World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 2081 – 2100 of 28097 publications

Fast-survey techniques for digital mapping and understanding the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — 2025 — WHE68B733CD9D

A groundbreaking approach demonstrates that rapid, non-invasive digital mapping techniques can effectively capture the complex morphology of vernacular heritage sites with metric reliability. By combining unmanned aerial systems (UAS) videogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), researchers achieved high-resolution 3D representations of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in southern Morocco, prioritizing speed, portability, and minimal equipment without compromising accuracy. Comparative analyses revealed that UAS-based photogrammetric data, processed through Structure from Motion–Multi View Stereo (SfM-MVS) algorithms, closely matched TLS measurements, validating its potential for preliminary analysis and interpretative modeling. This methodology offers a scalable solution for documenting architectural form, construction logic, and typological variation, enhancing visual comprehension of complex heritage structures.

Fatehpur Sikri: A Reflection of Mughal Syncretic Statecraft

Fatehpur Sikri — 2025 — WHE8845BB9D3A

Fatehpur Sikri, once a short-lived capital under Emperor Akbar's rule in the 16th century, stands as a monumental testament to Mughal syncretic statecraft. This study reveals how its architecture seamlessly integrates Persian, Islamic, and Hindu styles, reflecting Akbar's progressive leadership and religious tolerance. Key landmarks like the Ibadat Khana, Diwan-i-Khas, and Salim Chishti's mausoleum showcase distinct designs that symbolize the convergence of Sufi spiritualism, political legitimacy, and cultural amalgamation. Despite its brief existence as a capital, Fatehpur Sikri left an indelible mark on India's architectural heritage, embodying the syncretic influence of diverse cultures under Mughal rule.

Feasibility of using very high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor Tristan albatrosses Diomedea dabbenena on Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2025 — WHEEF661C3E63

A study assessing the feasibility of using very high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor Tristan albatrosses (Diomedea dabbenena), a Critically Endangered species, on Gough Island found that current methods are unreliable due to persistent cloud cover and incomplete detection. Despite analyzing 31 cm resolution images over eight seasons, only one cloud-free image was obtained, limiting the ability to accurately count nests. While specialists detected birds at 67.8% of active nests in cloud-free regions, challenges like orographic clouds and limited imagery availability hinder effective monitoring. The research concludes that on-the-ground monitoring remains essential for accurate population tracking, especially as commercial satellites may offer future improvements.

Feasibility study of micro-scale wind power generation for rural electrification in Polonnaruwa area

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2025 — WHE4BA4E51283

A feasibility study of micro-scale wind power generation for rural electrification in the Polonnaruwa area reveals that installing a 500 W turbine at a 10-meter hub height is optimal, offering superior annual energy production, capacity factor, and carbon savings. The research analyzed wind speed data from two years (2019–2020) using Weibull probability distribution to assess the region's wind power potential. Findings indicate that micro-scale turbines with low cut-in wind speeds (2 m/s) are highly suitable for standalone power generation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, addressing both energy demand and environmental concerns while avoiding reliance on fossil fuels.

Features of the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical states of Blagopoluchiya Bay (Solovetsky Islands of the White Sea) in August 2024

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE61D7533369

A fourfold increase in total phosphorus concentrations in Blagopoluchiya Bay, part of the UNESCO-listed Solovetsky Islands, has been documented over 30 years, indicating severe eutrophication. Researchers analyzed hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions in August 2024, revealing weak water exchange due to low current speeds (3-10 cm/s) and semi-diurnal tidal cycles. The study identified the bay's apex as a hotspot for anthropogenic pollution, particularly from wastewater discharged by the Solovetsky Settlement, which spreads pollutants to deep-water zones. Vertical profiling of temperature, salinity, and turbidity further supported findings of limited water circulation, exacerbating eutrophic conditions.

Features of the preservation and redevelopment of the architectural environment of the historical quarters of a large city in the conditions of a functioning center (using the example of Riyadh)

At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah — 2025 — WHED4DC05FCB4

A balanced approach to preserving historical integrity while integrating modern amenities can successfully revitalize historic urban districts, as demonstrated by the Diriyah Project in Riyadh. This initiative aims to transform Al-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the first Saudi state, into a world-class cultural and tourist hub. The project focuses on restoring historic sites—such as mud-brick structures—and developing infrastructure like museums, galleries, and entertainment venues to attract visitors without compromising historical authenticity. By studying Diriyah's redevelopment, researchers highlight the feasibility of blending heritage conservation with contemporary urban development in functioning city centers.

Featuring the ovarian morphological of Cichla kelberi Kullander & Ferreira, 2006 introduced in a Basin adjacent to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Northeastern Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2025 — WHE79DB9B9B61

Research on the peacock bass (Cichla kelberi) in a basin adjacent to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, reveals distinct ovarian morphological characteristics compared to other regions. The study identified various stages of female germ cell development, including primordial follicles and atretic follicles, with size variations ranging from 16.7 µm to 453.5 µm in diameter. Unlike findings from other reservoirs in Maranhão State or Brazil, this species appears to be adapting to the lotic environment of Preguiças River. The study highlights the need for further research to understand long-term reproductive and ecological impacts, supporting sustainable management of the basin.

Feeding Ecology and Distribution Patterns of the Common Eland (Tragelaphus Oryx) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2025 — WHE6F51C5184B

Common elands (Tragelaphus oryx) in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area predominantly graze on grasslands, with 92% of their distribution concentrated there, while shrubland, woodland, and forest usage remains minimal. This preference for grasslands persists across both wet and dry seasons, indicating no significant seasonal or vegetation-type-driven shifts in their feeding behavior. The study, conducted through field observations and transect mapping using ArcGIS, identified Chloris pycnothrix and Themeda triandra as key dietary components, with browsing on shrubs like Hibiscus aponeurus and Vachellia tortilis being rare. These findings suggest that grassland management is critical for sustaining eland populations, while the remaining vegetation types serve as secondary resources or predator-avoidance cover. Recommendations emphasize prioritizing grassland conservation to align with eland feeding ecology.

Feeding habits of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis (Actiniaria: Andvakiidae) from the Coiba National Park, Panama

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2025 — WHE17F49281F8

A recent study reveals that the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis, abundant in Coiba National Park, Panama, is an opportunistic polyphagous feeder, primarily consuming the most available prey in its environment. Analysis of 76 specimens collected in February 2023 showed that zooplankton—including copepods, eggs, and fish larvae—dominated its diet (88.9% by percentage), with benthic crustaceans and mollusks contributing minimally. The findings align with global patterns for sea anemones, suggesting this species exploits the most abundant prey in its ecosystem without significant dietary specialization. The research employed trophic indices to quantify prey importance, providing a rare baseline for T. panamensis biology in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Felid activity at artificial water troughs in a tropical forest in southeastern Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE42F671273E

Artificial water troughs serve as critical management tools for sustaining felid populations during prolonged droughts, with visitation rates increasing significantly in dry years. A five-year camera-trap study at the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve revealed that pumas and ocelots were the most frequent users of these water sources, while margays were rarely detected. Felid activity was predominantly crepuscular or nocturnal, with jaguars showing greater temporal overlap with pumas than with ocelots, suggesting potential interspecific avoidance. These findings highlight the importance of water provisioning strategies in tropical ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of climate change on apex and mesopredator populations.

Female lineages and changing kinship patterns in Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2025 — WHE433B3461BC

A groundbreaking study reveals that kinship practices at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük underwent significant changes over 1000 years, while maternal lineages remained a consistent focus. Analyzing 131 paleogenomes alongside bioarchaeological and archaeological data from the East Mound (7100 to 5950 BCE), researchers found that early burials in shared buildings often involved close genetic relatives, suggesting familial use of homes. Later periods showed unrelated individuals buried together despite similar diets, indicating shifting social structures. The research also noted a lack of sex-biased mobility and a persistent preference for female subadults receiving burial gifts more frequently than males. These findings highlight the enduring importance of maternal lineage in Neolithic Çatalhöyük's kinship dynamics.

Fertilising heritage

Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site — 2025 — WHE27E96C7855

This study reveals how the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO, simplifies and deprioritizes the dual legacy of its primary product—synthetic fertilizer for agriculture and explosives for the weapons industry. Through anthropological fieldwork, it demonstrates that heritage objects function as dynamic symbols within broader semiotic systems, yet conservation efforts often reduce their multivocality, reflecting power dynamics and memory politics in World Heritage contexts. The research employs a semiotic perspective to analyze these tensions, highlighting the absence of the original industrial product's dual application in current heritage narratives.

Field test of dehumidifiers for avoiding condensation in unheated historical wooden houses

Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland — 2025 — WHEC013D836F8

A field test of sorption dehumidifiers in the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland' successfully mitigated condensation risk, a threat to valuable wall paintings. The study found that dehumidifiers, programmed to limit indoor relative humidity (RH) to 80%, effectively prevented condensation across all rooms despite high air change rates (~0.8 ACH). While RH peaks occurred locally and temporarily due to transient wind or stack conditions, the overall effectiveness was demonstrated through climate logging and tracer gas measurements. The research provides practical guidance for dehumidifier installation in unheated historical wooden structures, balancing preservation needs with environmental control.

Fieldwork at Phrygian Gordion, 2016–2023

Gordion — 2025 — WHE16BD685D16

Recent fieldwork at Gordion, Türkiye, has uncovered significant findings that challenge long-standing assumptions about the site's history. The South Gate, discovered on the Citadel Mound, was found to be in use for over 1,200 years, from the ninth century BCE to the fourth century CE, accompanied by a nearly 100-meter-long approach road. Excavations in the Mosaic Building Complex revealed that it was constructed around 575 BCE, predating its initial estimation by a century and a half, and likely housed the Gordian Knot cut by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE. The complex also yielded a stone omphalos and two gilded ivory sphinxes, possibly part of a throne. Additionally, Tumulus 52 contained over 3,000 Baltic amber beads, suggesting a connection to Midas' family. Gordion was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

Final Report: Skell Valley Catchment Scale Monitoring

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2025 — WHE56A70DFAB9

A comprehensive long-term monitoring study of the Skell Valley catchment in North Yorkshire, UK, reveals critical insights into the dynamics of flashy river systems like the River Skell. The research, conducted before, during, and after the installation of Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), demonstrates how rapid precipitation events significantly impact river levels and sediment loads, posing flooding risks to downstream sites such as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Notably, the study captured Storm Barbet, a major storm event, providing unprecedented data on the catchment's response to extreme weather conditions. By integrating meteorological, hydrodynamic, and sediment data with water quality measurements collected by volunteers, this extensive dataset offers a robust framework for assessing the effectiveness of NFM and NBS over time. The findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in understanding river behavior and mitigating flood risks in vulnerable heritage sites.

Fine-Scale Variations and Driving Factors of GPP Derived from Multi-Source Data Fusion in the Mountainous Region of Northwestern Hubei

Hubei Shennongjia — 2025 — WHE8DA92D577B

A 20-year analysis of gross primary productivity (GPP) in northwestern Hubei, China, reveals significant fine-scale variations linked to elevation and climate. GPP increases with altitude, showing a pronounced upward trend in mountainous regions like Shennongjia, while low-elevation areas exhibit a decline. The study, leveraging multi-source remote sensing data fused at 30 m resolution, highlights that seasonal climate factors—particularly temperature and precipitation—strongly influence GPP, with their impacts varying by elevation and month. Temperature effects remain stable across altitudes, whereas precipitation correlations weaken with increasing elevation, reflecting diverse climatic responses. This research underscores the critical role of high-resolution spatiotemporal data in understanding carbon fixation dynamics in complex mountainous landscapes.

First Documentation of Snow Leopard ( Panthera uncia ) Presence in the Core Area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2025 — WHE700F564C59

Researchers have documented the first confirmed presence of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) within the core area of Mt. Siguniang National Nature Reserve, China, a critical but understudied region at the southeastern edge of the species' global range. Over a 20-month period from November 2022 to August 2024, camera traps captured 33 independent detections across five high-altitude sites, primarily above 4500 meters, revealing four unique adult individuals. This finding marks a significant milestone in snow leopard conservation, as systematic monitoring has been notably absent in the reserve. The study highlights the need for expanded research to quantify population dynamics and assess connectivity with adjacent mountain systems, which could inform broader conservation strategies for this vulnerable flagship species.

First occurrence of Daspletosaurus horneri (Tyrannosauridae, Tyrannosaurinae) in the Dinosaur Park Formation of Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta (Treaty 7 Territory)

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2025 — WHE11D4A1A3DB

A significant discovery of Daspletosaurus horneri in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, marks the first occurrence of this tyrannosaurine species outside its original range in Montana. Re-examination of specimen CMN 350, initially classified as D. torosus, revealed cranial features aligning with D. horneri, including a distinct lacrimal horn morphology and dentary bowing. This finding extends the known latitudinal range of the species by approximately 350 km and provides new insights into its intraspecific variability. The discovery also supports evidence of faunal turnover within the Dinosaur Park Formation, located 49 meters above the Oldman Formation contact.

First record of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in Diplothrix legata (Rodentia: Muridae) in Tokunoshima Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2025 — WHE9B0397D1C8

Researchers have documented the first occurrence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in the endangered Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Tokunoshima Island, Japan. This discovery extends the known range of the zoonotic parasite, which typically infects invasive rats and relies on mollusks as intermediate hosts. The finding was made during a pathological examination of a deceased wild D. legata individual, revealing co-infections with two additional non-native parasites: Trichosomoides crassicauda and Hydatigera taeniaeformis. Notably, A. cantonensis has now been confirmed in wild populations of D. legata across all three islands where the species is endemic—Tokunoshima, Amami-Oshima, and Okinawa—highlighting a potential conservation concern due to its impact on this critically endangered rodent.

First report of Acanthophora spicifera (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales) from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands)

Papahānaumokuākea — 2025 — WHEDAB8A1D142

Acanthophora spicifera, a highly invasive red alga known for its dominance in intertidal and subtidal habitats across the Main Hawaiian Islands, has been documented for the first time within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This discovery at Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) marks a significant expansion of the species' recorded range, despite extensive surveys since 1989 in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The report details this rare observation, highlighting its ecological implications for one of the world's most remote and ecologically significant marine regions.