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Bistorta tenuifolia var. gidarensis (Polygonaceae), a new variety from India

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2013 — WHE4FAF85051B

A new variety of Bistorta tenuifolia, named B. tenuifolia var. gidarensis (Polygonaceae), has been identified from the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area and alpine meadows in Uttarakhand, India. This discovery was made during a botanical excursion where researchers noted its viviparous nature and distinct morphological traits, such as acute perianth lobes, minute stamens included within the perianth, and reniform anthers. These features differentiate it from the typical B. tenuifolia and related species like B. vivipara. The study highlights the importance of detailed morphological analysis in identifying new plant varieties, contributing to the botanical diversity documentation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Black bear baiting in Alaska and in Alaska's National Park Service lands, 1992–2010

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2013 — WHE923921BEA4

Between 1992 and 2010, black bear harvest over bait in Alaska increased annually by 4.3%, with no significant population-level impacts observed on National Park Service (NPS) lands, where fewer than 37 bears were harvested using this method. While statewide harvests rose steadily, NPS units saw minimal bait-related harvests, primarily concentrated in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The study highlights that bear baiting's complexity lies in balancing management goals—such as minimizing food-conditioning, ensuring public safety, and preventing defensive kills—rather than population control. Researchers recommend applying conservation ethics to assess policies on bear baiting, emphasizing that its characterization as a conservation issue is misleading.

Blood parasites in noddies and boobies from Brazilian offshore islands – differences between species and influence of nesting habitat

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2013 — WHEF9B277EA8F

A molecular screening of blood parasites in seabirds from Brazil's Atlantic Ocean islands revealed distinct infection patterns between noddy and booby species, with Haemoproteus infecting brown noddies at low prevalence and Babesia primarily affecting juvenile masked boobies. Ground-nesting species exhibited higher parasite exposure compared to tree-nesting counterparts, suggesting nesting habitat influences vector exposure. The study highlights the need for broader datasets to understand blood parasite prevalence in seabirds.

Bollywood dance as political participation? On flash mobs, new media, and political potential

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) — 2013 — WHEA8B850CAFD

A flash mob dance performance at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai, India, on November 27, 2011, revealed the implicit political dimensions of Bollywood dance when set to popular culture and new media. This event sparked online debates, highlighting how such performances can serve as a form of political participation. The study situates this CST flash mob within broader Bollywood dance scholarship, examining its global proliferation and digital circulation as fandom in performance. It explores the intersection of live performance, popular culture, and new media to assess democratic potential, offering insights into how grassroots cultural expressions can engage with local and online contexts.

Bologna porticoes project: A 3D repository for WHL UNESCO nomination

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2013 — WHECE6077D799

A high-quality, uniform 3D digital repository of Bologna's porticoes system—spanning over 40 km—was developed to support UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. This innovative platform integrates historical, architectural, and management data through a controlled, low-cost photo-modeling process, enabling spatial and temporal navigation for citizens, tourists, and scholars. The system facilitates cross-media applications like mobile apps and augmented reality while fostering public engagement via social media. By centralizing diverse datasets into an interactive 3D interface, the project not only preserves Bologna's architectural heritage but also underscores its cultural and social significance as a communal space.

Botanical diversity of Hyrcanian forests; a case study of a transect in the Kheyrud protected lowland mountain forests in northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2013 — WHEB3DD33B2B2

Species diversity in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran increases with elevation, particularly above 1000 meters, where hemicryptophytes and geophytes dominate. The study, conducted in the Kheyrud protected area—a lowland mountain forest reserve—analyzed floristic data across three elevational belts (lowland, submountain, and mountain) over two years. Researchers identified 295 plant taxa, including 10% endemic to Iran and 5.5% unique to the Hyrcanian region. Euro-Siberian elements constituted nearly a quarter of the flora. The findings highlight the importance of elevation in shaping botanical diversity and provide insights into life form variations compared to other regions.

Bridge Engineering in Russia

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2013 — WHEF02576D55D

Aqueducts, such as the Pont du Gard in southern France, exemplify the Romans' advanced engineering prowess. Built around 18 BC, this three-tiered structure stands at 49 meters tall and spans 273 meters, showcasing their ability to conquer hostile terrains and symbolize civilization's progress. The study highlights the historical significance of Roman bridge construction, emphasizing its role in human development, trade, and warfare. While the focus is on Russian bridge engineering, the Pont du Gard serves as a benchmark for comparing ancient techniques with modern advancements.

Bronze Age pottery from the Aeolian Islands: definition of Temper Compositional Reference Units by an integrated mineralogical and microchemical approach

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHECE0BDF2AB8

Researchers have identified four distinct Temper Compositional Reference Units (TCRUs) for Bronze Age pottery from the Aeolian Islands, enabling precise provenance discrimination. By analyzing a statistically significant sample of 186 volcanic temper-bearing potteries, the study integrated mineralogical and microchemical approaches, including multivariate analysis, Electron Microprobe, and Laser Ablation—Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Two TCRUs (AI and AX) were distinctly characterized by unique trace element enrichment and petrographic composition, primarily associated with Lipari and Stromboli, respectively. The other two units (AIV and AVIII), linked to Filicudi and Stromboli, exhibited distinct petrographic features but overlapping geochemical profiles. This method enhances understanding of pottery dispersion during the Capo Graziano culture (2300–1430 BC) and provides a robust framework for archaeological provenance studies.

Building Negotiated Agreement: The Emergence of Community-Based Tourism in Floreana (Galápagos Islands)

Galápagos Islands — 2013 — WHEE76A38BC34

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Floreana, Galápagos Islands, emerges as a quasi-experimental model for reconciling tourism development with social and environmental goals. The study reveals that CBT's effectiveness hinges on multi-level governance coherence, the interdependence of regional and local dynamics, and the alignment of diverse actor worldviews with intended outcomes. Using ethnographic fieldwork and discourse analysis within the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, researchers identified key elements critical to implementing CBT successfully. This approach offers a blueprint for participatory tourism management that balances economic, social, and ecological objectives in protected areas like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Building stone as a part of a World Heritage Site: ‘Piedra Pajarilla’ Granite and the city of Salamanca, Spain

Old City of Salamanca — 2013 — WHEA2555A4FA2

A unique granite, 'Piedra Pajarilla,' has been identified as the primary building material for many of Salamanca's monuments, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study highlights the importance of preserving and using the original building stone for restoration to maintain architectural integrity, avoiding the pitfalls seen with alternative materials. The research emphasizes the durability and historical significance of local granites, drawing parallels with ancient Roman engineering practices that prioritized longevity and local sourcing. By analyzing the properties and historical use of 'Piedra Pajarilla,' the study advocates for its preservation to ensure the authenticity and resilience of Salamanca's heritage structures.

Building up the collective: a critical assessment of the relationship between indigenous organisations and international cooperation in the Paraguayan Chaco

Chaco Culture — 2013 — WHEC43C19C5D8

International cooperation in Paraguay's Chaco region often reinforces a narrow definition of 'the political,' sidelining indigenous practices by labeling them as religious or ignoring them altogether. This study critiques how such cooperation, rooted in the nature-culture divide, undermines diverse indigenous political expressions. Through qualitative analysis, it examines the implications of this dynamic on indigenous organizations, highlighting the need for more inclusive frameworks that recognize and integrate indigenous political agency beyond conventional Western constructs.

Can Camera Traps Monitor Komodo Dragons a Large Ectothermic Predator?

Komodo National Park — 2013 — WHEECAF8DA08B

Camera trapping proves effective for monitoring Komodo dragon populations, offering a logistically feasible alternative to cage traps. The study found that detection probabilities varied by site and survey number but remained consistent between camera and cage traps, with similar occupancy estimates across methods. This suggests that camera traps can reliably assess long-term occupancy patterns in this large ectothermic predator, aiding conservation efforts for the species.

Características geológicas de los depósitos de turba en Costa Rica (estudio preliminar).

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2013 — WHE50C8A6BF6F

A preliminary study reveals significant variations in peat deposits across three sites within Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. Peat in the Talamanca range, covering about 150 km², is characterized by its high ash content (21%), low water content (84%), and extensive bioturbation, with a notable bulk density of 0.22 g/cm³ and caloric value averaging 7700 BTU/lb, dry. In contrast, peat in Medio Queso de Upala exhibits the highest caloric values (8000 BTU/lb, dry), fixed carbon (30%), and ash content (22%) among sampled sites, interbedded with alluvial layers within a 70 km² flood plain. Meanwhile, El Silencio near Siquirres features peat exceeding 3.5 m in thickness, with lower bulk density (0.13 g/cm³), higher fiber content (53%), and a pH of 5.8. The study highlights the diverse geological characteristics of these peat deposits, providing insights into their potential uses and environmental significance.

Carbon Stocks of Tropical Coastal Wetlands within the Karstic Landscape of the Mexican Caribbean

Sian Ka'an — 2013 — WHE210A5A770C

Coastal wetlands within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR) in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula store significant amounts of carbon, with tall mangroves holding the highest stocks at 987±338 Mg ha⁻¹. Soil carbon constitutes 78-99% of these stocks, indicating its critical role in ecosystem carbon storage. The study found that lower salinity and higher phosphorus levels in soils correlate with greater carbon sequestration potential, suggesting phosphorus limitation. Across the 172,176-ha reserve, coastal wetlands may store between 43.2 to 58.0 million Mg of carbon, underscoring their importance as a climate mitigation strategy. Researchers quantified ecosystem carbon stocks by measuring above and belowground biomass, downed wood, soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and interstitial salinity at nine sites within SKBR.

Carl Mauch and Some Karanga Chiefs Around Great Zimbabwe 1871–1872: Re-Considering the Evidence

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2013 — WHE262E4ADB9D

A re-examination of Carl Mauch's 1871–1872 records reveals that his accounts of Karanga society and politics around Great Zimbabwe were compromised by faulty geographic readings, inconsistent orthography, and subjective narrative shifts. This challenges the reliability of his observations as a primary historical source, necessitating a contextual reassessment of his role in shaping interpretations of late 19th-century African political dynamics.

Carnets de terrain au Koutammakou (Togo)

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — 2013 — WHE4E3F40065B

Field notebooks from Koutammakou, Togo, reveal significant insights into the cultural and environmental dynamics of the UNESCO-listed Batammariba lands. The study documents traditional practices, architectural techniques, and ecological adaptations, providing a detailed account of how the Batammariba people have sustained their way of life in this arid region. By analyzing these field notes, researchers uncover the resilience of local communities in preserving their heritage amid environmental challenges. The approach combines ethnographic observations with archival analysis, offering a unique blend of historical and contemporary perspectives on this World Heritage Site.

Carotenoids in certain lichens of Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest — 2013 — WHE9921866D15

Research identifies a diverse array of carotenoids in lichens from Białowieża Forest, with concentrations varying significantly across species and environmental conditions. The study detected 15 distinct carotenoids, including α-carotene, β-carotene, and astaxanthin, with total content ranging from 16.83 to 92.98 µg per gram of dry weight. Notably, differences in carotenoid composition and concentration were observed among species collected from niches with varying insolation levels. The findings were obtained using column- and thin-layer chromatography techniques, providing insights into the biochemical adaptations of lichens in this UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot.

Carving Devotion in the Jain Caves at Ellora. By Lisa N. Owen

Ellora Caves — 2013 — WHEB6B2342574

Ellora's Jain caves, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal intricate carvings that encapsulate deep spiritual devotion and artistic mastery. Lisa N. Owen's work meticulously analyzes these caves, uncovering their significance as both religious symbols and architectural marvels. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating art history, archaeology, and iconography to decode the narrative behind the carvings. By examining the interplay of light, shadow, and space within the caves, Owen highlights how these elements enhance the devotional experience for visitors. This research not only advances our understanding of Jain cave architecture but also underscores its enduring cultural and spiritual impact.

Case studies

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2013 — WHEFAAC2992C4

Five exceptionally preserved luxury villas along the Bay of Naples, dating from the late 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, offer unparalleled insights into Roman villa architecture and culture. These include the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, Villa Oplontis A at Torre Annunziata, Villa Arianna A and B, and Villa San Marco at Stabiae. The villas represent the best-documented examples of early imperial luxury villas, providing exceptional evidence for architectural styles, artistic expression, and cultural practices of the period. Their preservation allows for detailed study of Roman elite living spaces, contributing significantly to our understanding of this era's material culture.

Cave Rituals and the Brain's Theatre

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2013 — WHE8106B2D52E

Prehistoric cave art, particularly in the Decorated Cave of Pont d'Arc (Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc), suggests that ritual performances and hallucinatory experiences were integral to human cognitive evolution. The study proposes that these caves served as both physical and mental 'theatres,' where shared emotions, neural simulations, and altered states of consciousness—possibly induced by sensory deprivation or shamanic practices—shaped early human subjectivity. Analyzing Chauvet Cave's art alongside lesser-known sites in France and Spain, the research connects geometric patterns, animal figures, and hybrid creatures to modern hallucinatory experiences, hinting at a dual function: recording visionary states and facilitating communal rituals. The findings imply that cave environments, with their acoustic and spatial properties, were deliberately selected for performances that bridged primate playfulness and complex human self-awareness.