World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 2101 – 2120 of 15962 publications

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.

First report of systemic round cell tumor, suspected lymphoma, in a wild Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) from Tokunoshima Island

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2025 — WHEBEA60BB6D2

Scientists report the first documented case of systemic round cell tumor, suspected to be lymphoma, in a wild Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi), an endangered species endemic to Japan’s Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands. The discovery was made during a necropsy of a deceased rabbit found on Tokunoshima Island in January 2018, which revealed severe pathological changes including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and a mediastinal mass encasing the heart. Histopathological examination confirmed significant proliferation of tumor cells resembling lymphocytes, while PCR analysis ruled out retroviral or herpesviral involvement. The study underscores the critical need for enhanced pathological surveillance and conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species from emerging threats like neoplasia.

First subioblattid roachoid (Insecta: Holopandictyoptera) from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland)

Monte San Giorgio — 2025 — WHE3519C23B91

A new species of fossilized roachoid insect, Samaroblattella valmarensis, has been identified from the Middle Triassic period at Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland), marking it as the oldest known representative of its genus. This discovery extends the temporal and geographical range of Samaroblattella and establishes a connection between species from South Africa and Kazakhstan. The fossil exhibits unique wing traits, including elongated ellipsoidal forewings with sigmoidal radial vein stems, and a hind leg morphology resembling that of extant jumping cockroaches, suggesting possible jumping behavior indicative of convergent evolution in Eoblattodea. Additionally, the elongate ovipositor differs significantly from those in crown group Dictyoptera, implying that Subioblattidae likely laid eggs in sediment or plant tissues without hardened ootheca. This study provides significant insights into the evolutionary history and behavioral adaptations of this ancient insect lineage.

Five newly recorded species of bat (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from the UNESCO World Heritage Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, with an updated checklist of bats in the park

The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex — 2025 — WHE65D3C975D0

Researchers have identified five new bat species in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. These include Myotis gomantongensis, Murina suilla, Kerivoula intermedia, Phoniscus jagorii, and Miniopterus magnater. The study, spanning seven sampling efforts from 1958 to 2025, updates the park's bat species checklist to a total of 43, representing nine families. This comprehensive list provides a critical baseline for conservation efforts in this ecologically significant site.

Flavobacterium aerium sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from the air of the Icelandic volcanic island Surtsey

Surtsey — 2025 — WHE619EC3A2CE

Researchers have identified and characterized a novel bacterium, Flavobacterium aerium sp. nov., isolated from the air of Surtsey, a volcanic island in Iceland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This discovery was made using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, which included phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, fatty acid profiling, and genomic sequencing. The bacterium, designated strain 19SA41, exhibits unique morphological and physiological traits, such as pale yellow-pigmented colonies, optimal growth at 22 °C and pH 7.5, and a genome with a G+C content of 33.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that F. aerium is most closely related to Flavobacterium xinjiangense, with a sequence similarity of 96.52%, supporting its classification as a novel species. This finding contributes to the understanding of microbial diversity in extreme environments and underscores the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for scientific research.

Flora of high mountain tropical peatlands: threats and management measures, Talamanca Range, Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2025 — WHE6B4E93CA7F

Tropical peatlands in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, particularly those outside protected areas, exhibit significantly lower biological diversity due to edge effects and proximity to agro-productive activities or the Inter-American Highway. In contrast, peatlands within protected zones like Salsipuedes and Cerro Paramillo show higher diversity, featuring genera such as Blechnum, Puya, Chusquea, Myrsine, Vaccinium, and Sphagnum. The study, which analyzed five peat bogs at altitudes of 2,400–3,100 meters using field sampling and a Floristic Value Index (IVF), highlights these ecosystems as critical components of the Mesoamerican hotspot, not only for biodiversity but also as sensitive indicators of human impact and climate change. The research underscores the vulnerability of these fragile formations to anthropogenic pressures.

Floristic composition, structure and regeneration status of trees as affected by agro-climatic variation in the Bale mountains national park, South-eastern Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2025 — WHE839211A996

The sub-moist mid highland zone of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) supports significantly higher tree species richness, diameter at breast height (DBH), and density of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees compared to cooler or afro-alpine zones. This zone also exhibits greater basal area and stem density, indicating a more ecologically diverse and resilient community. The study, conducted across 144 sampling plots spanning three altitudinal gradients, used one-way ANOVA to compare floristic composition and structure among agro-climatic zones. Findings highlight the sub-moist mid highland as a critical area for biodiversity conservation, while the cold humid afro-alpine zone requires urgent ecological management due to its fragility. Human-induced factors are identified as key drivers of habitat degradation in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

Floristic study of the Bromeliaceae in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, MA, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2025 — WHEC3AF14A588

A comprehensive floristic study of the Bromeliaceae family within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified four distinct species across three genera: Aechmea, Ananas, and Bromelia. This research contributes critical taxonomic data to the understanding of bromeliad diversity in the park's unique ecosystems, which include mangrove, cerrado, and restinga vegetation. Fieldwork conducted in Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro municipalities revealed species adapted to the park's sand dune landscapes, with detailed descriptions, identification keys, photographs, and ecological insights provided for each. The study highlights the importance of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for bromeliads, while emphasizing the need for further research on their geographic distribution and conservation status.

Fluctuations in Species Diversity in Evergreen Broad-Leaved Forests and Changes in Their Co-Occurrence Network

Mount Wuyi — 2025 — WHEBF97195397

A first-of-its-kind long-term study of subtropical secondary forests at Mount Wuyi, China, reveals that rare species play critical roles as keystone elements in forest community stability. Between 2018 and 2023, high mortality rates among small-diameter trees created ecological niches for 12 new species to establish, while co-occurrence networks showed a shift toward stronger positive interactions but reduced modularity, suggesting a more integrated yet less stable community structure. Rare species, despite their low abundance, significantly contributed to network connectivity and stability. The study also found that topographic factors strongly influence species richness, highlighting the role of environmental filtering in shaping forest composition. These findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in understanding subtropical forest dynamics.

Folklore and Cultural Memory: An Examination of Prambanan Temple Narratives

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2025 — WHE6EC8F16B9F

A comparative analysis reveals that the folktale of Roro Jonggrang, deeply embedded in Indonesian cultural memory, holds greater community acceptance than historical accounts of Prambanan Temple. This preference stems from the narrative's ability to convey religious values, ethical principles, and social norms, which resonate more strongly with local communities despite scholarly skepticism about its authenticity. The study employed qualitative descriptive research methods to systematically explore these complex cultural phenomena, highlighting the enduring influence of folklore in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.

Folklore, Religion and Traditions of Bhotiya Community: A Heritage-Based Model for Biodiversity Conservation in the Nanda Devi Biosphere, Uttarakhand, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2025 — WHE01B4004A2B

The Bhotiya tribe's deep-rooted connection between ecological stewardship and cultural heritage in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) offers a sustainable model for biodiversity conservation. Their indigenous knowledge, shaped by generations of living in a fragile mountain ecosystem, aligns with modern conservation principles. This study highlights their ethnobiological traditions, particularly their expertise in medicinal plants, biodiversity, and the cultural significance of local flora and fauna. NDBR hosts diverse habitats from temperate forests to alpine meadows. The Bhotiya's livelihood, based on agriculture, pastoralism, and foraging, is intricately tied to seasonal rhythms and biodiversity. Through ethnographic methods, the study documents traditional knowledge related to medicinal and aromatic plants, wild edibles, animal resources, and conservation-oriented customs such as taboos and rituals. It underscores the community's role in biodiversity conservation and cultural resilience, advocating for the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary conservation frameworks.

Food in Sanctuaries: Markets and Consumption

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2025 — WHEE5B63AF271

Archaeological evidence at the Sanctuary of Olympia reveals that large-scale gatherings during panhellenic festivals, such as the Olympic Games, transformed sanctuary areas into open-air tent camps. These camps, often near natural water sources like the Kladeos River, accommodated visitors—including athletes and spectators—who traveled from across Greece and beyond for multi-day events. The discovery of iron support holes for tents, coupled with historical accounts, underscores the logistical challenges and communal nature of these festivals, which attracted tens of thousands of people annually since at least 472 BCE.

Food Production and Landscape Reconstruction of Liangzhu Culture Village (5000–4600 B.P.)—Archaeobotanical Evidence from the Site of Zhumucun, Southern China

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2025 — WHEF2F1294D56

Archaeobotanical evidence from the Zhumucun site reveals that rice was the primary crop during the Liangzhu period (5000–4600 B.P.), with millet presence suggesting interregional communication. Analysis of discarded spikelets confirmed local rice production and processing, while charcoal studies reconstructed the settlement's landscape, indicating a well-organized agricultural system. The site likely supported a smaller population than other Liangzhu settlements, with functional zoning for residential, processing, tomb, and farming areas. This coordinated resource management suggests an efficient labor structure, potentially enabling food surplus redistribution to larger settlements.

Forest structure recovery around West Africa’s last great rainforest: Modelling complex dynamics in Taï national park

Taï National Park — 2025 — WHEBE5E809300

Forest recovery in Taï National Park, West Africa's last great rainforest, varies dramatically depending on structural attributes and past land use. Biomass recovery is the slowest, requiring over 100 years for near-complete restoration, while diameter and height recover faster (20–40 years). Cocoa fields show the fastest recovery across all attributes due to remnant trees and forest connectivity, whereas gold mining sites exhibit extremely slow regeneration because of severe soil degradation. The study used a Bayesian framework to model recovery trajectories in 118 plots, assessing the influence of past land use, disturbance, and environmental factors. Protecting remnant trees and managing disturbances are crucial for enhancing passive regeneration, which holds significant promise for long-term forest resilience.

Forging the First Empire: Qin's Materiality of Control and the Architecture of Eternal Order

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2025 — WHEA3660EA66F

The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) established an unprecedented imperial order through systematic material culture and monumental architecture, challenging traditional narratives of military conquest. Standardization policies, vast construction projects like the Great Wall, and symbolic structures such as the Terracotta Army and mausoleum complex were strategically designed to manifest and perpetuate an empire intended for 'ten thousand generations.' This study reveals that Qin's materiality was a fundamental architecture of control, blending political authority with cosmological sanction. Through interdisciplinary analysis of archaeological findings, historical texts, and art history, the research demonstrates how these elements facilitated centralized governance, resource mobilization, and enduring imperial identity, setting foundational patterns for subsequent Chinese dynasties.

Formulating orbifold Euler characteristics of quotient singularities with applications to Rhine valley flood frequency

Upper Middle Rhine Valley — 2025 — WHE6C07B441F6

A novel application of orbifold Euler characteristics to flood frequency analysis reveals four distinct flood regime clusters along the Rhine Valley, each linked to specific quotient singularity types. The study leverages algebraic and topological methods to derive computational formulas for these characteristics, connecting them to Banach space techniques for convergence analysis. Using discharge records from 22 gauging stations spanning 1950–2022, researchers found that the orbifold-based model significantly improved flood frequency predictions compared to standard Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) fits, with a 14.8-unit improvement in the Akaike Information Criterion. The approach also correctly ranked 19 of 22 stations by observed flood frequency, demonstrating its robustness and accuracy.

Fortaleciendo el patrimonio cultural en los centros históricos

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2025 — WHE2A03EF7A4E

Integrating local communities into heritage conservation efforts significantly enhances the sustainability and value of cultural patrimony. A study led by Hernández Castro and Zacarías Capistrán demonstrates that participatory activities—such as workshops, volunteer programs, and educational campaigns—elevate both tangible and intangible heritage in historic centers like Tlacotalpan, Veracruz. The research highlights EPIC's methodology, which fosters a collective perception of cultural significance through community engagement. This approach not only preserves but also revitalizes historical sites by empowering residents as active stewards. The findings underscore the strategic importance of societal involvement in maintaining dynamic and resilient urban heritage ecosystems.

FORTI, Silvia, Lucerne di Leptis Magna. Dall’età ellenistica all’età tardoantica.

Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — 2025 — WHEE9E61F9570

A comprehensive catalog of over 2000 lamps from Leptis Magna, a prominent Roman emporium in Tripolitania, reveals detailed insights into the city's daily life, trade, and craftsmanship spanning from the Hellenistic to Late Antique periods. Silvia Forti's meticulous analysis provides unprecedented data on lamp production, distribution, and consumption patterns, with a focus on regional variations in typology and provenance. This study overcomes challenges posed by complex lamp classifications and disparate chronological attributions, offering a rich resource for understanding Roman culture, commerce, and artisanal practices in one of the Mediterranean's most significant archaeological sites.

Forum Novum at Mile X of Via Traiana (Italy)

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2025 — WHEDCE50D6C7E

Forum Novum, located at mile X of the Via Traiana, stands as a pivotal site for territorial regeneration and cultural heritage enhancement. This study proposes an integrated strategy to leverage the historical significance of Forum Novum, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Via Appia. Regina Viarum,' to drive sustainable development in surrounding areas. The approach combines archaeological research, landscape reconstruction, and educational initiatives, aiming to create a model for urban regeneration that integrates public and private stakeholders. By focusing on the site's potential, the project seeks to trigger economic growth, promote tourism, and foster local businesses centered around cultural heritage. This strategy not only enhances the preservation of historical and environmental values but also establishes Forum Novum as an incubator for innovation in the cultural heritage supply chain.