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Lower vertebrates of Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2017 — WHEC3FD14637D

A survey of lower vertebrates in Sehlabathebe National Park, Lesotho, identified 21 species, including rare, threatened, and endemic taxa restricted to the Drakensberg/Maloti region. The study documented five snake, four lizard, nine amphibian (all anurans), and three fish species, with several prioritized for conservation, such as Lamprophis fuscus, Tropidosaura cottrelli, Pseudocordylus spinosus, and Amietia umbraculata. The research highlights the park's biodiversity significance, emphasizing the presence of species with limited distributions. Field observations were conducted in alpine grasslands, contributing to baseline data for conservation efforts.

Luc Hoffmann (1923–2016)

Banc d'Arguin National Park — 2017 — WHE420D336821

Luc Hoffmann, a pioneering conservationist and ornithologist, significantly advanced the understanding of wetland ecosystems and waterbird populations through his groundbreaking research. His work at the Camargue, France, led to the establishment of the Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands (Tour du Valat), where he pioneered quantitative field methods in avian ecology. Hoffmann's efforts were pivotal in restoring Greater Flamingo breeding sites after their decline due to environmental disturbances and predation. His conservation initiatives extended globally, contributing to the creation of the Ramsar Convention and founding organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and MAVA Foundation. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, Hoffmann's legacy lies in his multidisciplinary approach to conservation, blending scientific rigor with practical solutions to protect biodiversity.

Luther Vermitteln: Reformationsgeschichte zwischen Historisierung und Aktualisierung ed. by Benjamin Hasselhorn

Wartburg Castle — 2017 — WHEBE95E930D7

A significant disconnect exists between public perception and understanding of Martin Luther's relevance, particularly among German youth. Despite ranking Luther as the fourth most famous historical figure, fewer than 2% of students who completed eight years of religious instruction recognize his influence in their lives. This book, a collection of papers from a 2015 conference, examines the challenges faced by planners of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (Reformationsjubiläums) in Germany, aiming to balance historical representation with contemporary relevance without succumbing to commercialization. It explores how Luther's legacy is depicted across various media—museums, textbooks, films, and television—and highlights efforts to emphasize themes of freedom while addressing critiques that dilute Luther's theological depth, particularly his doctrine of justification.

Macrobenthic Fauna in the Tidal Flats of Amami-Oshima Island

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHED9E023F1E9

A study of macrobenthic fauna in four tidal flats on Amami-Oshima Island, part of the UNESCO-recognized Amami Islands, revealed significant variation in species richness and density across sites. The northernmost tidal flat (Tekebu-higata) exhibited the highest species diversity with 89 taxa, while the central site (Ichi-higata) showed the lowest at 39. Notably, local diversity remained relatively stable, suggesting that differences in species richness stem from variations among stations (β diversity). The research highlights the influence of sediment conditions on benthic community heterogeneity, contributing to our understanding of coastal biodiversity in this ecologically significant region.

Madness, Dissidence and Transduction

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2017 — WHEFAB769345D

Russian dissident artist Pyotr Pavlensky employs transduction as a deliberate strategy to impart meaning to his provocative political art, challenging both Russian authorities and international avant-garde discourse. His works, including self-mutilation acts and symbolic gestures in public spaces like Red Square and the Serbsky Psychiatric Hospital, defy attempts by authorities to label him criminally insane while asserting their artistic intent. Pavlensky's approach involves invoking two interpretive frameworks: the Russian Criminal Code, used by authorities for control, and global avant-garde art discourse. This study highlights how his transgressive actions transcend legal and cultural boundaries, redefining dissent through radical performance art.

Management implications of the influence of biological variability of invasive lionfish diet in Belize

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2017 — WHE0BE5666781

Large lionfish consume significantly more prey, with reproductive females showing the highest abundance. This suggests that their impact on coral reef communities varies with size and reproductive status. The study analyzed gut contents of 1023 lionfish in Belize's Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve from 2011 to 2014, revealing that medium and large lionfish are generalist predators with diverse diets, potentially stabilizing prey populations. However, small lionfish removal is critical for conserving ecologically or commercially important species. Existing culling efforts should avoid size discrimination to address site-specific threats effectively.

Managing a contested cultural heritage place on K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland, Australia

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2017 — WHEE3059BA328

A study on K’gari (Fraser Island) reveals that intangible Indigenous Knowledge is crucial for assigning cultural significance to contested places like Takky Wooroo. While tangible archaeological evidence is lacking, the research demonstrates that memorialization, association, and the archaeology of absence can link Takky Wooroo to a historically documented massacre event from the 19th century. The study employs a multi-vocal methodology within Indigenous archaeologies, combining oral history from Traditional Owners with archival sources to assess perceptions held by stakeholders. This approach highlights the importance of integrating intangible understandings in heritage management, particularly when material culture alone cannot establish significance.

Managing sacred places as heritage in West Africa

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2017 — WHEDE22AFBE89

Sacred places in West Africa, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, represent unique cultural heritage combining spiritual and physical significance. These sites, often rich in both tangible and intangible values, require specialized conservation strategies to preserve their cultural and historical integrity. The study highlights that while some sacred landscapes have formal management plans due to their World Heritage status, others lack structured protection despite their importance. The research emphasizes the need for balanced approaches that respect spiritual traditions while implementing effective conservation measures.

Mangrove Methane Biogeochemistry in the Indian Sundarbans: A Proposed Budget

The Sundarbans — 2017 — WHEE701973328

A comprehensive methane (CH₄) budget for the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem reveals significant CH₄ production, transport, and atmospheric exchange. Intertidal sediments produce 3547 µmol m⁻³ wet sediment d⁻¹ of CH₄, with 8.2% advectively transported to adjacent estuaries—20 times more than diffusive flux. The study estimates 0.09 Gg yr⁻¹ of CH₄ released from Sundarbans estuaries to the regional atmosphere, while only 2.75% of forest atmospheric CH₄ reaches the upper atmosphere annually. Mean CH₄ mixing ratios over the forest were 2 ppmv, with photo-oxidation rates of 3.25 × 10⁻⁹ mg cm⁻³ d⁻¹. The research also identifies anaerobic CH₄ oxidation in mangrove sediments, contributing to a nuanced understanding of tropical mangrove biogeochemistry.

Mangrove Paddle-Boat Ecotourism: Conserving Century-Old Growth Forest at Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 2017 — WHEDF6C0AF2C7

A century-old mangrove forest along the Cabayugan River, part of the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP), is being effectively conserved through a community-based ecotourism model known as the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour (MPBT). This approach leverages sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity while providing economic benefits to local communities in Sabang, Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City. The study highlights how MPBT integrates environmental education and responsible tourism practices, demonstrating its potential as a scalable strategy for mangrove conservation in similar ecosystems.

Mapping data acquisition and processing report. Cruise EX-17-03, Howland/Baker PRIMNM and PIPA (rov/mapping)

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2017 — WHE2A839E6D5D

A comprehensive mapping expedition (Cruise EX-17-03) conducted by NOAA from March 7–29, 2017, established a critical baseline of high-resolution data across multiple Pacific marine protected areas, including the UNESCO-listed Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA). Using advanced deep-water mapping systems—such as multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profilers, and two ROVs (Deep Discoverer and Seirios)—the team mapped previously unexplored seafloor terrains while collecting visual surveys and limited biological samples. Conducted 24/7 during transits and ROV downtime, the expedition covered Tokelau waters, PRIMNM’s Howland/Baker unit, American Samoa’s marine sanctuary, and Samoan waters. Real-time satellite communications enabled rapid data transmission, facilitating immediate research and management applications. This work lays foundational groundwork for future exploration, conservation efforts, and scientific inquiry in these remote, ecologically significant regions.

Mapping Lorey’s height over Hyrcanian forests of Iran using synergy of ICESat/GLAS and optical images

Hyrcanian Forests — 2017 — WHE1651E7D791

Researchers successfully mapped Lorey’s height—a key metric for forest ecosystem management—across Iran's Hyrcanian Forests using a combination of satellite laser data (ICESat/GLAS) and optical imagery. By leveraging nonparametric data mining techniques like random forests (RF) and artificial neural networks (ANN), the study achieved high accuracy in estimating Lorey’s height with an RMSE of 3.4 meters when combining waveform metrics and terrain indices. The best-performing model, an ANN integrating principal component analysis (PCA) and waveform extent, was then applied to generate a comprehensive wall-to-wall height map that aligned well with ground measurements. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional in situ methods for managing complex mountainous forests.

Mapping the Forgotten Colony: The Ogasawara Islands and the Tokugawa Pivot to the Pacific

Ogasawara Islands — 2017 — WHE4E213187BB

A groundbreaking study reveals that Japan's Tokugawa shogunate initiated its 'pelagic empire' expansion much earlier than previously thought, with the Ogasawara Islands serving as a pivotal colonial experiment. Through an analysis of four maps, researchers demonstrate that Japanese intellectuals were already contemplating settler colonialism in the Pacific nearly a century before the shogunate's maritime ventures. The study highlights a two-tiered strategy involving agricultural assimilation and legal subjugation, which facilitated offshore whaling and reshaped geographical perceptions to integrate the islands into Japan's realm. This challenges the notion that such expansionism began with the Meiji Reform, instead tracing its origins to the Tokugawa era.

Marginal continental and within-plate neoproterozoic granites and rhyolites of Wrangel Island, Arctic region

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2017 — WHE437A998450

New research on Wrangel Island reveals two distinct clusters of Neoproterozoic granites and rhyolites, dated to approximately 690–730 million years ago (Ma) and 590–610 Ma. These findings suggest that the rocks crystallized during the Late Neoproterozoic period, with the older granites showing signs of a continental margin origin, similar to those found in Alaska's Seward Peninsula. The younger rhyolites exhibit geochemical features indicative of a mixed crustal and mantle source, forming part of a riftogenic bimodal igneous association. This study utilized U–Pb zircon age dating and isotopic geochemical analysis to uncover these geological insights.

Maria Ecclesia

Chartres Cathedral — 2017 — WHE437F45C635

The architectural conception of the Aachen Marienschrein was designed to evoke monumental Gothic architecture, particularly associated with Notre-Dame de Chartres. This study reveals that, despite the shrine's significance as a church-shaped relic container, there is no evidence that specific knowledge of the relics it housed—such as the Virgin Mary’s tunic or Christ Child’s swaddling cloth—was known at the time of its planning and execution in the 9th century. The research analyzes historical documents and art historical traditions to establish this finding, while also exploring the shrine's broader cultural and religious significance within medieval art.

Marian Midsize Shrines: three itineraries between Portugal and Slovakia

Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments — 2017 — WHE258FD95A1A

Researchers have identified three distinct itineraries for religious tourism, focusing on Marian midsize shrines between Portugal and Slovakia. These routes, designed to cater to Catholic pilgrims seeking alternatives to major shrines like the Holy Land or Lourdes, combine significant religious sites with towns and cities along the way. The study employed participant observation to gather data, which can serve as a practical tool for travel agents and training material for students, demonstrating how itineraries integrate thematic resources with time and travel management. This approach offers a novel framework for planning religious tourism routes that balance cultural exploration and logistical efficiency.

Marine biodiversity baseline for Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica: published records

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2017 — WHEB167B9FD4E

A comprehensive baseline of marine biodiversity for the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, reveals 594 marine species, representing 15.5% of known Pacific coast species. Crustaceans, mollusks, and cnidarians dominate, while groups like red algae, polychaetes, and marine fishes appear underrepresented due to sampling bias. Notably, 89 species are endemic to ACG, and 30 have been originally described from the region. Sampling has been concentrated in specific areas, prompting an ongoing BioMar project to inventory marine organisms systematically, with plans for digital cataloging and voucher specimen deposition. This initiative aims to address knowledge gaps and serve as a model for future marine biodiversity studies.

Marine biodiversity of an Eastern Tropical Pacific oceanic island, Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2017 — WHEF6768F4CAF

Isla del Coco, a remote oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and part of Costa Rica's largest national park, hosts one of the highest marine biodiversity concentrations in its region. A comprehensive compilation of published records identifies at least 1688 species, with gastropods, bony fishes, and crustaceans being the most diverse groups. Notably, 45 species (2.7% of the total) are endemic to the island's national park, underscoring its unique ecological significance. Despite this wealth of biodiversity, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly in poorly studied regions such as the south side, pelagic environments, and deeper waters, as well as groups like flatworms, nematodes, nemerteans, and gelatinous zooplankton. This study synthesizes scattered historical and contemporary data to highlight both the richness and the unexplored potential of Isla del Coco's marine ecosystems.

Marine heatwave causes unprecedented regional mass bleaching of thermally resistant corals in northwestern Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2017 — WHE1B01A03A55

A marine heatwave during the 2015/16 El Niño event caused unprecedented regional mass bleaching of thermally resistant corals in northwestern Australia, particularly affecting the Kimberley region where 4.5-9.3 degree heating weeks (DHW) led to 56.6-80.6% bleaching. This demonstrates that even heat-tolerant corals from naturally extreme environments are vulnerable to heatwaves. Coral health surveys were conducted across four bioregions, revealing significant bleaching in the Kimberley while Rottnest Island experienced minor impacts and Ningaloo Reef and Bremer Bay remained unaffected. The findings suggest that Western Australian reefs are now at risk during both El Niño and La Niña years, marking a shift from previous patterns where only strong La Niña events caused major bleaching.

Markets of La Merced

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2017 — WHE5D0C6F44C5

The markets of La Merced in Mexico City represent a significant urban frontier, illustrating the tension between modernization and heritage preservation. This study reveals how public policies aimed at modernizing food markets clash with efforts to salvage traditional urban heritage, highlighting the porous yet distinct boundaries separating 'modern' and 'traditional' cityscapes. The research employs theoretical frameworks on urban frontiers to analyze a regeneration model driven by local government and private investors since 2009, which has extended beyond the historic center. It also examines the discourse surrounding public markets in Mexico City, marked by narratives of obsolescence and deterioration, while exploring the megaproject's impact and the stakeholders' perspectives on the La Merced markets.