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New location of the moss Buxbaumia viridis in the Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest — 2017 — WHE61C42C0D58

A new location of the rare green shield moss, Buxbaumia viridis, has been identified within the Białowieża Forest. This discovery highlights the moss's presence on a decaying spruce log, though its survival is threatened by the impending death of spruce trees due to environmental changes. The study underscores the delicate balance between this unique species and its habitat, with potential long-term impacts on shade conditions and biodiversity. Research involved field observations and ecological assessments, providing critical insights into the conservation challenges faced by this vulnerable moss in one of Europe's oldest and most biodiverse forests.

New method for measurement of barchans parameters Case study: Lut desert, Iran

Lut Desert — 2017 — WHE9B5E87D278

A novel method for measuring barchan dune parameters, based on geometric relations and Cartesian coordinates, has been developed and proven more precise than previous techniques. This approach enables accurate comparison of dunes across global regions and time periods, while also facilitating the analysis of additional dune parameters. The study, conducted in the Lut Desert, Iran, used total station equipment for field surveys to validate the method's effectiveness.

New methodologies to analyze and study the Hellenistic-Roman quarter in Agrigento

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHE304CF65EEF

A groundbreaking approach to studying the Hellenistic-Roman quarter in Agrigento, Italy, leverages advanced technologies to unravel the town's planning and architectural evolution over a millennium. The project, initiated by the Agrigento: insula III Project in collaboration with Bologna University, integrates laser scanning and geophysical investigations with traditional archaeological methods to create a Building Information Model (BIM). This methodology allows for the systematic documentation of private housing from the Archaic period to Late Antiquity, addressing critical gaps in modern archaeological and topographical understanding. By reconstructing primary phases of town mapping, identifying starting modules of each lot, and tracking changes across different ages, researchers aim to elucidate the quarter's original architecture and its relationship with the broader urban landscape. The study underscores the potential of integrating traditional and cutting-edge techniques to solve complex stratigraphic challenges in long-inhabited settings.

New perspectives on volcano monitoring in a tropical environment: Continuous measurements of soil CO 2 flux at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion Island, France)

Pitons Management Area — 2017 — WHEC537C5F8CD

A major deep magmatic event at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, La Réunion Island, was detected three months before the eruption through continuous soil CO₂ flux measurements (2013–2016). Despite tropical challenges like heavy rainfall, corrected and filtered data revealed magma transfer dynamics, validated by geophysical correlations. This study demonstrates that soil CO₂ monitoring in tropical environments is a robust tool for tracking volcanic unrest down to the lithospheric mantle, offering new perspectives for early eruption detection.

New ports of the New World: Angra, Funchal, Port Royal and Bridgetown

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison — 2017 — WHE0C07515723

A comparative analysis of the port systems of the Portuguese and British Empires in the Atlantic during the 17th and 18th centuries reveals key factors influencing the development of four insular ports: Angra (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Bridgetown (Barbados), and Port Royal (Jamaica). The study highlights how these ports evolved to meet trade demands, their significant challenges, and how their development aligned with or diverged from imperial expectations. By integrating landscape archaeology, nautical and underwater archaeology, historical documentation, and cartography, the research provides a multifaceted understanding of the geographical, economic, and social dynamics shaping these crucial Atlantic hubs.

New record of a phoretic flea associated with earwigs (Dermaptera, Arixeniidae) and a redescription of the bat flea Lagaropsylla signata (Siphonaptera, Ischnopsyllidae)

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2017 — WHEBC11BDDD17

A new record of the phoretic flea Lagaropsylla signata, previously known only from Java, Indonesia, has been documented in Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. This discovery reveals an obligate parasitic relationship between L. signata and the earwig Arixenia esau, which serves as a vector for accessing bat hosts. The study also includes a redescription of L. signata and compares its association with A. esau to that of another phoretic flea, L. turba, found in peninsular Malaysia. The research highlights the evolutionary parallel between these fleas, earwigs, and their bat hosts, providing insights into their natural history and co-existence within cave ecosystems.

New Records of the Diatom Species (Bacillariophyta) from the Seaweed and Tidal Flats in Korea

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2017 — WHE15C90B7E4D

Research conducted from February to December 2016 uncovered 21 previously unrecorded diatom species (Bacillariophyta) in Korea, expanding the country's known diatom flora. These discoveries were made through extensive sampling across 28 coastal sites on the west coast of Korea and Jeju Island, with a focus on tidal flats, seaweed, and macrophytes. Diatom specimens were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing species from 9 orders, 12 families, and 16 genera. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and distribution records, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Korea's marine biodiversity.

New Records, Notes on Distribution and Species Diversity of Carabidae (Coleoptera) from Tunisia National Parks

Ichkeul National Park — 2017 — WHE56AF3D9F64

A groundbreaking study on Ichkeul National Park reveals the first detailed record of Carabidae (ground beetles) diversity in Tunisia. Researchers identified 52 species across 33 genera, including five endemic to North Africa and two species—Acinopus haroldi and Cryptophonus litigiosus—previously unrecorded in Tunisia. This work, based on expeditions between 2012 and 2013, fills a critical gap in scientific knowledge about Tunisia's insect fauna, highlighting its ecological significance and the need for further conservation studies.

New sculpture of the era of early nomads from Turgay

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2017 — WHE6062946816

A rare stone sculpture from the era of early nomads has been uncovered in the Turgay region, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan. This discovery, dating back to 2015-2016, represents a unique case where such a statue was found within a mound complex with stone ridges, showcasing an unusual burial or ritual site. The sculpture's laconic anthropomorphic depiction mirrors artistic techniques seen in Central Kazakhstan and other steppe regions, suggesting shared cultural or symbolic purposes. Researchers propose that the aspect of military glory, often associated with medieval sculptures, may have originated during this earlier period, supported by findings of similar stele and stone sculptures. This study contributes to understanding the early nomadic cultures' artistic expressions and their enduring influence on later traditions.

New species and new distributional data on Carabidae (Coleoptera) from the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2017 — WHE9DF6E5A0C5

A groundbreaking study identifies three new species of carabid beetles (Glycia socotrana, Apristus dioscoridus, and Mesolestes niger) from the Socotra Archipelago, alongside new distributional records for additional species. The research significantly expands our understanding of the archipelago's biodiversity, particularly within the tribe Lebiini. By integrating morphological analysis with distributional data, the study highlights the unique faunal composition of Socotra and Abd al Kuri Islands, contributing critical insights to global carabid taxonomy and conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed region.

New species of arboreal rat of the genus Rhipidomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from Sangay National Park, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2017 — WHE469A473FC8

Researchers have identified a new species of arboreal rat, belonging to the genus Rhipidomys, within Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery was made through a comprehensive analysis combining cranial and external morphology, morphometrics, and phylogenetic studies based on the cytochrome b gene. The new species is distinguished by its relatively small body size (average head–body length 123 mm) and unique cranial features, such as a constricted interorbital region, a barely perceptible postorbital crest in females, and a wide, round braincase. It also exhibits distinctive dental characteristics, including a large and deep hypoflexid on the third molar (m3). This species is currently known only from the southeastern portion of Sangay National Park, suggesting it may be endemic to the Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. The study further provides insights into its natural history, reproductive behavior, vocalizations, habitat preferences, and phylogenetic placement.

New species of Endecous (Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae, Luzarinae) from the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil), including bioacoustics, cytogenetic and distribution data

Iguaçu National Park — 2017 — WHEA36354E2E3

Researchers have identified two new species of cavicolous-straminicolous crickets, Endecous chape and E. naipi, inhabiting the Atlantic Semideciduous Forest within Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. These sympatric species were distinguished through morphological analysis, focusing on male genitalia and tegmina. Additionally, the study provides bioacoustics data for E. chape, including its calling song, and cytogenetic insights, contributing to the understanding of the genus Endecous. A distribution map for the species is also presented, enhancing knowledge of their geographic range. The findings are deposited in collections at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZSP) and Universidade Estadual Paulista—UNESP.

New species of Trachelas (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2017 — WHEEAEFE67576

Researchers have identified a new species of spider, Trachelas chamoli, within the UNESCO-listed Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in India's Western Himalayas. This discovery adds to the global diversity of the genus Trachelas, which currently comprises 86 recognized species, with only two previously documented from India. The study, conducted through fieldwork and morphological analysis, highlights the biodiversity richness of this high-altitude ecosystem. The new species contributes to our understanding of arachnid taxonomy in the Himalayan region, emphasizing the need for further exploration of such unique habitats.

New taxa of Berberis (Berberidaceae) with greenish flowers from a biodiversity hotspot in Sichuan Province, China

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2017 — WHE105800C0D3

Researchers have identified two new taxa of Berberis—Berberis viridiflora and Berberis sanguinea var. viridisepala—from Baoxing County, Sichuan Province, China, a biodiversity hotspot within the UNESCO-listed Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. These discoveries expand the known diversity of Berberis, particularly highlighting greenish-flowered variants that differ morphologically from related species. The study also reclassified Berberis multiovula as a synonym of B. sanguinea var. sanguinea, resolving taxonomic ambiguities. Through field surveys and herbarium analysis, the team documented 16 Berberis taxa in Baoxing County, showcasing extensive phenotypic variations in plant morphology, inflorescences, flower colors, and fruit types. The findings suggest that this region may serve as a diversification center for Berberis in the eastern Hengduan Mountains, underscoring its ecological significance.

Nightlife sector from a gender point of view: The case of Ibiza

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2017 — WHE602EA10B38

Women are significantly more critical of Ibiza's nightlife sector compared to men, with a notable divide within the female population. While some women (Moderates) share opinions similar to men, particularly those economically dependent on the sector, another group (Haters) holds strongly adverse views. This study, based on 418 valid questionnaires—266 from women—reveals that women exhibit more conservative and risk-averse attitudes, opposing nightlife's potential negative social impacts more strongly than men. The research integrates a gender-focused analysis into a broader survey on residents' tourism attitudes, addressing a gap in academic literature on women's perspectives towards nightlife.

Nine new species of Uramya Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica, with a key to their identification

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2017 — WHE5B5C885CB6

Researchers have identified nine new species of the tachinid fly genus Uramya from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica, significantly expanding the known biodiversity of this group. These discoveries were made through an extensive inventory of wild-caught caterpillars, incorporating morphological descriptions, life history data, molecular analysis, and photographic documentation. The study also includes a redescription of Uramya sibinivora and proposes new synonyms for two other genera, Olinda and Procleonice, while revising the key to species identification in Central and South America. This work contributes critical taxonomic insights to the understanding of tachinid diversity in ACG, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ecological significance.

Nitrogen and carbon isotopic dynamics of subarctic soils and plants in southern Yukon Territory and its implications for paleoecological and paleodietary studies

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHE7CBA8F7E19

Modern subarctic plants from southern Yukon Territory, Canada, exhibit stable carbon isotopic signatures that can serve as a baseline for reconstructing Late Pleistocene herbivore diets in eastern Beringia. The study analyzed 79 C3 plants and soils across 18 locations, revealing consistent foliar δ¹³C values around -28.0‰, with minimal variability suitable for paleodietary reconstructions after accounting for the Suess effect. While nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ¹⁵N) showed greater variability, influenced by water and nitrogen availability, spatial differences, and intra-plant factors, a positive correlation between foliar δ¹⁵N and nitrogen content suggests modern plant δ¹⁵N could indicate forage quality. However, the complex controls on δ¹⁵N limit direct application to paleodietary models, though it provides a foundation for future studies comparing modern and fossil plants to detect shifts in nitrogen cycling since the Late Pleistocene.

Nitrogen and phosphorus colimitation of phytoplankton in Lake Baikal: Insights from a spatial survey and nutrient enrichment experiments

Lake Baikal — 2017 — WHEF1D96F89AB

A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) co-limit phytoplankton productivity in Lake Baikal during summer, challenging previous assumptions about single-nutrient limitation. Using a combination of spatial surveys across 26 sites and nutrient enrichment experiments at two trophically contrasting locations, researchers demonstrated that either N or P—or both—can limit phytoplankton growth depending on the location. While temperature positively influenced phytoplankton response in controlled incubations (with ~10% higher fluorescence at 15°C than at 10°C), it was not a significant predictor of chlorophyll a concentrations across the lake. These findings suggest that Lake Baikal, the world's most biodiverse freshwater lake, may experience increased phytoplankton productivity due to ongoing warming and nutrient loading, but the extent of this response will depend on the balance between soluble N and P inputs.

No Big Brother Here: Heterarchy, Shona Political Succession and the Relationship between Great Zimbabwe and Khami, Southern Africa

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2017 — WHEE12E1E4DD0

A long-held assumption that Khami emerged from the decline of Great Zimbabwe around 1450 is challenged by new archaeological evidence. Analysis of ceramics and dry-stone architecture from both sites reveals distinct cultural affiliations, with Khami thriving as a major center from the late 14th/early 15th century—long before Great Zimbabwe's decline. Additionally, Great Zimbabwe remained occupied into the late 17th or even 18th century, after Khami's fall. These findings contradict the traditional parent-offspring relationship, instead suggesting a heterarchical dynamic between the two sites. The study also highlights malleable hierarchies within each polity, aligning with documented political structures in pre-colonial southern Zambezian states.

No persistent behavioural effects of SCUBA diving on reef sharks

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHEAE93C3528B

A study on Palmyra Atoll reveals that long-term SCUBA diving activity does not result in persistent behavioural changes to reef sharks. Contrary to expectations, the research found no differences in shark abundance, behaviour, or residency patterns between heavily dived and undived locations, even during years with substantial diving activity. The study used a combination of baited remote underwater video systems and multi-year passive acoustic monitoring to assess these impacts. These findings suggest that well-regulated shark diving tourism can coexist with conservation goals without undermining the behavioural integrity of shark populations.