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Locals’ Attitude Towards Cultural Heritage Values: The Tumulus Tombs of Bin Tepe

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2025 — WHE85BDB40E0E

Locals in the Manisa districts of Salihli and Ahmetli, Türkiye, do not perceive the tumulus tombs of Bin Tepe as significant tourist attractions due to limited accessibility and lack of tourism infrastructure. The study, which analyzed local attitudes toward these Lydian-era necropolis—part of a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site since 2013—revealed that most residents view them primarily for their cultural heritage value rather than tourism potential. Research employed qualitative methods to assess perceptions of preservation efforts, agricultural land impacts, and local government initiatives. Findings suggest the need for integrated tourism planning to enhance public engagement with this geomorphologically significant site.

Locating Dangerous Algerians

Kasbah of Algiers — 2025 — WHE18A4673A87

Historical analysis reveals that policing strategies in Marseille and Algiers, though differing in approach, both contributed to the criminalization of North Africans through targeted surveillance and legal justifications. While Marseille relied on specialized police units and aid services, Algiers employed expansive criminal laws to legitimize broad police powers. Both models fostered paradoxical relationships marked by animosity and dependence, shaped by the îlotier policing style. This study highlights how routine interactions between police and North Africans in areas like the Casbah of Algiers and Rue des Chapeliers expanded state control beyond uniformed officers to include bureaucrats and aid services.

Long-Distance Obsidian Conveyance During the Neolithic: A Critical Analysis of Three Obsidian Blades Found in Poland

Nemrut Dağ — 2025 — WHE8143C68E5C

Three obsidian blades found in Poland, traced to the Nemrut Dağ source in eastern Anatolia, represent the furthest known western distribution of this material—approximately 2,200 km from its origin. This discovery triples the previously recorded range for Nemrut Dağ obsidian and challenges assumptions about Neolithic trade networks. The study critically evaluates contextual evidence, techno-typological features, and raw material analysis (EDXRF) to validate the artefacts' authenticity. By reconstructing their history of recovery and curation, researchers provide a nuanced interpretation of long-distance obsidian conveyance during the Neolithic period.

Long-Term Changes in the Breeding Success of the Dalmatian Pelican Colony in the Srebarna Nature Reserve (NE Bulgaria) and Conservation Measures Over the Years

Srebarna Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHEFF53E06F4C

A long-term study (1955–2024) of the Dalmatian pelican colony in Srebarna Nature Reserve, Bulgaria, reveals a significant improvement in breeding success over decades despite recent declines. The number of nests fluctuated between 7 and 150, with a notable downward trend in the last five years. Conservation measures, such as raised wooden platforms and protective fences, have proven effective in maintaining the colony's viability. However, external factors like human disturbance, predation by invasive species, and competition from alternative nesting sites pose growing threats. The study underscores the need for continued conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable population.

Long-Term Dynamics of Mangrove Vegetation Coverages in Indonesia’s National Parks Derived from Remote Sensing Data

Lorentz National Park — 2025 — WHE415AA1BF68

Over the past three decades, mangrove ecosystems within Indonesia's national parks have shown resilience and improvement, with more than 80% of studied areas exhibiting positive trends in vegetation health. Using satellite data from Landsat missions (1995–2024), researchers analyzed the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) across 23 national parks, revealing that Lorentz National Park—one of Indonesia’s largest—hosts some of the most extensive and thriving mangrove regions, particularly in river estuaries. While isolated parks like Alas Purwo show significant expansion, localized declines in EVI were linked to tourism pressure and land conversion in Komodo and Kutai National Parks. Despite these challenges, mangroves remain well-preserved overall, with no extreme changes observed. This long-term assessment provides critical insights for conservation strategies, emphasizing the need to address human-induced pressures while leveraging remote sensing for effective ecosystem monitoring.

Long-term Variability of Ice Concentration in the Solovetsky Islands Area Based on Situ Data

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE424C1A694A

A significant decline in ice concentration has been observed in the Solovetsky Islands area of the White Sea over the past four decades, with notable reductions in both the duration and extent of sea ice coverage. This trend, derived from long-term in situ data analysis spanning 1980–2020, highlights a shift towards shorter and less extensive ice seasons, particularly in coastal zones critical to the cultural and historic ensemble's ecological balance. The study employs a combination of historical records, satellite imagery, and ground-based observations to quantify these changes, providing empirical evidence for accelerating Arctic sea ice loss.

Long‐term hydrologic connectivity on the Australian dryland margins: Evidence from the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area over the last 60 ky

Willandra Lakes Region — 2025 — WHEF4D899725E

A new study reveals that the Willandra Lakes Region experienced rapid and extreme hydrologic shifts during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), despite lower precipitation and increased evaporation. Unlike prior periods where permanent lakes persisted due to higher catchment precipitation, the LGM saw rapid cycles of lake filling and drying, driven by seasonal snowmelt from highland headwaters and reduced vegetation cover, which enhanced runoff efficiency. This research integrates sediment-based chronologies, water-flux modeling, and palaeoclimate reconstructions to quantify thresholds for lake system filling and reconstruct past hydroclimatic conditions over the last 60,000 years.

Loos-en-Gohelle, a resilient town

Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin — 2025 — WHE538B04AAC1

Loos-en-Gohelle, once a small agricultural village with just 500 inhabitants, has demonstrated remarkable resilience following its profound transformation by coal extraction over the past 150 years. This study highlights how the town, located within the Lens-Lièvin agglomeration in the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, transitioned from a rural landscape to an industrial hub while maintaining cultural and social cohesion. The research approach involves analyzing historical records, urban planning documents, and community narratives to uncover the factors contributing to Loos-en-Gohelle's adaptability. Key findings emphasize the interplay between post-mining regeneration strategies and local identity preservation, offering insights for similar territories undergoing socio-economic shifts.

Lord Lovat's Piper

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2025 — WHEAFE95742BD

During the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, Scottish soldier Bill Millin played his pipes on Normandy's beaches under heavy German fire, serving as the personal piper to Lord Lovat, commander of the British 1st Special Service Brigade. Despite the perilous conditions, Millin remained unharmed while marching and playing regimental tunes, which significantly boosted morale for advancing soldiers. This unique account highlights the psychological impact of musical motivation in high-stress combat scenarios, offering a rare firsthand perspective on the role of tradition and leadership during pivotal historical events.

Lorscher Bienensegen is an Amulet: Using Manuscript Margins to Make Amulets

Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch — 2025 — WHEBD8C5EFFAD

A new interpretation of the Old High German 'Lorscher Bienensegen' suggests it was not merely a written version of an oral beekeeping tradition but an amulet designed to influence bee behavior. Contrary to previous assumptions, the text's placement upside down in the margins of a 9th-century manuscript (Vatican, Cod. Pal. Lat. 220) and the presence of cut-out margin strips indicate it was intended for use as a protective or behavioral amulet in apiaries. The study supports this claim by analyzing other 'Bienensegen' texts that explicitly instruct writing down the incantation to prevent bees from fleeing, combined with evidence of manuscript mutilation, which could have been repurposed into amulets.

Los pueblos indígenas frente a la conservación moderna en Costa Rica (1970-2020). Un acercamiento desde la sociología crítica del poder

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2025 — WHE700E21A1F0

Indigenous peoples in Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves face complex relationships with modern conservation efforts, marked by both cooperation and conflict. This study reveals that while protected areas like La Amistad National Park aim to preserve biodiversity, they often clash with the cultural and territorial rights of indigenous groups such as Bribri, Cabecar, Brunka, Maleku, and Chorotega. Using a critical sociological approach, the research analyzes primary and secondary documents from archives, including texts by indigenous movements, to synthesize key findings on environmental and political histories (1970-2020). It highlights how power dynamics shape conservation policies, offering insights into the challenges of balancing ecological preservation with indigenous sovereignty.

Lost Cities in the Near East: Reassembling Knowledge through Archival Research and Excavation Documentation

Samarra Archaeological City — 2025 — WHE4FBF23B70D

Research on the 'lost cities' of Western Asia, such as Palmyra and Samarra, reveals that early explorations and archaeological practices have shaped narratives about their urban histories, often marginalizing certain periods. By analyzing archival research, historical literature, and excavation documentation, this study demonstrates how political regimes and scholarly traditions influence contemporary understandings of these cities. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to reconstructing knowledge about these significant heritage sites.

Love bites? Pre-copulatory behaviours of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2025 — WHEE2FC3F6E3A

Researchers at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, have documented pre-copulatory behaviors of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), shedding light on a poorly understood aspect of their reproductive biology. The study observed a sexually mature male exhibiting following and biting behaviors toward a smaller female, consistent with courtship patterns seen in other elasmobranch species. These findings align with anecdotal reports from fishers, pilots, and aquarium observations, providing the first field-based evidence of such behavior in wild whale sharks. The research utilized direct field observations to capture these rare interactions, offering valuable insights into the mating strategies of this enigmatic marine species.

Low Genetic Diversity and Complex Population Structure in Black Piranha ( Serrasalmus rhombeus ), a Key Amazonian Predator

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2025 — WHE2FAAC32377

A groundbreaking study reveals the black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus), a keystone predator in the Amazon basin, exhibits alarmingly low genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding across half of its surveyed sites within the Central Amazon Conservation Complex. Despite its ecological significance, this species lacks conservation attention, with no regulatory framework or strategies currently in place. Researchers analyzed 248 samples from 14 tributaries using Genotyping-by-Sequencing, uncovering complex population structures influenced more by historical events than contemporary factors. Surprisingly, the study also identified higher dispersal capacity and potential cryptic species, highlighting the need for urgent conservation action to protect this vital Amazonian predator.

Low-Altitude UAV Trajectory Optimization for Complex 3D Terrains Based on Energy Consumption

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHE09250D7B67

A novel three-dimensional flight energy consumption model for UAVs, combined with an upgraded ant colony algorithm, significantly reduces energy usage by 9.1% to 36.3% compared to existing greedy algorithms while ensuring comprehensive coverage of complex terrains like Jiuzhaigou Valley. The approach incorporates dynamic pheromone updating and elite strategies to optimize climb energy consumption and obstruction penalties, addressing the limitations of traditional two-dimensional trajectory planning. Simulation experiments using real topographic data validate its effectiveness in enhancing UAV efficiency for applications such as environmental monitoring and geographic mapping.

Luciobarbus brachycephalus

Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHE341B3F121D

Luciobarbus brachycephalus, a fish species native to the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins in Central Asia, is classified as vulnerable in Tajikistan. Research from 2003 to 2018 documented its presence in floodplain lakes and riverbeds of the lower Vakhsh River within the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. The study confirms its distribution across multiple rivers, including the Syr Darya, Amu Darya, and possibly Kafirnigan and Kyzylsu Rivers, reinforcing its endangered status due to habitat loss and environmental changes. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts in these critical regions.

Luciobarbus conocephalus

Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHEAA637EF822

A recent study identifies Luciobarbus conocephalus, a vulnerable fish species, as present in the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve within Tajikistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This discovery, based on specimen examination and historical records, confirms its distribution across key rivers like Amu Darya, Syr Darya, and Vakhsh, including the Kairakkum reservoir. The research highlights the species' conservation status as vulnerable, aligning with IUCN criteria, and underscores its significance in the region's biodiversity. Historical references trace its presence from the 19th century to recent observations (2003–2018), providing critical data for conservation efforts.

LWRsand condition factors of 32 fish species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park(Republic of Congo, Central Africa)

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2025 — WHEB1BFC90C7F

A comprehensive analysis of length-weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factors for 32 fish species in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, reveals significant variability in growth patterns and physiological states. The allometric coefficient b of LWRs ranged from 2.158 to 3.546, while condition factor values spanned from 0.524-0.937 for Xenomystus nigri to an exceptionally high 10.402-14.967 for Distichodus teugelsi, indicating species-specific differences in growth dynamics and body composition. This study provides critical baseline data on fish biology in the Congo Basin, contributing to broader understanding of aquatic ecosystems in this biodiverse region.

Maam Kumba Bang, from the River to the Sea, with Calabash and Curdled Milk

Island of Saint-Louis — 2025 — WHEACF06BEFD0

The myth of Maam Kumba Bang, a water deity revered on the Island of Saint-Louis in Senegal, reveals a profound relational ecology where kinship with more-than-human entities fosters horizontal human relationships. This study demonstrates that Maam Kumba Bang serves as an ancestor of relation, shaping the island's ecosystem and cultural practices through rituals performed between the Sénégal River and the Atlantic Ocean. By integrating West African oral traditions with concepts of oceanic kin, the research highlights how shared respect for water underpins social cohesion and ecological vitality. The findings introduce a sensitive epistemology into critical ocean studies, emphasizing the role of myth in sustaining more-than-human relationships and cultural continuity.

Machine learning approach to Nemrut Dağ and Bingöl obsidians: insights from Tūlūl al Baqarat obsidian prehistoric tools (Iraq, IV millennium BC) and volcanological implications

Nemrut Dağ — 2025 — WHE7BD24405B5

A machine learning approach has identified Nemrut Dağ stratovolcano in southeastern Turkey as the likely source of nine obsidian blades from the archaeological site of Tūlūl al Baqarat (Iraq), dating back to the 4th millennium BC. The study, which employed non-invasive chemical analysis and geochemical comparisons, found that these tools exhibit a unique peraluminous rhyolite composition with high zirconium content, distinguishing them from other known Turkish and Armenian obsidian sources. This discovery supports the hypothesis of extensive trade networks along the Tigris River during prehistoric times, facilitating exchange between Turkey and the South Near East as early as 4000 years ago.