World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 20701 – 20720 of 30345 publications

Relationships between foraging behaviour, diet and reproductive success at an urban colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor), St Kilda, Australia

St Kilda — 2017 — WHE33FEB4415F

A rare urban colony of little penguins at St Kilda, Australia, has thrived despite global declines, with ~1000 individuals exploiting artificially dredged shipping channels for foraging. Research using GPS loggers and time-depth recorders revealed that these penguins travel only 34 km daily, diving mostly to depths ≤10 m, with a diet dominated by Australian anchovy and southern garfish. Stable isotope analysis showed seasonal shifts in prey consumption, while stomach contents identified dietary diversity. Reproductive success was low but linked to prey quality rather than double brooding rates. The study highlights how this colony has adapted to urban and marine environmental changes, emphasizing the need for careful management of prey stocks to sustain its survival.

Relationships between vegetation indices, fractional cover retrievals and the structure and composition of Brazilian Cerrado natural vegetation

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2017 — WHEBA93787415

A novel approach using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and shortwave infrared ratio (SWIR32) effectively retrieves fractional cover of photosynthetic, non-photosynthetic vegetation, and bare soil across the structurally complex Cerrado savannah in Brazil. The study leverages high-resolution EO-1 Hyperion data to derive end-member values, which are then applied to MODIS imagery to assess seasonal and geographic variations. Validation with Quickbird-2 images showed a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.13 for photosynthetic vegetation cover, though errors were higher for bare soil and non-photosynthetic vegetation. The research highlights the potential of this method for monitoring Cerrado land covers but notes limitations due to sub-pixel heterogeneity and seasonal effects.

Relative importance of anthropogenic landscape characteristics for Neotropical frugivores at multiple scales

Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves — 2017 — WHE92600172FA

Frugivores, crucial to Neotropical forest ecosystems, face significant threats from human activities. This study reveals that anthropogenic landscape characteristics—such as human accessibility, proximity to reserves, and forest cover—are the primary determinants of occupancy for frugivorous species like the paca (Cuniculus paca), brocket deer (Mazama sp.), and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) in the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves. Environmental and geomorphometric variables played a weaker role, while weather, season, and habitat factors influenced detection probability. The research employed camera traps and call surveys across 45 sites over a year, analyzing landscape metrics at three spatial scales (200, 500, and 1000 meters) using multi-season occupancy modeling. Findings underscore the need for a multi-taxa and multi-scale approach to conservation planning, as different frugivore species respond variably to landscape attributes depending on their perceptual scale.

Relative Risk and Variables Associated with Bear and Ungulate Mortalities Along a Railroad in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2017 — WHE79C09542AB

Train-wildlife collisions along the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) through Banff and Yoho National Parks pose significant risks to wildlife populations, particularly for elk, deer, American black bears, and grizzly bears. The study identified hotspots and high relative risk locations where strikes exceeded expected levels based on wildlife abundance, revealing that train speed limits were positively correlated with strikes for elk and deer, while the presence of structures like overpasses, tunnels, and bridges increased strike risks for bears. These findings highlight critical areas for targeted management interventions, including speed reductions and railroad design modifications, to mitigate wildlife mortalities and associated ecological impacts.

Remembering Beirut: Lessons for Archaeology and (Post-) Conflict Urban Redevelopment in Aleppo

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2017 — WHE4EA4AFBE45

Post-conflict urban redevelopment in Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with occupation dating back to the 10th century BCE, risks repeating the pitfalls seen in Beirut's reconstruction. While Beirut's Solidere project initially prioritized modern development over cultural heritage, leading to an exclusive and disconnected area, subsequent protests forced the integration of historic preservation and limited archaeology. This study highlights that archaeological heritage can play a pivotal role in post-conflict urban rehabilitation, fostering community identity and mitigating socio-political tensions. By analyzing Beirut's case, it identifies key lessons for Aleppo's reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with cultural heritage conservation to ensure sustainable and inclusive urban renewal.

Remembering the Dead in the Ancient Near East: Recent Contributions from Bioarchaeology and Mortuary Archaeology

Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun — 2017 — WHE2E25A50C2B

A multi-disciplinary approach integrating bioarchaeological data with traditional mortuary analysis reveals deeper insights into ancient Near Eastern burial practices and societal structures. The study, focusing on sites like Qal’at al-Bahrain, demonstrates that combining skeletal and dental evidence with cultural, historical, and textual sources provides a richer understanding of how societies remembered and commemorated the dead. Key findings include evidence of population movement, ethnic interrelationships, and the treatment of disabled individuals, such as a woman from Early Dilmun period Bahrain who was buried with elaborate grave goods despite physical disabilities. The research highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration to overcome historical gaps in mortuary interpretation.

Remembering the Jewish Past through Song in Contemporary Tunisia

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2017 — WHED2E4162060

Tunisian Jews and Muslims have reclaimed the ughniyya, a once-dominant popular song form of the protectorate era, as part of their shared cultural heritage. Originally performed primarily by Tunisian Jews until World War II, these songs were denigrated during the nationalist movement but survived in diasporic communities and on Djerba through musicians like Yacoub Bsiri. Since the late 1980s, Tunisian Muslims have worked to rediscover and rehabilitate these songs, though some efforts have erased their Jewish associations, presenting them as timeless rural folklore. The ughniyya continues to be performed in both Arabic and Hebrew at the annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue on Djerba, symbolizing a nostalgic celebration of Tunisia's Jewish-Arab past.

Remote sensing based vegetation extraction and change detection in the National Park of Niokolo-Koba in southeast of Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2017 — WHED9985BB1F2

A 45-year analysis of Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal reveals significant vegetation dynamics linked to rainfall variability. Using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (1972–2016) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), researchers identified a regression of gallery forests and woodland savannahs from 1972 to 2002, followed by a reversal trend between 2002 and 2016. Wetlands exhibited alternating phases of progression and regression. High accuracy in classification (81.72%–93.50%) and change detection (74.90%–80.72%) underscored the study's robustness. These findings highlight the park's vegetation response to climate variability, providing critical insights for integrated management strategies in Senegal's protected areas.

Remote Sensing of Chaco Roads Revisited

Chaco Culture — 2017 — WHE154AD2476E

A groundbreaking application of Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) technology has revolutionized the documentation of Chaco roads, monumental linear surface constructions from the precolumbian culture that thrived in the Four Corners region between approximately AD 600 and 1300. Traditional methods relying on aerial photographs and ground surveys have become increasingly ineffective due to natural weathering, erosion, and land development, rendering once-visible roads virtually undetectable. This study demonstrates lidar's unprecedented ability to not only document known Chaco roads but also uncover previously undetected segments and provide a precise quantitative record of these rapidly vanishing features. Through case studies of the Aztec Airport Mesa Road, the Great North Road, and the Pueblo Alto Landscape, researchers highlight lidar as an essential tool for preserving archaeological knowledge in the face of environmental degradation.

Renaming Streets and Nationalising Public Space: The Case of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2017 — WHECFD152966D

A policy of exclusion through street renaming in West Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, has been identified as a strategy to nationalize public space and replace socialist commemorative spaces with Croat national history. The study reveals that this process involves two key steps: de-commemorating the old name and establishing a new one, often leading to disputes among Bosniak, Croat, and Serb communities. While the renaming aims to erase past associations, its acceptance by local citizens is limited, suggesting that the new commemorative space does not fully replace the old one. The research examines the political implications of these changes, highlighting the tension between historical memory and contemporary identity in a post-war context.

Repenser Le Rôle Des Institutions De Conservation De La Nature À L’ère De La Globalisation En Afrique: À Propos Du Parc National De La Salonga (RDC)

Salonga National Park — 2017 — WHE540736A6A5

A shift from colonial-era conservation paradigms to a 'bottom-up logic' is essential for the sustainable management of Africa's protected areas, including Salonga National Park (DRC). This study highlights that traditional top-down approaches, rooted in neo-colonialism, have failed to integrate local values and community needs. Instead, a people-centered model—prioritizing long-term environmental stewardship and equitable benefits—offers a path forward. The research contrasts these opposing logics, emphasizing the need for African nations to reclaim agency in conservation while adapting to globalization's demands. It underscores that redefining protected area functions and restoring local rights are critical for their relevance and effectiveness in modern contexts.

Representation of online image of tourist destination: a content analysis of Huangshan

Mount Huangshan — 2017 — WHE9EC4AD25EB

A study analyzing the online image representation of Huangshan reveals that its digital portrayal is structured around three core elements: tourism resources, facilities, and services. These elements are consistently demonstrated across various media forms, with different information sources emphasizing distinct aspects. The research employs semiotic theory, content analysis, and visual analysis to decode photographic and textual data from official online media and tourism marketers. Findings highlight a common tendency toward consistency in the depiction of Huangshan's image, underscoring its significance in shaping tourist perceptions.

Reproductive biology of Ferocactus recurvus (Mill.) Borg subsp. recurvus (Cactaceae) in the Tehuacán‐Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2017 — WHE384F80FBF4

Ferocactus recurvus subsp. recurvus, a barrel cactus endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, exhibits self-incompatibility and relies on cross-pollination for reproduction, with fruit set reaching 100% under controlled conditions. The study, conducted across three semiarid sites in Mexico, revealed that native bees are primary pollinators, while flies, ants, thrips, and hummingbirds also visit flowers but do not effectively pollinate. Flowers last 2–5 days with stigma receptivity peaking on the second or third day. Nectar production is scarce, and seed germination rates are higher from cross-pollinated seeds compared to self-pollination. These findings underscore the species' dependence on specific pollinators for survival, providing critical data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed valley.

Reproductive Biology of the Tawny-Crowned Tunchiornis ( Tunchiornis ochraceiceps ) In Manu National Park, Perú

Manú National Park — 2017 — WHEAFB1A367C8

Recent taxonomic revisions have split the genus Hylophilus into multiple genera, including the monotypic Tunchiornis. A study in Manu National Park, Peru, provides detailed insights into the reproductive biology of Tunchiornis ochraceiceps, supporting its distinct classification. Researchers documented three cup-nests constructed with green moss externally and straw fibers internally, measuring 48.6 × 49.2 mm (inner) and 66.6 × 61 mm (outer), with a wall thickness of 9.8 mm and an inner depth of 38.7 mm. Eggs were creamy-white with dark-brown spots, averaging 18.3 ± 0.4 × 13.1 ± 0.3 mm in size and 1.73 ± 0.12 g in mass. Incubation lasted 15 days at an average temperature of 32.35 ± 3.11 °C, with a nestling period of 11 days. Nest attentiveness was recorded at 64%. The study highlights differences in nesting materials between Tunchiornis and related genera, advancing understanding of this phylogenetically divergent group.

Reproductive parameters and cub survival of brown bears in the Rusha area of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiretoko — 2017 — WHEA423B1AD8D

Brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) in the Rusha area of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, Japan, exhibit among the highest reproductive rates globally, with females producing 0.70 to 0.76 young per year. A long-term study (2006–2016) tracking 15 philopatric females revealed key parameters: mean age of first reproduction at 5.3 years, litter sizes averaging 1.76 cubs, and inter-birth intervals of 2.43 to 2.53 years. Cub survival rates (60–73%) peaked in mortality during summer (July–August), likely due to nutritional stress. These findings align with global trends but highlight Shiretoko's unique demographic dynamics, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.

Reproductive strategy as a piece of the biogeographic puzzle: a case study using Antarctic sea stars (Echinodermata, Asteroidea)

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2017 — WHE6D2861A52C

A comprehensive analysis of Antarctic sea star biogeography reveals that reproductive strategy—brooding versus broadcasting—significantly influences species distribution across the Southern Ocean. The study, based on over 14,000 asteroid occurrences, identified distinct biogeographic patterns, including the isolation of New Zealand and high richness in the Scotia Arc region, particularly among brooding species. It also highlighted faunal affinities between South America and sub-Antarctic islands while noting lower endemism levels than previously reported (29% Antarctica-only species). The research used advanced statistical methods like bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), and clustering to uncover these patterns, which align with findings from other marine groups. The study suggests that historical factors further shape biogeographic differences at taxonomic levels.

Reptiles traded in markets for medicinal purposes in contemporary Morocco

Historic City of Meknes — 2017 — WHE506C68A4A4

In contemporary Morocco, reptiles are extensively traded for medicinal purposes despite legal protections, with an estimated annual turnover of 1,520 Mediterranean chameleons and 775 Bell's Dabb lizards. A survey conducted in 49 wildlife markets across 20 Moroccan towns and two Spanish exclaves between 2013-2014 identified at least nine reptile species, including the Mediterranean chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) and Bell's Dabb lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura), with a combined value of approximately US $100,000. The study found that markets in Marrakesh, Meknes, Casablanca, and Fez were the most prominent, with significant trade in both dried and live specimens. Notably, over 200 African rock python (Python sebae) skins were identified, suggesting potential illicit imports from other parts of Africa. Despite regulations under CITES, traders often do not disclose the legal status or restrictions on these species, highlighting the need for increased enforcement to prevent further exploitation and its impact on imperiled species.

Requalification and gentrification in the historical centre of Porto

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2017 — WHE1105B91B71

Gentrification in Porto's historic center is primarily driven by housing degradation, not rehabilitation. Sonia Alves' study challenges the assumption that low-income families are displaced by upper-middle-class residents due to housing improvements. Instead, it finds that economic and social changes under neoliberal policies have led to commercial gentrification, increasing the risk of residential flight from the area. The research combines qualitative analysis—including interviews with residents, former residents, and officials—and quantitative data on population and housing trends. This dual approach reveals a complex dynamic where degradation, rather than renovation, is the main catalyst for displacement.

Research on Evaluation of Popularity of Lijiang Scenic Area Based on Microblog Data

Old Town of Lijiang — 2017 — WHEA9E2FCFF23

A study analyzing microblog check-in data reveals that foreign tourists, particularly young and middle-aged females, drive tourism activities in Lijiang's scenic areas, with a predominant positive emotional response (43.82%). High-popularity attractions like the Old Town of Lijiang, Lugu Lake, and Yulong Snow Mountain dominate tourist interest, while sites such as Baisha Mural and Shigu Town attract significantly less attention. The research leverages spatial-temporal analysis to map tourist emotions, aligning with the development of key tourist zones in Lijiang.

Research on the recharge of the lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert: Simulation study in the Sumu Jaran lakes area

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2017 — WHEF1F79F294C

A study of the Badain Jaran Desert's lakes reveals that deep confined groundwater, likely sourced from surrounding mountain precipitation, is the primary water source sustaining these oases. Contrary to assumptions, the research found that rainfall alone cannot balance lake evaporation losses, with only 13% of the annual recharge (11,620 m³/day) coming from precipitation. The remaining 87% is supplied by deep groundwater leakage, showing minimal seasonal variation. Dynamic monitoring and a 3D groundwater model demonstrated that both lake and groundwater levels peak in April and reach their lowest in November, with amplitudes of 22 cm and 18 cm, respectively. These findings challenge the notion of long-distance fracture-fed water transport and provide critical insights for sustainable groundwater management in this arid ecosystem.