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Showing 20081 – 20100 of 30345 publications

Finding Alcatrazes and early Luso-African settlement on Santiago Island, Cape Verde

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande — 2017 — WHEADF0A83154

Archaeological research has uncovered evidence of the early Luso-African settlement at Alcatrazes, a short-lived Portuguese captaincy on Santiago Island, Cape Verde, challenging its historical perception as a 'failed' venture. The study, published in Antiquity, reveals that Alcatrazes thrived as an administrative and trade hub from 1484 to 1516, providing insights into the island's early colonial period. Researchers employed geophysical surveying, excavation, and artifact analysis to map the site, uncovering structures, ceramics, and other materials that highlight its significance in the transatlantic slave trade and Portuguese-African interactions. This discovery sheds new light on the complex dynamics of early Luso-African settlement in Cape Verde.

Fire and the Distribution and Uncertainty of Carbon Sequestered as Aboveground Tree Biomass in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Yosemite National Park — 2017 — WHE40D9B10A94

Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks store approximately 45 teragrams (Tg) of carbon in aboveground tree biomass, with Yosemite holding around 25 Tg (CI: 23–27 Tg) and Sequoia & Kings Canyon about 20 Tg (CI: 18–21 Tg). The study, using detailed species-specific allometric equations, high-accuracy vegetation maps, and Monte Carlo simulations, found that low to moderate-severity fires had minimal impact on landscape-scale carbon storage, while high-severity fires did not immediately reduce carbon stocks significantly. Despite advancements in data accuracy, uncertainties—primarily due to vegetation type mismatches and limitations in allometric equations for large trees—remain above 10%. The research underscores the need for improved landscape classification methods, refined allometric equations, and better understanding of carbon accounting uncertainties to support policy-making.

Fire Management for Biological Conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2017 — WHE8702DC5682

Fire is integral to the ecological dynamics of the Cerrado, a unique savanna ecosystem in Brazil's Central Plateau. Research reveals that the region's flora and fauna have evolved alongside frequent fires, shaped by seasonal climates, flammable vegetation, and flat terrain. Indigenous groups like the Kayapo historically managed these landscapes through strategic fire use, influencing species composition and distribution. Despite regulatory support for fire management since 1989, its adoption in protected areas remains limited due to reluctance among decision-makers. This study highlights the ecological necessity of fire for conservation but underscores the need for broader acceptance of its role in preserving biodiversity.

Fire Response to Local Climate Variability: Huascarán National Park, Peru

Huascarán National Park — 2017 — WHEFC57E25CD2

Fire activity in Huascarán National Park, Peru, is primarily driven by local climate variability rather than anthropogenic influences. Despite concerns from resource managers about increasing fires due to human alterations, analysis of MODIS data from 2002 to 2014 revealed that fire occurrences and burned areas are strongly linked to precipitation patterns, particularly during the dry season (Peruvian winter). While active fires increased within the park, most recurrent burning occurred in the buffer zone, aligning with park policies but contradicting managerial perceptions. The study suggests that small-scale fires create an illusion of larger impacts, highlighting a disconnect between perceived and actual fire dynamics. This research underscores the need for resource managers to reconcile fire perception with reality to improve parkland management.

First contribution to the study of the ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of the Ζagοri region (Epirus, Greece): Αn annotated list of species

Zagori Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE22B6767D8D

A pioneering study identifies 33 ant species in the Zagori region of Northwestern Greece, marking the first comprehensive record for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research reveals a balanced influence of Mediterranean, South European, Asiatic, and Pontic elements on the local ant fauna, with some species reaching their southernmost Balkan limits. Notably, seven species were found only above 1000 meters, including three exclusive to elevations over 1400 meters. The study also highlights that omnivorous species and those with Mediterranean or South European distributions dominate near human settlements, suggesting ecological adaptability. Conducted in 1979 and 1981, this foundational work combines morphological and ecological observations to provide insights into the region's biodiversity.

First measurement of ice‐bedrock interface of alpine glaciers by cosmic muon radiography

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch — 2017 — WHEECBCD1BC7A

Scientists have successfully applied cosmic muon radiography to map the bedrock topography beneath alpine glaciers for the first time, revealing critical insights into glacial erosion mechanisms. Using emulsion film detectors installed along the Jungfrau railway tunnel in the Swiss Alps, researchers measured the ice-bedrock interface under Aletsch Glacier, uncovering a NE-SW striking bedrock that dips at 45° ± 5°, extending up to 50 meters below the surface. This innovative approach, leveraging cosmic ray muons, offers unprecedented precision in studying glacial geology and promises to advance our understanding of how glaciers shape underlying landscapes.

First observation of Cape Batis Batis capensis on Robben Island

Robben Island — 2017 — WHE2D6D977F45

A significant avian discovery has been made on Robben Island, South Africa, with the first recorded observation of the Cape Batis (Batis capensis). This addition brings the total number of bird species documented on the island to 165, with 134 reported since the year 2000. The study, conducted by Paijmans and Bolton (2017), contributes valuable data to the biodiversity records of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich natural and cultural significance. The observation was made as part of ongoing efforts to document the island's avian fauna, highlighting its ecological importance despite its small size and isolated location.

First Paleoparasitological Report on the Animal Feces of Bronze Age Excavated from Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2017 — WHEBF58F62627

A paleoparasitological study of Bronze Age coprolites from Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran, reveals the presence of helminth eggs, including Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Capillaria sp., and Taenia sp. This is the first such report for eastern Iran during this period, providing evidence of zoonotic helminthiasis and supporting the site's role as a trade hub linked to economic activities, human settlement, and communication networks. Researchers analyzed rehydrated sheep and carnivore feces using TSP solution to identify eggs, though some objects resembled Anoplocephalidae or Toxocara spp., their measurements did not match known species.

First record of a Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bat Chaerephon plicatus Buchannan, 1800 (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Molossidae) colony in Sri Lanka, with notes on echolocation calls and taxonomy

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2017 — WHED851CBAFD9

Researchers have documented the first known colony of Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed Bats (Chaerephon plicatus) in Sri Lanka, a significant discovery after a 20-year gap since the species' last recorded sighting. The colony, comprising approximately 300 individuals, was found roosting in a vertical cleft of Sigiriya fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination. Four bats were captured for analysis during their evening emergence, revealing echolocation calls with narrow bandwidth, shallow frequency modulation, and low peak frequencies (24.9–30.3 kHz), consistent with previously documented records. Morphological measurements of the bats' forearm lengths (45.2–49.1 mm) aligned with specimens from Vietnam and Myanmar, supporting taxonomic consistency. This finding provides critical insights into the species' biology and distribution in Sri Lanka, offering a foundation for future ecological and taxonomic studies.

First record of Carinodens (Squamata, Mosasauridae) from the uppermost Maastrichtian of Stevns Klint, Denmark

Stevns Klint — 2017 — WHEFEF148FE0C

A significant discovery at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals the first record of Carinodens minalmamar, a rare durophagous mosasaur, from the uppermost Maastrichtian strata. This tooth crown, found within 50,000 years of the K/Pg boundary, represents the northernmost occurrence of the genus and adds a new trophic niche to the Late Cretaceous marine reptile record in Denmark. Previous finds from the region were limited to hypercarnivorous mosasaurids like Mosasaurus hoffmannii and Plioplatecarpus sp., suggesting a more diverse food web during this period. The study, published in Alcheringa, highlights the importance of Stevns Klint as a key site for understanding Late Cretaceous biodiversity.

First record of Geosiris (Iridaceae: Geosiridoideae) from Australasia : a new record and a new species from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2017 — WHE1067F549DE

A new species of Geosiris, an achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic herb genus previously known only from Madagascar and Mayotte, has been discovered in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. This finding marks the first record of the genus in Australasia, significantly expanding its geographic range to the Pacific. The Australian taxon, formally described as Geosiris australiensis B. Gray & Y.W. Low, is distinct from its African counterparts based on key morphological differences, particularly in stigma characteristics. While Geosiris albiflora features a club-like stigma with coherent lobes and Geosiris aphylla has fringed, broad stigmatic lobes, the Australian species exhibits a truncate stigma with a short fimbriate margin. This discovery was made through a detailed morphological analysis, highlighting the importance of stigma characteristics in species distinction within this genus.

First record of terrestrial Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) in Versailles palace’s park, France

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2017 — WHEEDF959E7E9

A remarkable diversity of terrestrial enchytraeid worms, belonging to six genera and including 24 species, has been recorded for the first time in a meadow within the Palace and Park of Versailles, France. This discovery marks one of the highest enrichments of enchytraeid biodiversity documented in a European meadow, significantly contributing to the understanding of these understudied organisms in France, often considered a 'terra incognita' for such research. The study, conducted in spring and autumn 2016, involved soil sampling from loamy meadow soil, followed by species identification using established taxonomic methods.

First record of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum panamense (Prorocentrales, dinophyceae) in the Mexican Pacific from the Archipiélago de Revillagigedo

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2017 — WHE2AE2946CEA

Scientists document the first occurrence of the toxic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum panamense in Mexican Pacific waters, specifically within the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago. During March 2017 sampling across three islands (at depths of 60–70 m and surface temperatures of 21–23 °C), ten cells were identified via plankton net sampling—a notable finding given the species’ association with harmful algal blooms in other regions. This discovery extends its known range northward along the Pacific coast, raising potential implications for marine ecosystems and coastal communities in the area.

First results of the Piton de la Fournaise STRAP 2015 experiment: multidisciplinary tracking of a volcanic gas and aerosol plume

Pitons Management Area — 2017 — WHE92661937A9

The STRAP 2015 campaign revealed that volcanic plumes from Piton de la Fournaise, even during weak eruptions, interact significantly with the island's surface, leading to strong concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and aerosols up to 20 km away. The study, conducted through a multidisciplinary collaboration between volcanologists and meteorologists, measured SO2, CO2, and H2O emissions, plume altitude, aerosol size distribution, and extinction profiles over four eruptive periods. It also documented cases of sulfuric acid nucleation within the plume and at distal sites like the Maïdo observatory. This comprehensive dataset provides critical insights for improving numerical models of volcanic plume behavior.

First systematic investigation of adults and second checklist of caddisflies of the Plitvice Lakes National Park with notes on research history, biodiversity, distribution and ecology

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2017 — WHE75F19A2849

Plitvice Lakes National Park, recognized by UNESCO since 1979, harbors the highest caddisfly (Trichoptera) biodiversity in Croatia, with 89 species recorded to date. This study presents the first systematic investigation of adult caddisflies conducted between 1997 and 2001, identifying 77 species using light and emergence traps. It also provides an updated checklist and explores factors contributing to this exceptional biodiversity, comparing species assemblages across 12 localities and different aquatic habitats—springs, streams, lakes, and tufa barriers. The research highlights the unique ecological conditions of the park, offering insights into its rich faunal composition and historical research context.

Five hydrologic and landscape databases for selected National Wildlife Refuges in the Southeastern United States

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge — 2017 — WHEBB1415F5E9

A comprehensive suite of five hydrologic and landscape databases for National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Southeastern U.S., including Okefenokee NWR, has been developed to assess water availability and quality impacts on ecosystems. These databases integrate hydrologic time-series data, landscape characteristics, and hydroecological metrics, providing tools to evaluate NWR-specific patterns related to habitat availability. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, offers statistical and graphical descriptions of these datasets, which cover physiographic features, land cover, soil hydrologic properties, and regional runoff estimates. This work serves as a critical resource for understanding how human activities, climate variation, and hydrologic processes influence NWR ecosystems.

Five new species of Vibrissina Rondani (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in Northwestern Costa Rica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2017 — WHE07F1D1097C

Researchers have identified five new species of the fly genus Vibrissina Rondani within the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. These species, named Vibrissina randycurtisi, V. randyjonesi, V. robertwellsi, V. danmartini, and V. hallwachsorum, were discovered after being reared from wild-caught sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Argidae and Tenthredinidae). The study combines morphological descriptions with life history data, molecular analysis, and photographic documentation to characterize these new species. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of biodiversity in the ACG and highlights the importance of detailed taxonomic studies in ecological research.

Five. Architectural Features of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Sui and Tang Periods in China as Reflected in Japanese Architecture of the Asuka and Nara Periods

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2017 — WHE7E1CE397CB

Japanese architecture from the Asuka and Nara periods reflects significant influences from China's Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui, and Tang dynasties. This study identifies key architectural features, such as multi-tiered pagodas, curved roofs, and intricate woodwork, which were adapted and integrated into Japanese design during this era. The research approach involves comparative analysis of surviving structures and historical records, revealing the dynamic cultural exchange between China and Japan. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of architectural traditions across East Asia.

Flies for the Pollination of Greenhouse Mango (Mangifera Indica L., Anacardiaceae) in the Subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHEBAEE1821B6

A study on Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that flies play a crucial role in the pollination of greenhouse-grown mangoes (Mangifera indica L.), challenging conventional assumptions about mango pollinators. The research, conducted in subtropical conditions, highlights the ecological importance of flies in enhancing fruit set and yield. Investigators employed observational and experimental methods to assess fly activity, flower visitation rates, and subsequent pollination success. This finding underscores the need for alternative pollinator strategies in regions where traditional bee-dependent approaches may be less effective or sustainable.

Flight period of some parasitoids and a predator of the olive black scale (Saissetia oleae Olivier) on Corfu island

Old Town of Corfu — 2017 — WHEF04859244E

Research on Corfu island reveals distinct flight periods for key natural enemies of the olive black scale (Saissetia oleae), including two parasitoid species and a predator. Metaphycus helvolus exhibits a unique bimodal flight pattern, with adults present from April to July and again from November to December. In contrast, other parasitoids—Metaphycus lounsburyi, Scutelista cyanea, and Moranila californica—as well as the predator Chilocorus bipustulatus, each display a single annual flight period, ranging from April to August for M. lounsburyi, August to early October for S. cyanea, July to mid-December for M. californica, and July to January for C. bipustulatus. The study, conducted across three olive-growing areas (Lima, Kontocali, Avliotes), provides critical insights into the temporal dynamics of these biological control agents, which could inform integrated pest management strategies in UNESCO-listed Mediterranean ecosystems like Corfu's Old Town.