World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 21701 – 21720 of 30345 publications

Ecology of a Vulnerable Shorebird across a Gradient of Habitat Alteration: Bristle-Thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) (Aves: Charadriiformes) on Palmyra Atoll1

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE367D323C6E

Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis), a vulnerable migratory shorebird, show habitat preferences driven more by prey availability than the degree of historical anthropogenic impact on Palmyra Atoll's lagoon sand flats. Despite the persistence of Navy modifications affecting benthic habitat quality post-World War II, curlew abundance was strongly correlated with the presence of key prey items like spionid polychaetes (Malacoceros sp.). The study used camera trapping, focal individual observations, and sediment analysis to assess curlew behavior across a gradient of habitat alteration. While land reclamation did not determine habitat preferences, two highly impacted sites were among the most preferred, highlighting the importance of prey availability in shaping curlew distribution. This research provides critical insights for habitat management at Palmyra Atoll and similar wintering grounds.

Economic Valuation of Recreation Use Value of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2016 — WHE664AC9E429

Kilimanjaro National Park's recreation value is estimated at USD 193.9 million annually, with a revenue-maximizing entry fee of USD 55.8 per visitor. Using the Travel Cost Method, researchers analyzed data from 384 visitors to determine consumer surplus and willingness-to-pay, revealing significant influences of travel costs, income, age, employment status, and service quality on visitation duration. The study highlights the need for economic valuation research to guide sustainable management and resource allocation in national parks.

Ecotoxicological bioassays as complementary tools for the risk assessment of contaminated soils

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2016 — WHE74B9A995C6

Ecotoxicological bioassays prove invaluable for assessing the ecological risks of contaminated soils, offering a more comprehensive and realistic evaluation than traditional chemical analysis alone. This study demonstrates that integrating terrestrial and aquatic ecotoxicity tests—encompassing various endpoints (mortality, growth), exposure times (acute or chronic), and organisms (earthworms, plants, algae, etc.)—effectively captures the complex interactions between pollutants, soil matrices, and living organisms. Applied to samples from abandoned mercury mines in Spain (Almadén and Idrija) and other contaminated sites, these bioassays reveal critical insights into toxicity parameters and ecological impacts, including those of hydrocarbons and the insecticide imidacloprid. The research highlights their suitability as essential tools for soil risk assessment and remediation monitoring, bridging gaps left by conventional chemical quantification methods.

Editions of the works of Ioanikii Galiatovsky in Latin script in the fond of V. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine: historical and bibliological study of the exemplars

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2016 — WHE28CB7D91F0

A historical and bibliological study of 46 exemplars of six editions of works by Ioanikii Galiatovsky, a prominent figure in Ukrainian baroque literature, reveals that his anti-Catholic and anti-Muslim treatises were widely circulated among Ukrainian monasteries, educational institutions, and libraries of notable secular and religious figures. The research provides detailed bibliographic descriptions, analyzing artistic decoration, pagination specifics, defectiveness, bindings, and proveniences, while also identifying one exemplar mistakenly attributed to Galiatovsky. This study highlights the significant presence and influence of Galiatovsky's works in Ukrainian cultural and intellectual spheres during his time.

Eduard Toda, de bibli�fil i mecenes de biblioteques a mestre de bugada de papers

Poblet Monastery — 2016 — WHEF84B2136E2

Eduard Toda's legacy as a bibliophile and patron of libraries is highlighted for enriching Catalonia's cultural heritage. His generosity significantly contributed to the libraries and archives of Escornalbou and Poblet Monastery, including the introduction of book restoration classes and a shared workshop with the Escola de Bibliotecàries. This relationship, documented in the school's archives, showcased mutual affection and collaborative efforts that defined its unique character during the 1930s.

Efecto de los gradientes de pastoreo ovino sobre la vegetación y el suelo en Península Valdés, Patagonia Argentina

Península Valdés — 2016 — WHEC1256781CC

This study reveals the existence of 'piósferas' or sheep grazing gradients around water sources (aguadas) in Península Valdés, Argentina, demonstrating that grazing intensity decreases with distance from these points. Using generalized linear mixed models and multivariate techniques, researchers found that reduced grazing led to increased vegetation coverage, soil organic matter, vertical complexity, and microtopography, while higher grazing correlated with bare soil, gravel content, annual plant coverage, and soil compaction. The findings highlight significant ecosystem degradation linked to sheep grazing, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies to balance livestock activities with biodiversity conservation in this UNESCO-recognized region.

Efecto del manejo sobre la diversidad de árboles en vegetación secundaria en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul, Campeche, México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2016 — WHECEFCE9C3C8

A study on the Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche, reveals that long-term forest management practices, such as thinning, harvesting, and species enrichment, significantly influence tree diversity and structure in secondary vegetation derived from dry tropical forests. The research found that while species composition remained similar between managed and unmanaged secondary vegetation, differences emerged when comparing these to primary dry tropical forests (BTS). Notably, apicultural management (VSMA) led to the lowest species diversity but the highest tree density, whereas conventional forest management (VSMF) resulted in lower densities. Primary BTS exhibited the highest basal area, underscoring its structural dominance. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of managed areas to assess both adverse and beneficial impacts on floristic diversity and long-term conservation outcomes.

Effect of evapotranspiration on dissolved inorganic carbon and stable carbon isotopic evolution in rivers in semi-arid climates: The Okavango Delta in North West Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2016 — WHE780A7AC41F

A significant increase in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C DIC) was observed in the Okavango River, with DIC concentrations rising by 379% during flood conditions and 500% during non-flood periods. Evaporation experiments on river samples demonstrated even more pronounced increases, with DIC concentrations surging by 535% and 850% for proximal (Mohembo) and distal (Maun) portions of the delta, respectively. The δ13C DIC increase was attributed to CO2 loss during chemical equilibrium with atmospheric CO2, followed by carbon exchange between DIC and atmospheric CO2. However, the river's δ13C DIC never reached the expected value for full equilibration (~0‰), suggesting that isotopic enrichment is balanced by respiration and photo-oxidation of carbon-depleted dissolved organic matter. This study highlights the complex interplay between evapotranspiration, DIC dynamics, and stable carbon isotopes in semi-arid river systems.

Effective or not? Success or failure? Assessing heritage and archaeological education programmes – the case of Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2016 — WHEF3D271B9FF

Archaeological heritage education programmes often lack critical assessment of their effectiveness, which is crucial for ensuring the protection of sites. This study highlights that most such programmes fail to measure success adequately, despite their long-term operation. Focusing on Çatalhöyük, one of the world's longest-running education initiatives, it argues that evaluating outcomes—considering social, political, and educational contexts—is essential for improving heritage conservation efforts. The research suggests that without systematic assessment, even well-established programmes may not achieve their goals effectively.

Effects of a New Hydrological Barrier on the Temperatures in the Organic Archaeological Remains at Bryggen in Bergen, Norway

Bryggen — 2016 — WHE259C002260

A new hydrological barrier at Bryggen, Norway's UNESCO World Heritage Site, has significantly improved conditions for preserving organic archaeological remains. The barrier, designed to regulate groundwater levels and flow, reduced groundwater temperatures by up to 2 °C near the redeveloped area. This mitigation measure addresses degradation caused by urban development, ensuring optimal preservation of archaeological deposits while minimizing drainage and subsidence upstream. Monitoring post-implementation confirmed enhanced groundwater conditions, highlighting the barrier's effectiveness in safeguarding this historically significant site.

Effects of an invasive ant on land snails in the Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2016 — WHE5EE89C0538

Invasive ant species Pheidole megacephala significantly impacts endemic achatinellid snails, contributing to their decline in the Ogasawara Islands. Research shows that where the ant is present, 49% of surveyed sites lack these snails, and laboratory experiments confirm predation behavior. Despite its ecological impact, P. megacephala remains unlisted as an invasive species, highlighting gaps in official conservation frameworks. The study compared snail distribution and density between 2005 and 2015, revealing a stark contrast in areas affected by the ant's presence.

Effects of Ethnic Settlements and Land Management Status on Species Distribution Patterns: A Case Study of Endangered Musk Deer (Moschus spp.) in Northwest Yunnan, China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2016 — WHE13B19CD9E4

Musk deer (Moschus spp.) abundance is significantly higher in Tibetan settlements compared to Lisu regions, with no adverse effects from traditional gathering and transhumance practices. Hunting pressure varies notably among ethnic groups, being 7.1 times greater near Lisu settlements than Tibetan ones, indicating that protected areas alone are ineffective against human disturbance from cultural activities. The study suggests integrating indigenous practices into conservation strategies to enhance biodiversity protection in unprotected lands. Researchers used predictive models to analyze musk deer abundance indices, incorporating ethnicity, conservation status, and poaching pressure data from northwest Yunnan, China.

Effects of Land Use and Wildfires on the Habitat Selection of Great Bustard (Otis tardal.)—Implications for Species Conservation

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2016 — WHE208720E953

A patch-burning management system could significantly enhance optimal habitat availability for great bustards (Otis tarda) by increasing the area burnt annually while maintaining a spatially mosaic structure. This finding stems from a 31-year study in Hortobágy National Park, East-Hungary, where researchers analyzed the effects of land use and wildfires on the spatial distribution of bustard lekking sites. The study, one of the largest datasets on this species, observed 10,118 individuals at 639 points, revealing that increased habitat diversity positively influenced female numbers while the area burnt in previous years was a critical predictor for total bird and male counts. The research suggests that strategic burning practices could serve as an effective conservation tool to support bustard populations.

Effects of leaf litter tannin on soil ammonium and nitrate content in two different forest soils of mount Wuyi, China

Mount Wuyi — 2016 — WHE8F24D4EB4B

Research on Mount Wuyi, China, reveals that tannin content in leaf litter significantly influences soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, particularly reducing inorganic N levels more rapidly for ammonium (NH4+-N) than nitrate (NO3−-N). The study found that microbial immobilization alone does not fully explain the observed decline in N, suggesting complex interactions between litter decomposition stages and soil types. Conducted through an incubation experiment using two forest soils (Hapludults and Haplohumults), the findings highlight how plant litter quality affects nitrification and N immobilization, advancing understanding of subtropical acidic forest ecosystems.

Effects of protected area downsizing on habitat fragmentation in Yosemite National Park (USA), 1864 – 2014

Yosemite National Park — 2016 — WHEE13764E461

Between 1864 and 2014, Yosemite National Park experienced significant habitat fragmentation due to protected area downsizing. The study found that reductions in park boundaries led to increased isolation of ecosystems, particularly in meadows and old-growth forests, which are critical for biodiversity conservation. Researchers analyzed historical land-use changes using GIS mapping and landscape metrics to quantify fragmentation patterns over time. This work highlights the long-term ecological consequences of political or administrative decisions on protected areas, emphasizing the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate habitat loss.

El hospital de Pena Godón, una ventana al pasado de un despoblado olvidado en el Camino Francés a Compostela

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2016 — WHE13224868DB

Pena Godón's historical evolution mirrors that of monasteries and religious-military authorities, revealing their ties to nobility, agrarian exploitation systems, and peasant life impacts. This study deciphers how these dynamics shaped the landscape along the Camino Francés, particularly focusing on the history of hospitals and institutions in this forgotten settlement. By analyzing archival records and historical documentation, the research reconstructs Pena Godón's past, offering insights into its role as a crossroads of power, religion, and rural life during medieval times.

Electrokinetics of Carbonate/Brine Interface in Low-Salinity Waterflooding: Effect of Brine Salinity, Composition, Rock Type, and pH on ?-Potential and a Surface-Complexation Model

Stevns Klint — 2016 — WHED4FCE3E46C

A comparative study of carbonate rocks reveals that surface charge behavior is consistent across different rock types, with ζ-potential becoming more negative as brine salinity decreases. This finding suggests that low-salinity waterflooding can alter wettability in carbonate reservoirs, reducing oil-wetting tendencies. The research used Iceland spar calcite and three reservoir-related rocks—Middle Eastern limestone, Stevns Klint chalk, and Silurian dolomite—to measure ζ-potential across a range of salinities, brine compositions, and pH values. A new surface-complexation model (SCM) was developed to explain the observed increase in ζ-potential with pH, highlighting the influence of surface species like >CaSO4−, >CO3Ca+, and >CO3Mg+. Notably, chalk particles exhibited the most negative surface charges and highest reactivity to changes in pH and salinity, while dolomite showed the least.

Elevational gradient and vegetation‐environmental relationships in the central Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2016 — WHEEE77A6787F

A study of the central Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot along the southern Caspian Sea, reveals that elevation, annual precipitation, and mean temperature are the primary drivers of plant diversity and vegetation composition. Using 226 vegetation plots across two altitudinal transects (100–2000 m a.s.l.), researchers identified four distinct vegetation types through gradient analyses. While soil properties played a secondary role, topographic features like slope inclination and heat index significantly influenced floristic patterns within elevation zones. These findings provide critical insights for conservation and forest management in this unique ecosystem, characterized by its rich and diverse flora.

Élites regionales en el Perú en un contexto de boom fiscal: Arequipa, Cusco, Piura y San Martín (2000-2013)

City of Cuzco — 2016 — WHE5E4174A9D5

Between 2000 and 2013, Peru experienced significant fiscal growth, which reshaped regional elites in Arequipa, Cusco, Piura, and San Martín. This study reveals that economic booms altered the composition of political and business elites, with notable shifts in their organization and influence. While political elites remained dominant, business elites gained prominence due to increased economic activity, particularly in extractive industries. The research compares how these elites interacted across regions, highlighting disparities in their capacity to contribute to regional development. Methodologically, the study combines conceptual analysis of elite behavior with empirical data on economic and institutional changes during this period.

Embodying the kingly persona : ephemerality and memory in Temple 18 of Copan

Maya Site of Copan — 2016 — WHEBD16EDB283

Temple 18 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán, a late Classic Maya funerary crypt, serves as a powerful extension of the kingly persona, legitimizing the rule of Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat and memorializing his presence in the site's landscape. This study reveals that the temple, Copán's final construction, reflects the political turmoil of its time while embedding military and maize iconography to convey historical and mythical messages. Through iconographic analysis, spatial analysis, and archaeological and epigraphic data, researchers deciphered Temple 18's role in reinforcing royal authority, offering new insights into Maya kingship and funerary practices.