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Patterns in floral traits and plant breeding systems on Southern Ocean Islands

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2015 — WHE84DCBE79DC

A significant proportion of flowering plant species on Southern Ocean Islands (SOIs) exhibit traits indicative of wind pollination (anemophily) and self-compatibility, challenging the expectation that these harsh environments would favor such reproductive strategies. The study found that 34.3% of the 321 SOI species possess anemophilous floral traits, while 92.6% of potentially self-fertilizing species were confirmed as partially or fully self-compatible. Gender dimorphy (dioecy and gynodioecy) occurred in 7.1% and 3.4% of species, respectively, with no clear evidence of in situ evolution. Notably, anemophily was more prevalent in genera occurring on subantarctic islands, while biotic pollination traits were significantly higher on climatically milder, cool temperate islands. These findings suggest that reliance on biotic pollinators has constrained species distribution on SOIs, though mixed mating strategies are likely common. The study also highlights the need for further in situ research to better understand the reproductive biology of SOI species.

Pb Isotopes Study in Recent Sediments from Paraty Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Antropogenic Versus Oceanic Signatures

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2015 — WHE531B0F6492

A study of lead (Pb) isotopes in sediments from Paraty Bay, Brazil, reveals distinct isotopic signatures that differentiate anthropogenic pollution from oceanic sources. The research identifies three groups of Pb isotope ratios: one linked to an unidentified pollutant source, another suggesting a mix of continental pollutants and oceanic water, and the third representing clear oceanic influence. These findings highlight significant isotopic differences due to human activities, providing a valuable tool for tracing changing pollutant sources in marine environments. The study used sediment samples from two sectors of Paraty Bay, analyzing Pb isotope ratios (208Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 206Pb/204Pb) via MC-ICP-MS to discriminate between domestic sewage, industrial, and geogenic sources.

Pb pollution from leaded gasoline in South America in the context of a 2000-year metallurgical history

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2015 — WHE8F305BB278

Modern lead (Pb) pollution from leaded gasoline in South America surpasses historical levels by threefold, even in regions with intense metallurgical activity. A 2000-year ice core record from Illimani glacier revealed that Pb emissions peaked during the Tiwanaku/Wari culture (AD 450-950), Inca empire (AD 1450-1532), colonial times, and early 20th-century tin production. The study used high-resolution ice core analysis to track Pb deposition, showing that post-1960s gasoline-related emissions dominate the region's anthropogenic Pb pollution history.

Pembuatan Mobile Tour Guide Museum Sangiran dengan Augmented Reality Berbasis Markerless Tracking

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2015 — WHE64EA21F51D

A mobile augmented reality (AR) guide for the Sangiran Early Man Site museum, leveraging markerless tracking technology, demonstrated high user engagement and satisfaction among visitors. The application, developed using a waterfall methodology and evaluated through surveys with Likert-scale questions, achieved strong validity (Cronbach's alpha: 0.97) and reliability. Over 93% of respondents expressed interest in the app, with near-universal approval for its ease of information access (97%), navigation (100%), interactivity (94%), and innovation (97%). This study highlights the potential of AR to enhance digital preservation and visitor experience at UNESCO World Heritage Sites by making archaeological artifacts more accessible and interactive.

Perkembangan Desa Wisata Jatiluwih setelah UNESCO Menetapkan Subaknya sebagai Bagian dari Warisan Budaya Dunia

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2015 — WHE012466BD93

UNESCO's designation of the Subak system in Bali's Jatiluwih village as a World Heritage Site in 2012 has significantly enhanced its social, cultural, and economic development. The study reveals that traditional farming practices, mutual cooperation, and rituals remain robustly maintained, while local arts are conserved and developed. Economic benefits, including job opportunities and income growth, have improved due to increased tourism, with active community participation in planning and management. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding the poor condition of public facilities and information services, which negatively impact tourist perception despite their generally positive views on the rice field attraction. The research employed qualitative methods, including observation, interviews, and documentary analysis, to assess these developments.

Permanent and temporary ponds in Doñana National Park (SW Spain) are threatened by desiccation

Doñana National Park — 2015 — WHE4655EE8DED

Doñana National Park faces severe threats to its aquatic habitats due to increasing desiccation. Research reveals that both permanent and temporary ponds have become more dependent on annual rainfall over recent decades, with some seasonal ponds drying up even in wet years. The largest permanent pond, which once exhibited stable inundation levels, now fluctuates dramatically with rainfall and risks complete desiccation during dry periods. Groundwater abstractions, particularly near urban pumping stations, are identified as the primary driver of this decline. Using Landsat imagery, scientists tracked changes in pond inundation areas, documenting a troubling trend toward shorter hydroperiods and reduced water availability across the park's wetland network. Urgent action to regulate groundwater extraction is deemed critical to preserving Doñana's ecological integrity.

Persian Gardens and Pavilions: Reflections in History, Poetry and the Arts

Pasargadae — 2015 — WHEE1EEC509FB

Scholarly interest in Persian gardens surged following the excavation of Pasargadae by Scottish archaeologist David Stronach in 1967. This site revealed intricate connections between Persian gardens and pavilions, reflecting their significance in history, poetry, and the arts. The research delves into the architectural and cultural dimensions of these gardens, emphasizing their role as symbols of power, aesthetics, and social cohesion in ancient Persia. By analyzing historical texts, archaeological evidence, and artistic representations, the study reconstructs the spatial and symbolic organization of Pasargadae's garden-pavilion complexes, offering insights into their design principles and cultural functions.

Persistence of distinctive morphotypes in the native range of the CITES ‐listed Aldabra giant tortoise

Aldabra Atoll — 2015 — WHEC903C7311C

Aldabra Atoll's giant tortoise population exhibits stable, distinct morphotypes across subpopulations, contradicting earlier assumptions that such variation was temporary. This persistence suggests varying ecological selection pressures rather than lingering genes from extinct species. Researchers analyzed 15 years of monitoring data (1998-2012) and historical survival records to assess density, size, and sexual dimorphism in four subpopulations. Findings indicate no population decline, with differences primarily attributed to vegetation types. The study underscores the importance of in situ conservation for maintaining scientific value and adaptive potential under future ecological pressures.

Personal Ornaments of the Swabian Aurignacian

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2015 — WHE2F7C1D277E

Archaeological excavations in the caves of the Swabian Jura, Germany, have uncovered over 600 mammoth ivory beads dating to the Aurignacian period. These artifacts, primarily from Hohle Fels cave and backdirt near Vogelherd cave, exhibit a dominance of double-perforated bead forms, suggesting they served as personal ornaments. The variety in their designs points to the emergence of identity formation among the Aurignacian people during this era. The study provides a detailed overview of these ornaments, highlighting their cultural significance and contribution to understanding early human symbolism.

Petro Logical Chemical Investigations for Characterization of Marble Stones Discovered Konar-Sandal (Jiroft-Iran)

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2015 — WHE482F4600F8

Marble stones unearthed in the Jiroft region of Iran, dating back to the second millennium B.C., exhibit distinct petrological and chemical characteristics compared to those found at Shahr-i Sokhta. The study reveals that these marbles are primarily composed of calcium (Ca) and calcium oxide (CaO), with a compact, orderly structure attributed to metamorphic conditions. Unlike their counterparts in Shahr-i Sokhta, the Jiroft marbles show unique internal structures, offering new insights into ancient craftsmanship and regional provenance. The research employed petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses to characterize the crystalline structures and bulk chemical composition of the samples.

Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae), an Avian Nest Parasite Invasive to the Galapagos Islands, in Mainland Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2015 — WHEF490E4D109

A recent study reveals that the avian nest parasite Philornis downsi, native to mainland South America, has extended its invasive reach to the Galápagos Islands, where it targets Darwin’s finches and other land birds. The research identifies mainland Ecuador as a potential route for this invasion, based on the first documented presence of P. downsi in the region. Analyzing 20% of nests in 2013 and 27% in 2014 from western Ecuador, scientists found that P. downsi accounted for 74% (2013) and 40% (2014) of dipteran puparia, with lower parasitism rates than those observed in the Galápagos. Additionally, two new bird hosts—streak-headed woodcreeper and fasciated wren—were recorded for the genus Philornis. The study also documents a parasitoid wasp (Brachymeria) preying on P. downsi puparia, with emergence holes noted in 9% (2013) and 19% (2014) of samples. This research underscores the ecological impact of invasive species and highlights the need for monitoring to mitigate threats to native bird populations.

Phylogeny and biogeography of the mite harvestmen (Arachnida : Opiliones : Cyphophthalmi) of Queensland, Australia, with a description of six new species from the rainforests of the Wet Tropics

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2015 — WHECE5F7ABD12

Researchers have uncovered six new species of mite harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi) within the rainforests of Queensland's Wet Tropics, a region renowned for its biodiversity. This study marks the first detailed phylogenetic analysis of the genus Austropurcellia, shedding light on the historical biogeography of these dispersal-limited arachnids. By integrating morphological and molecular data, the team provided novel insights into the evolutionary relationships and distribution patterns of these creatures, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Wet Tropics' invertebrate diversity.

Phylogeography of the Laotian Rock Rat (Diatomyidae:Laonastes): Implications for Lazarus Taxa

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2015 — WHED6AFC881A7

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes), a reclusive mammal, exhibits significant genetic divergence across its range in Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Hin Nam No National Parks, suggesting it may represent a 'Lazarus taxon'—a species thought extinct but rediscovered. This discovery challenges traditional views on biodiversity in these UNESCO-listed karst landscapes. Researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA from 20 individuals, uncovering deep phylogenetic splits that imply long-term isolation in the region's complex cave systems. The findings highlight the importance of these parks as refugia for unique and cryptic species, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect such elusive fauna.

Phylogeography, Genetic Diversity, and Management Units of Hawksbill Turtles in the Indo-Pacific

Aldabra Atoll — 2015 — WHE92AA3979EE

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) exhibit complex phylogeographic patterns with weak isolation by distance and evidence of multiple colonization events, including transoceanic migration between the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-Pacific rookeries. This study analyzed the most geographically comprehensive dataset of hawksbill turtles in the Indo-Pacific, sequencing 766 bp of the mitochondrial control region from 492 samples across 13 locations, revealing 52 haplotypes distributed in 5 divergent clades. Diversification times varied between Indo-Pacific and Atlantic lineages, potentially linked to sea-level changes during the Last Glacial Maximum. Demographic expansion signals were detected only in the Persian Gulf region, suggesting recent colonization. The findings propose eight management units for conservation planning, providing critical baseline data for mixed-stock analyses of feeding grounds in the Indo-Pacific.

Physical and Microbiological Analysis of Sandstone Deterioration in the Argentine Jesuit Missions

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2015 — WHE0C5082D5FC

A study of the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis in Argentina revealed that sandstone deterioration is driven by microbial colonization, primarily cyanobacteria, alongside algae and fungi. These organisms, often deeply pigmented due to stressful conditions, thrive more abundantly on itacurú rock at San Ignacio Miní, attributed to its higher porosity facilitating water and nutrient entry. Physicochemical analysis showed ion mobilization, particularly iron (Fe), from the stone's interior to its surface, exacerbating weathering. This process transforms the sandstone into a 'protosoil,' supporting the growth of bryophytes and higher plants. The research combined physical and microbiological analyses to elucidate the mechanisms behind sandstone degradation in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Phytochemical analysis ofAchillea ligusticaAll. from Lipari Island (Aeolian Islands)

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2015 — WHE2C306196D8

A comprehensive phytochemical analysis of Achillea ligustica All. from Lipari Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, revealed 17 unique metabolites, including sesquiterpenoids and flavonoid glucuronides not previously documented in this species. The study identified compounds such as (3RS,6RS)-2,6-dimethyl-1,7-octadiene-3,6-diol and iso-seco-tanapartholide from dichloromethane extracts, alongside novel flavonoid glucuronides like apigenin-7-O-glucuronide and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide. These findings suggest a chemotaxonomic significance for the species, with similarities to populations in Greece, Sicily, and Algeria. The research employed GC/MS analysis on petroleum ether extracts and isolated metabolites from aerial parts and flowers, providing new insights into the chemical diversity of Achillea ligustica.

Pickleherring Returns to the Kremlin: More New Sources on the Pre-History of the Russian Court Theatre

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2015 — WHE0FD96011C5

New evidence reveals that the Kremlin's court theatre in 1672 was influenced by two performances for Tsar Aleksej Michajlovič, featuring foreign residents of Moscow. The May 1672 performance expanded on a February production with more characters, including female roles played by male actors, and likely involved Swedish correspondent Christoff Koch as the eyewitness account author. Additionally, the study traces early court efforts to establish a permanent theatre, including attempts to engage the German Paulsen-Velten acting troupe. These performances may have shaped the tsar's court theatre repertoire, particularly the character 'Pickleherring,' marking a significant precursor to Russia's formal theatrical tradition.

Pictografías en Coctaca (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2015 — WHE22889FA10F

A recently discovered rock painting at the Coctaca archaeological site (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina) reveals insights into the advanced agricultural and pastoral practices of its inhabitants. Dating between 1300-1400 CE, the pictographs—depicted in white, red, and black—suggest a strong focus on livestock herding and textile production, particularly through the representation of protective guards. The site's extensive terraces for cultivation, underground silos, and scattered settlement structures further underscore its agricultural dedication. This study highlights the sophisticated socio-economic organization of Coctaca's inhabitants, offering new evidence for their artistic expression and material culture.

Pigeons and Doves in Australia

Lord Howe Island Group — 2015 — WHE6DAB8DD485

Pigeons and doves, part of the Order Columbiformes, are one of the most successful and recognizable bird groups globally, with a strong presence in Australia's diverse ecosystems. The book 'Pigeons and Doves in Australia' by Forshaw and Cooper provides a comprehensive overview of these birds, including their distribution, plumage diversity, and historical significance. It highlights the impact of excessive hunting on local populations, leading to the extinction of two species on Lord Howe Island and one on Norfolk Island. The work also includes detailed management practices for all species and historical accounts of extinct species, making it a standard reference for ornithologists and aviculturists. Recognized with a 2015 Whitley Awards Certificate of Commendation, the book combines scientific knowledge with superb artwork to visually appreciate these birds in their natural habitats.

Pittosporum peridoticola (Pittosporaceae), a new ultramafic obligate species restricted to Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia)

Kinabalu Park — 2015 — WHE40962E278E

A new species of Pittosporum, P. peridoticola, has been discovered on Mount Tambuyukon within Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia. This ultramafic obligate species is restricted to the protected area and exhibits distinct morphological traits adapted to its unique habitat. Analysis of soil chemistry in its rooting zone revealed high magnesium-to-calcium ratios, elevated nickel and manganese concentrations, but low potassium and phosphorus levels, typical of ultramafic soils. Foliar elemental stoichiometry analysis suggested an 'Excluder-type' ecophysiology shared among Pittosporum species from both ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils. With only two known populations, P. peridoticola is vulnerable to stochastic disturbances like forest fires or severe droughts, warranting a conservation status of 'Near Threatened'.