside and outside the wall, researchers identified distinct yet overlapping activities, providing new insights into the spatial organization and functional dynamics of this EBA farmer’s village in Eastern Anatolia.
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 real-time monitoring system for pine trees, integrating remote sensing and on-site sensors, successfully generates alerts when changes in tree behavior are detected. The 'Space-to-Tree' project, conducted at Rome's Colosseum Archaeological Park, combines multi-temporal Sentinel-2 images with inertial measurement units (IMUs) to track wind stress responses, alongside weather data and expert analysis. This innovative approach, leveraging 5G for real-time data transmission, demonstrates the feasibility of scalable, multi-scale monitoring for both natural and cultural heritage preservation. The system's architecture, designed to handle increasing tree numbers, highlights its potential for broader application in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fanjingshan
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Researchers have identified <em>Sparassis fanjingshanensis</em>, a new species of fungus belonging to the Sparassidaceae family, from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China. This discovery, based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses using genetic markers (ITS, LSU, and rpb2), reveals that the species forms a distinct monophyletic clade closely related to <em>Sparassis subalpina</em>. Notably, it is characterized by large basidiomata with light-gray to light-khaki, compactly arranged flabellae featuring unique concentric ring ornamentation on its stem. The fungus was found exclusively in the Abies fanjingshanensis community of Fanjing Mountain's massy dwarf forest, representing a rare and localized taxon among four known Sparassis species in East Asia.
Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus
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A comprehensive spatial analysis of archaeobotanical remains at the Takarkori site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus, reveals sophisticated human activities during the Early to Middle Holocene. The study demonstrates that plant resources were not only utilized for subsistence but also integrated into ritual and cultural practices, indicating a planned and diverse management strategy. Exceptional preservation of micro- and macrofossils across multiple occupation levels allowed researchers to reconstruct socio-economic and cultural dynamics with unprecedented detail. By correlating botanical remains with site furniture and material artifacts, the study provides new insights into how space was functionally organized within the site, contributing significantly to our understanding of Holocene environmental and cultural adaptations in the Central Sahara.
Saloum Delta
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A study on the mangrove oyster <em>Crassostrea tulipa</em> in Senegal's Saloum Delta reveals significant spatial and seasonal variations in its condition index (CI), with values peaking during the hot season and dipping during transitions. The research, spanning 2021–2022, analyzed over 26,790 oysters, finding a minority allometry (b = 2.54) and strong weight-shell height correlation (r = 0.88). These insights are critical for sustainable management of the species, which faces declining wild stocks due to human pressure and mangrove degradation.
Island of Mozambique
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A study on Inhaca Island, Mozambique, reveals that fouling communities significantly influence oyster recruitment, with barnacles dominating in both rocky and seagrass habitats. While the rock oyster <em>Saccostrea cucullata</em> thrives in rocky areas and the pearl oyster <em>Pinctada capensis</em> in seagrass, other taxa show higher relative abundance where oysters and barnacles are less dense. The research, conducted over two seasons using oyster collectors deployed for four months, found that competitive interactions between fouling fauna and oysters remain modest within this timeframe. This work enhances understanding of environmental processes shaping intertidal invertebrate colonization in the southwestern Indian Ocean.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A strong negative correlation exists between groundwater salinity and vegetation health in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, with healthy vegetation predominantly found where groundwater is slightly saline. Spatial analysis of five years of satellite data, combined with ground measurements of salinity and soil texture, revealed significant heterogeneity: while 'silt loam' soils supported the best vegetation conditions (VCI), 'silty clay loam' soils only sustained dry or normal conditions. High salinity (>5 dS m−1) in mid-western areas corresponded to low vegetation health, contrasting with lower salinity regions in the east and north where vegetation thrived. These findings underscore the need for advanced modeling to optimize water management and ensure the long-term sustainability of this UNESCO-listed oasis.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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Higher clay and mud content in surface sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, part of the UNESCO-listed Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, correlates with increased Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels. This spatial relationship suggests that sediment texture plays a key role in organic carbon distribution, with muddy areas showing significantly higher TOC concentrations (averaging 0.44%, range 0.00–1.42%) compared to sandbars. The study analyzed 124 surface sediment samples using drone technology and digital elevation models to map orthometric heights, mean particle sizes (ranging from coarse sand to clay), pore-water salinity (average 48.09 psu), and other physical properties in June 2023. These findings provide critical insights for coastal management and conservation efforts along the West Coast of Korea, particularly in monitoring sedimentation changes in this ecologically significant region.
The Grand Canal
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A spatial mismatch at the city–county level along the Grand Canal of China reveals that the southern endpoint dominates in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items, despite both ends showing advantages. The study, using spatial autocorrelation analysis and an evolution tree model, found a high-high aggregation pattern but also identified 29.82% of counties with low-low aggregation. The spatial center of ICH items shifts from north to south and back over time, influenced by factors like economic development, policy support, and historical events such as wars and canal shipping. This research advances methodological approaches for studying ICH distribution, offering insights into local cultural identity and regional consistency.
Mogao Caves
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Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang, China, have been a pivotal cultural and trade hub along the Silk Road since antiquity. This study introduces 'Spatial Dunhuang,' an innovative approach to experiencing these caves that integrates spatial technologies with historical and archaeological insights. The research leverages digital mapping, virtual reality, and geospatial analysis to reconstruct the caves' evolution over time, offering a dynamic, immersive understanding of their significance. By blending traditional scholarship with cutting-edge spatial techniques, the study provides a novel framework for interpreting the layers of history embedded in Mogao Caves, enhancing both academic research and public engagement with this iconic site.
Mogao Caves
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A systematic spatial analysis of the Mogao Caves reveals how their artistic and architectural evolution was shaped by embodied human experience, challenging traditional dynastic periodization. The study introduces a 'total space' concept to reconstruct historical cave facades and explores 'originary caves,' which trace local innovation in design and decoration. By integrating interdisciplinary methods—archaeology, architecture, and art history—the research demonstrates how spatial logic influenced sculptural and pictorial programs, such as the Fanhe Icon's representation and the 'Subjugation of Raudrākṣa' mural, offering new frameworks for studying Buddhist cave art.
Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua
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Research in Odzala-Kokoua National Park reveals that bais—large, natural forest clearings—are more abundant and ecologically significant than previously understood. The study mapped 2176 bais, challenging the notion of their rarity while confirming their role as rare riparian habitats due to their small size (<1 ha for 80.7%) and clustered distribution in low-lying areas. Bais exhibit distinct plant and animal communities, soil properties, and vegetation structures compared to other open ecosystems, highlighting two identifiable types. Combining remote sensing with field surveys, the study integrated hydrological, topographical, and biodiversity data to demonstrate bais' unique ecological contribution to Congolese rainforests.
Komodo National Park
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A study on Loh Buaya, Komodo National Park, reveals that spatial interpolation techniques can accurately predict mangrove above-ground carbon storage. Among the models tested—kriging, spline, topo to raster, and nearest neighbor—Spline With Barrier emerged as the most precise, achieving a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.82 Mg C Ha-1. This method offers a promising alternative to traditional terrestrial surveys for estimating carbon sequestration in mangroves, which is challenging due to harsh environmental conditions. The research combines field sampling with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) modeling, demonstrating the potential of remote sensing and spatial analysis to improve carbon mapping accuracy in coastal ecosystems.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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The Pantanal 2020 megafires caused significant mortality among medium- and large-sized mammals, with approximately 49,000 individuals from 26 species affected. The study used double-observer carcass surveys and multi-species N-mixture models to assess spatial patterns of mortality, revealing that non-flooded forests and artificial water bodies were hotspots for fire-related deaths. Mortality was also linked to wildfire severity and species traits related to escape or refuge strategies. Capuchin monkeys, agoutis, peccaries, tapirs, brocket deer, tamanduas, coatis, and capybaras were among the most impacted species. The findings highlight critical areas for fire prevention, species prioritization for rescue efforts, and targeted monitoring to mitigate future impacts on wildlife.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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Landscape ecological risk (LER) in the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Urban Agglomeration (XZQUA), China, has shown a declining trend from 1980 to 2020, accompanied by increasing spatial autocorrelation. The study identified construction land area, distance from roads, elevation, and temperature as key drivers of LER, with significant spatial non-stationarity in their effects. Construction land and elevation negatively impacted LER, while proximity to roads had a positive effect. These findings highlight the need for targeted ecological risk interventions tailored to geographical contexts, offering critical insights for regional policymakers.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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Wild boar groups in the Central Sikhote-Alin Mountains exhibit a dynamic spatial organization that enhances their survival against tiger predation. Maternal wild boar groups, often accompanied by up to 15 individuals, occupy central positions within larger associations (1.5–9.4 km²), which serve as a pre-adaptive strategy against tiger attacks. This structure reduces the likelihood of attacks, with maternal groups experiencing significantly fewer tiger encounters than isolated individuals. The study employed snow tracking and route network observations in key plots (≥10–15 km²) within the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve to document 16 wild boar movement patterns over 6–23 days, alongside 114 tiger encounter episodes. These findings highlight the importance of habitat selection, group dynamics, and male 'tuskers' in mitigating predator threats.
South China Karst
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Regulatory ecosystem services, particularly those provided by forest ecosystems, dominate the ecological product value (EPV) in South China Karst nature reserves, with high-value zones concentrated in core and buffer areas. The study reveals a heterogeneous spatial distribution of EPV, where high and low-value grids coexist, and proposes a 'preservation, transformation, and appreciation' model to realize EPV. Key drivers for eco-industry formation include human resources, ecology, industry, policy, market, and economy, with grey correlation analysis identifying their relative importance. Land-use planning and regulation can leverage internal and external factors to promote sustainable development of the eco-industry in these vulnerable karst ecosystems.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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Cropland soil erosion in Yunnan's Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage Site is unsustainably high, with a mean rate of 40.47 tonnes per hectare per year and an erosion ratio of 70.11%, significantly exceeding other land types. Engineering controls can reduce erosion by over fivefold, but cropland area has declined by 10.55% in two decades, cutting soil loss by 12.12%. The study used a novel point-to-surface approach combining field data from 2817 sample units and multi-source land-use change (LUCC) data to quantify erosion dynamics. While forest expansion most effectively reduces erosion, grassland-to-cropland conversion drives 56.18% of increased soil loss. These findings underscore the need for careful policy balancing between conservation strategies in mountainous regions.
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
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Renovating the external spaces of mining heritage buildings can enhance their integration, utilization rate, and value through strategic spatial restructuring. A study on the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen, Germany, demonstrates that high-integration spaces—identified using spatial syntax models like convex space and axis maps—correlate with key and highly utilized exterior areas post-renovation. This quantitative approach, combining accessibility and integration analysis, provides intuitive insights into complex spatial relationships within mining heritage sites. The research suggests that spatial strategies such as 'Connection,' 'Growth,' and 'Darning' can optimize the functionality and cultural value of these spaces, offering practical guidance for future renovations.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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A spatial-temporal analysis of the Lake Baikal Basin reveals significant and contrasting climate trends between its Russian and Mongolian regions from 1975 to 2019. Annual air temperatures have risen most notably in the Mongolian part, particularly in mountainous areas like Khangai and Khentii, with the warm period contributing the bulk of this increase. Precipitation patterns show marked variability, with a 40% rise in cold-period precipitation in Mongolia compared to just 4% in Russia. Two distinct arid zones have emerged: one in southern Bulgan and eastern Arkhangai aimags (Mongolia), and another in central Buryatia (Russia). The study utilized data from 84 weather stations, processed via GIS tools like ArcMap and QGIS, alongside Python for statistical analysis, to construct detailed climate rasters. These findings underscore the basin's complex climatic dynamics, with implications for ecosystem stability and conservation efforts.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2024 —
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Rare and endangered species in Yunnan Province are predominantly concentrated in the western mountainous region, Xishuangbanna–Wenshan high temperature area, and Kunming–Qujing dense vegetation cover, with their distribution expanding westward. However, climate change significantly impacts their migration, with precipitation emerging as a critical factor. Under low carbon emission scenarios (RCP2.6), species will spread to lower altitude hotspots by 2070, while high emissions (RCP8.5) could reduce high abundance areas by then. The study used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to predict current and future potential habitats, identifying significant conservation gaps and highlighting the need for enhanced protection of existing hotspots. Addressing human-land use conflicts and adapting to climate change are crucial for improving biodiversity conservation in Yunnan, positioning it as a global leader in this effort.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
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2024 —
WHE2386ED87F3
Over the past four decades, Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary—a critical stopover for migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway—has experienced dramatic shifts in land use and cover (LUCC) driven by climate change and human activities. Research using multitemporal satellite data reveals two distinct phases of significant transformation: 1984–1990, when soil and saline lands converted to wetlands, water bodies, and vegetation, and 2000–2010, marked by a surge in invasive plant coverage (54.02%) while water bodies and wetlands declined. Agricultural expansion around the site, exacerbated by upstream dam construction, has further threatened the sanctuary’s ecosystem, leading to its twice listing as a World Heritage in Danger due to declining bird populations. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate human impacts on this vital habitat.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2024 —
WHE20C11C5A70
Freeze–thaw (FT) erosion, a significant yet understudied soil erosion type in cold regions, covers 1.61 million km² of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), accounting for 61.33% of its total area. Moderate to strong erosion intensity affects 38.37% of this region, predominantly in high mountain and hilly areas of the Hoh Xil frozen soil region. The study, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-based weights and a comprehensive evaluation index method, identified 11 key influencing factors—meteorological, vegetation, topographic, geomorphological, and geological—to assess FT erosion intensity. Findings suggest that climate warming, humidification, and permafrost degradation may exacerbate FT erosion in the future, posing risks to the QTP's fragile ecological environment. This research provides critical insights for preventing erosion and guiding ecological restoration efforts.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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2024 —
WHE8690EC0755
A geospatial big data approach reveals that the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex and wealthy suburbs like Valiasr and Elguli serve as major trade hotspots, highlighting the city's unbalanced urban development. The study leveraged machine learning, kernel density estimation, space–time pattern mining, and spatiotemporal coupling to analyze 5200 stores' transaction data, demonstrating the potential of GIScience methods for explicit spatial mapping of trade patterns. These findings provide actionable insights for sustainable urban planning in Tabriz.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2024 —
WHEEE63E06CC6
A study on Gochang getbol, a Korean tidal flat and center of clam production, reveals significant spatiotemporal variations in migratory bird diversity and abundance, influenced by human activities. Zones with lower human activity (zone1 and zone4) exhibited higher species richness, Shannon diversity, and abundance, particularly for conservation-related species like sandpipers. The research used bird monitoring data from five zones to analyze distribution patterns, employing ANOVA tests and fourth corner analysis. Findings suggest that natural or semi-natural habitats are crucial for migratory bird conservation, with zone4 emerging as a key area due to its low disturbance levels. While the study does not establish direct causal links between human activity and bird distribution, it highlights the potential negative impacts of intensive aquaculture on these ecosystems.
