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Pond use and relative abundance of Tapirus bairdii in the Calakmul region, Campeche, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2016 — WHEDE1100F0B2

A higher relative abundance of Central American tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) was found in the ejido Nuevo Becal (NB), a disturbed area with human activities, compared to the protected Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (RBC). The study, conducted using camera traps at nine water holes in each site from 2014, revealed that tapirs visited water holes more frequently and with shorter latency periods in NB than in RBC. The relative abundance was 37.0 tapir registrations per 1,000 camera-traps/nights in NB versus 6.2 in RBC, suggesting that water bodies are critical for tapir conservation, even in areas with human disturbance where hunting does not occur. The findings highlight NB as a priority area for tapir conservation in Mexico, indicating that non-hunting human activities may not significantly impact tapir populations.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2016 — WHEF417280E90

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering innovation. This publication by Peter Wakelin explores the aqueduct's unique design, which includes a 384-meter-long, 36-meter-high structure that carries boats across the Tredegar Valley without the use of locks or tunnels. The research delves into the canal's historical significance, its construction challenges, and its enduring legacy as a symbol of industrial ingenuity. Wakelin examines the aqueduct's role in transforming transportation and economic development during the Industrial Revolution, while also addressing its preservation and cultural value today. The study combines archival research with engineering analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable feat of civil engineering.

Population Genetics of Overwintering Monarch Butterflies,Danaus plexippus(Linnaeus), from Central Mexico Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellite Markers

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2016 — WHE8F2243F7DE

A study reveals significant genetic differentiation between migratory and nonmigratory populations of monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, in Mexico. Using mitochondrial DNA (COI and COII) and microsatellite markers, researchers found low haplotype diversity and limited gene flow between the behaviorally distinct groups, despite similarities in haplotype frequencies between nonmigratory populations from distant locations like Mexico and Costa Rica. Demographic analyses suggest a population expansion during the late Pleistocene (~35000-40000 years ago), followed by stability with an effective female population size of around 6 million over the last 10,000 years. Microsatellite data, however, showed no clear structure between groups, possibly due to heterozygote deficiencies.

Post Drought Population Status and Trend of Specialized Browsers in the Mid Kenya-Tanzania Borderland

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2016 — WHE8D9D36C514

After the severe drought of 2007–2009, populations of specialized browsers—Gerenuk, Fringe-eared Oryx, and Lesser kudu—showed significant recovery in Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya, particularly in West Kilimanjaro. Between 2010 and 2013, Gerenuk increased by +1650.48 ± 1150.31 individuals, while Lesser kudu and Fringe-eared Oryx also saw substantial growth (+912.78 ± 487.63 and +366.65 ± 233.32, respectively). Seasonal variations in density and distribution were observed, with Gerenuk and Lesser kudu showing higher concentrations in Amboseli during the wet season, while Fringe-eared Oryx expanded its range, particularly in West Kilimanjaro. The study highlights the resilience of these species post-drought but underscores the importance of seasonal management strategies to sustain their populations.

Post-fire Successions of Vegetation and Pinus koraiensis Ectomycorrhizal Communities in Korean Pine–Broadleaf Forests of the Central Sikhote-Alin

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2016 — WHE6FA5AC42BA

In the Central Sikhote-Alin, Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) seedlings thrive best during late-successional stages (90–100 years and 230–250 years), where balanced ectomycorrhizal fungal communities and thick soil layers foster successful mycorrhization. Early post-fire stages (fresh burns) promote competitive mycorrhization by stress-adapted fungi, while mid-successional stages (50–60 years) show the least successful mycorrhiza formation. The study analyzed four successional phases, linking vegetation structure to Korean pine seedling survival and fungal community dynamics, revealing critical insights into forest regeneration after disturbances.

Post-mortem findings in southern right whales Eubalaena australis at Península Valdés, Argentina, 2003-2012

Península Valdés — 2016 — WHE71EABB96BA

A decade-long investigation into the mortality of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Península Valdés, Argentina, revealed alarming trends with no clear cause for the majority of deaths. Between 2003 and 2012, 605 whale strandings were recorded, including a peak of 116 in 2012, with calves-of-the-year representing 89.9% of cases. Post-mortem examinations on 212 whales identified only 6.6% with known or probable causes, such as ship strike, blunt trauma, pneumonia, myocarditis, and meningitis. Pathogen testing for viruses and parasites yielded negative results in most cases, except for Brucella spp. in a newborn with pneumonia. Ante-mortem gull parasitism was common but rarely linked to systemic disease. The study highlights the need for further research to identify consistent causes behind these significant mortality events.

Potencial económico de la captura de peces de ornato bajo protección federal en México

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2016 — WHE555BD75865

Aquarium fisheries for five federally protected ornamental fish species in Mexico's Gulf of California and Pacific coast could generate modest economic gains, with the highest potential found in Baja California's Encantadas Islands, Los Angeles Bay, and San Lorenzo Archipelago. The study estimated maximum allowable catch based on population density and natural mortality rates, then calculated net monetary gain for a representative fishing area (220 hectares). While earnings may not fully sustain organized fisheries, they offer viable supplementary income. Researchers recommend stricter quota controls to ensure sustainability, noting that Marietas Islands (Jalisco) and Revillagigedo Islands also show promise outside the gulf.

Poverty Point Objects Reconsidered

Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point — 2016 — WHE946F3915E3

A groundbreaking analysis of Poverty Point Objects (PPOs) challenges the long-held assumption that these enigmatic, hand-molded clay artifacts were primarily used for roasting food. Instead, researchers propose they may have served multiple functions, including boiling water and as symbolic tokens linking vast distances within the Poverty Point culture area. Through thin-section analysis of 66 samples from nine southeastern U.S. regions, the study demonstrates that PPOs circulated widely, reflecting standardized forms unique to this ancient culture. This finding underscores the sophistication and complexity of Poverty Point society, distinguishing it from other archaeological cultures that used similar clay objects.

Pre‐Hispanic and Colonial Flood Plain Destabilization in the Texcoco Region and Lower Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE5814BA739F

A study of the flood plains in the eastern Basin of Mexico reveals significant episodes of intense flooding over the past 3000 years, marked by distinct alluvial units and soil horizons. These periods of destabilization correlate with major societal changes: Unit C corresponds to the Formative period's population growth and deforestation, while Unit D aligns with land use shifts during the Late Classic and Early Toltec periods (A.D. 800–1100). A stable phase during the Toltec and Aztec periods is evident in soil S4, whereas Unit E reflects rapid sedimentation during the Spanish Colonial period, likely due to the abandonment of terraces and check dams. Climatic fluctuations may have indirectly influenced these phases, though their direct role remains uncertain. The research combines stratigraphic analysis with historical context to reconstruct environmental and societal dynamics in the Texcoco region and lower Teotihuacan Valley.

Pre‐Hispanic Mortuary Practices in Quebrada de Humahuaca (North‐Western Argentina): Genetic Relatedness among Individuals Buried in the Same Grave

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2016 — WHE660D96600F

A genetic analysis of pre-Hispanic mortuary practices in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals high levels of kinship among individuals buried together. By examining autosomal and uniparental DNA markers from two archaeological sites dating to the Late Formative (1450–1050 BP) and Regional Developments I (1050–700 BP) periods, researchers identified strong maternal and paternal relatedness in collective graves. This suggests that such burials were likely reserved for close family members, providing new insights into the social significance of death in these ancient societies. The study's findings, though limited to two cases, underscore the potential of ancient DNA in reconstructing mortuary behaviors and familial structures in UNESCO-listed sites like Quebrada de Humahuaca.

Precipitation and elephants, not fire, shape tree community composition in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2016 — WHEF53AA99800

A groundbreaking study reveals that tree community composition in Serengeti National Park is primarily shaped by precipitation and elephant herbivory, not fire. Analyzing data from 38 plots across a mean annual precipitation gradient, researchers found no evidence linking fire to species turnover. Structural equation modeling further indicated that elephant population density likely drives tree community variation rather than the other way around. This challenges traditional assumptions about savanna dynamics, suggesting that bottom-up factors like precipitation and top-down forces such as herbivory play dominant roles in structuring Acacia tree communities.

Predaceous water beetles (Coleoptera, Hydradephaga) of the Lake St Lucia system, South Africa: biodiversity, community ecology and conservation implications

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2016 — WHE8473B1BD04

A comprehensive survey of predaceous water beetles (Hydradephaga) in the Lake St Lucia wetlands, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Parkreveals at least 68 species, a remarkable diversity that rivals global hotspots. This is the first biodiversity census for this critical aquatic group in South Africa, with several taxa documented for the first time in the region. While temporary depression wetlands, not permanent waters, emerged as hotspots for beetle richness—a contrast to other taxa like molluscs and dragonflies—this study underscores the importance of preserving diverse wetland habitats to sustain biodiversity in this globally significant ecosystem.

Predicting biomass of hyperdiverse and structurally complex central Amazonian forests – a virtual approach using extensive field data

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2016 — WHE6D660576EB

Researchers found that generic global or pantropical models for predicting aboveground biomass (AGB) can introduce significant biases, ranging from -31% to +39%, when applied to hyperdiverse and structurally complex tropical forests like those in the Central Amazon. The study highlights that reliable biomass assessments at landscape scales require models tailored to local floristic composition and size-distribution variability. Using extensive field data from 727 trees across 101 genera, the team developed two high-performing models with minimal bias (0.8% and 3.9%) and low root-mean-square error (RMSE) values of 9.4 and 18.6 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. These findings underscore the need for species-specific allometric data and forest inventories to accurately assess biomass in the Amazon basin, particularly in secondary forests where such data are often lacking.

Prediction of Land-Surface Temperatures of Jaipur City Using Linear Time Series Model

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2016 — WHE6C91D428E4

A linear time series (LTS) model developed for predicting land-surface temperature (LST) in Jaipur, India, demonstrates high accuracy with mean absolute error (MAE) ranging from 0.292 to 0.353 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) from 0.098 to 0.123. The model, validated using LST data from 2014, shows a strong correlation (average R² of 0.95) between predicted and measured temperatures. Utilizing remote sensing data from MODIS and ASTER sensors, the study incorporates enhanced vegetation index (EVI), elevation, and historical LST to forecast future temperatures effectively. This approach provides a robust tool for analyzing urban heat island (UHI) effects, applicable to various urban studies.

Predictors of incompletion of immunization among children residing in the slums of Kathmandu valley, Nepal: a case-control study

Kathmandu Valley — 2016 — WHE58301BDB22

A study in the slums of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, reveals that 26% of children aged 12–23 months remained incompletely immunized, with measles vaccine coverage notably lower (80.5%) than BCG (95%). Key predictors of incomplete immunization included home delivery, rental housing, poor caretaker knowledge of vaccination schedules, negative perceptions about vaccinating sick children, and abscess formation post-vaccination. The research employed an unmatched case-control design, analyzing data from 236 children to identify independent risk factors using backward logistic regression. Findings suggest targeted interventions—such as reducing abscess rates, increasing follow-ups for home-born children or renters, and educating caretakers about immunization schedules and side effects—could significantly improve vaccination completion in slum settings.

Prehistoric Socio-Political Structure on Pohnpei: Perspectives from Mortuary Contexts

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2016 — WHE65BDDD5685

Nan Madol, the ceremonial center of Pohnpei, served as a significant socio-political hub during Pohnpeian prehistory, functioning as a state for several centuries before decentralization. This study reveals that monumental mortuary structures across the island, including those at Nan Madol, provide critical insights into the mechanisms of social change and power dynamics. By analyzing architectural features, scale, labor investment, and hierarchical relations between burial types, the research identifies potential indicators of socio-political change and examines the role of coercive versus cooperative labor strategies in state maintenance. The findings suggest that while monumental architecture reflects complex societal structures, the absence of archaeological evidence for conflict implies a reliance on cooperative social dynamics, challenging traditional theories of state development.

Preliminary Report on the Third and Fourth Seasons of Excavations of the Italian-Palestinian Expedition at Tell es-Sultan/Jericho, 1999-2000

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2016 — WHEA008133383

A joint Italian-Palestinian expedition at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, has made significant strides in understanding the site's urban development during key periods of Early Bronze III and Middle Bronze I–III. The research focuses on seriation of material culture and urban topography, providing insights into the evolution of this historic site. Additionally, efforts to restore the area aim to establish a National Archaeological Park, preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.

Presencia de la paloma turca (Streptopelia decaocto) en el archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2016 — WHE8D7D43031E

A notable finding of the Turkish turtle dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico, was documented for the first time at two islands: Clarión and Socorro. Observations between March and July 2015 revealed adult birds associated with human activity, specifically around a naval base and its vessels. This discovery highlights the species' presence in remote, pristine environments influenced by anthropogenic factors. The study underscores the need for further research to assess the distribution, abundance, and ecological impacts of this invasive species on the archipelago's biodiversity.

Preservation and excavation of Baekje tombs of Seoul: Royal Tombs in Seokchon-dong

Baekje Historic Areas — 2016 — WHEA88E4C6B48

The preservation and excavation of Baekje tombs in Seokchon-dong, Seoul, revealed 23 additional tombs in three layers during a 40-year study, significantly expanding our understanding of early Baekje funerary practices. Initially threatened by urban development in the 1980s, government intervention redirected a main road underground and designated an extensive conservation area (33,000 m²), allowing for the restoration of royal tombs and relics. The research confirmed transitions from pit burials to stone-lined and mound tombs, providing critical insights into Hansung Baekje's 500-year history. This work underscores the importance of proactive heritage preservation in archaeological research.

Prevalence of brucellosis in the human, livestock and wildlife interface areas of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2016 — WHED415EBB298

A cross-sectional survey conducted between 2005 and 2006 in agropastoral communities near Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, revealed a 5.6% seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle, with no human cases detected. The study used the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Competitive Enzyme Linked-immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) to analyze sera from 82 humans and 413 livestock across four villages at the domestic-wildlife interface. Seropositivity was restricted to cattle, with herd-level prevalence ranging from 25% to 66.7%. Age and sex were not statistically associated with infection in cattle (P = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.8 for age and P = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.6, 3.7 for sex). The findings highlight the need for further investigation to identify circulating Brucella strains and inform control interventions in domestic animals.