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Showing 26121 – 26140 of 30315 publications

Distribution And Abundance Of Geotrupidae In Different Habitats Of Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2013 — WHED83436922C

Research on the Curonian Spit reveals that the abundance and distribution of Geotrupidae beetles vary significantly across different habitats, with higher diversity observed in dune and forest ecosystems compared to coastal areas. The study employed field surveys and sampling techniques to assess species richness and population dynamics in these distinct environments. Findings highlight the importance of habitat heterogeneity for biodiversity conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distribution and age-specific plumage states of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis)

Henderson Island — 2013 — WHE244C344CF1

A comprehensive analysis of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis) reveals its vast migratory range, spanning 6,000 km from New Zealand to the tropical Pacific and 11,000 km east to west. The study identifies distinct plumage states—adult, immature, transitional, and a potential new juvenile plumage—using museum specimens. It also documents seasonal migration patterns within New Zealand, with nearly all birds returning in adult plumage by October. Additionally, the research highlights an uneven sex ratio in eastern Polynesia, favoring males (74%), while other regions show a more balanced distribution. This work confirms the species' extensive range and provides new insights into its age-specific migratory behavior.

Distribution, seasonality and habitat preferences of the endangered M adagascar P ond‐heron A rdeola idae on A ldabra A toll: 2009–2012

Aldabra Atoll — 2013 — WHEEAAA806B64

Aldabra Atoll, one of the world's least disturbed and best-protected breeding sites for the endangered Madagascar Pond-heron (Ardeola idae), hosts a stable but unquantified population despite intensive monitoring efforts. The study, conducted from 2009 to 2012, confirmed that the species breeds seasonally (November–March) in shallow water habitats dominated by Thespesia populneoides shrubs, primarily on the logistically challenging eastern side of the atoll. No breeding attempts were observed, but birds in breeding plumage indicated ongoing reproduction. The research combined targeted surveys with opportunistic monitoring, training local staff in identification and data collection techniques. While population estimates remain elusive due to the species' high sensitivity to disturbance and the atoll's size, long-term monitoring is underway to gather critical data for conservation management. This study highlights Aldabra's importance as an undisturbed breeding ground and underscores the need for sustained research to address knowledge gaps in the species' ecology.

Divergent trajectories: Environment, heritage and tourism in Tanegashima, Mageshima and Yakushima

Yakushima — 2013 — WHE4DFA260E4D

Yakushima, Tanegashima, and Mageshima islands exhibit divergent trajectories in heritage orientation, tourism development, and environmental protection. While Yakushima prioritizes natural conservation, Tanegashima focuses on historical and technological innovation. This divergence challenges generalized characterizations of island socio-economic destinies. The study analyzes these contrasting approaches using qualitative methods, highlighting the complex interplay between heritage preservation, tourism, and environmental stewardship in small island contexts.

Diversité des Fougères et leurs alliées le long du gradient altitudinal au sein de l’écosystème forestier des montagnes du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega (RD CONGO)

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2013 — WHE137FFCA980

A study of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reveals that altitude significantly influences the distribution and diversity of ferns and their allies. The research found that species richness decreases linearly with increasing altitude above 2600 meters, a trend consistent across both disturbed and intact sites. Among the 157 species identified, only 37 (23.56%) were adapted to all altitudinal conditions, spanning submontane, montane, and subalpine belts. Canonical analysis indicated that altitude is the dominant abiotic factor explaining 71.7% of the variance in fern distribution, with temperature playing a secondary but crucial role. This suggests that ferns in these regions are categorized as macrothermal, mesothermal, or microthermal based on their altitudinal adaptation.

Diversity of Aulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) in the oceanic Ogasawara Islands (Japan), with description of a new species from Anijima Island

Ogasawara Islands — 2013 — WHEE9A9082F33

A new species of Aulacidae parasitoid, Pristaulacus anijimensis, has been identified from Anijima Island in the Ogasawara Islands, marking a significant contribution to the region's biodiversity. This discovery highlights the unique faunal composition of the islands, where P. boninensis is widely distributed, while P. anijimensis is restricted to Anijima. The study also warns that the recent introduction of green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) poses a conservation threat to these species, potentially altering their status in the near future. Detailed morphological descriptions and an updated key for Japanese Aulacidae were provided, offering valuable taxonomic insights for researchers.

Diversity, activity patterns, and habitat use of the snake fauna of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park in Central Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2013 — WHE586E407B7D

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP) in central Brazil harbors one of the richest snake faunas among South American open biomes, with 47 species documented from seven families. The study, conducted between 2006 and 2009, revealed that snake incidence is highly seasonal, primarily associated with rainfall, and daily activity patterns vary significantly, with most species being strictly diurnal while others are nocturnal or crepuscular. Species richness estimators suggest the park may contain even more snake diversity than initially documented. The research provides critical insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of this UNESCO-listed protected area, emphasizing its importance for conservation efforts in the Cerrado biome.

Diverslly of Understorey Vegetation in Three Lowland Rain Forests in Southwest of Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2013 — WHEEAFA45F780

A comparative analysis of understorey vegetation diversity and composition in three lowland rainforests—Sinharaja, Kanneliya, and Oliyagankele Forest Reserves—reveals no significant differences in Shannon diversity indices, though slight variations exist. Sinharaja and Kanneliya host the highest number of endemic species (40 each), while Oliyagankele has 36. The study identifies Euphorbiaceae as the dominant family in Sinharaja and Oliyagankele, whereas Fabaceae prevails in Kanneliya. Unique species are more abundant in Sinharaja (11) than in the other reserves. Despite similar diversity levels, compositional differences correlate with elevation and rainfall gradients, highlighting distinct ecological patterns across these UNESCO-listed sites.

Documentation and Monitoring of Built Heritage in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) — 2013 — WHEAAD9DA9359

Abu Dhabi's built heritage, spanning from the 3rd millennium to the pre-oil era, is being systematically documented and monitored using advanced techniques like 3D laser scanning. This initiative, led by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), aims to preserve cultural landscapes and historic buildings constructed with traditional materials such as stone, earth, and palm wood. The documentation process, which follows international best practices, serves as a crucial tool for understanding structural integrity and guiding conservation efforts. Case studies demonstrate how this approach enhances the management of built heritage, ensuring its long-term preservation.

Dogu Ege’de Yeni Bir Erken Tunç Çağı Kenti:Troas Bölgesi’nde Bozköy- Hanaytepe Y

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2013 — WHEB314FACFB7

Recent archaeological surveys at Bozköy-Hanaytepe, located 13 km south of Troy and dating back to the Early Bronze Age, have uncovered material closely resembling that found at Troy I. This coastal settlement, measuring approximately 110 meters in diameter and 11-12 meters in height, stands out as a significant find due to its size and material density, distinct from the larger central city of Troy. Bozköy-Hanaytepe is unique for its layered deposits spanning from the Late Neolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age, providing crucial evidence for the transitional period between the end of the Fifth Millennium BC and Troy I. The study examines typological and chronological aspects of the recovered material, comparing it with stratified finds from West Anatolia, the Eastern Aegean Islands, the Greek Mainland, the Cyclades, and the Balkans. This research sheds light on the maritime culture of Troy I and contributes to understanding regional settlement patterns during this period.

Domestic architecture in the Early Bronze Age of western Anatolia: the row-houses of Troy I

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2013 — WHE167A3937B4

A reanalysis of the Early Bronze Age site of Troy reveals that its domestic architecture, characterized by flat-roofed, long-room dwellings arranged in rows and sharing lateral walls, diverges from previous interpretations. Unlike the proposed 'megaron' houses or the circular layout seen at Demircihüyük, Troy I's unique 'row-house' style was prevalent across western Anatolia during the early third millennium BC but not in neighboring regions like central Asia Minor or the Aegean. This study applies vernacular architecture concepts to Troy I and contemporary sites, shedding light on the social and cultural factors that shaped domestic architectural traditions in early third-millennium western Asia Minor.

Domestication and inequality? Households, corporate groups and food processing tools at Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2013 — WHE98779509A6

At Çatalhöyük, Neolithic households exhibited both egalitarian traits and emerging social complexity. Analysis of 2429 ground stone artefacts from 20 buildings and 9 outdoor yards revealed that while households had private property and relatively equal access to cooking features and some tools, large millstones (querns) were likely shared due to their high cost and deliberate destruction, suggesting taboos on inheritance. Lorenz curves indicated that storage units, unbroken querns, and unfinished roughouts were the most unequally distributed food preparation facilities, pointing to subsistence intensification, craft specialization, and early factional competition.

Dr. Annie Gautier-Hion (1940–2011)

Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua — 2013 — WHE2ECD76EED9

Dr. Annie Gautier-Hion made significant contributions to the understanding of central African primates, particularly through her pioneering work on guenons and western lowland gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Her research spanned 35 years, focusing on ecology, evolution, and biogeography, which advanced primate evolutionary biology and ecology. She led groundbreaking studies that shed light on the behavior and conservation of these species, producing over 170 publications during her career. Her work at the Paimpont Biological Station (University of Rennes) laid foundational knowledge for future research in primatology.

Drinking Senegalese Tea with Mint after a Visit to the Slave House of Gorée Island

Island of Gorée — 2013 — WHEBD9ACDE6D5

A poetic exploration of cultural identity and historical memory, 'Drinking Senegalese Tea with Mint after a Visit to the Slave House of Gorée Island' delves into the emotional and linguistic complexities experienced by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers during her visit to Gorée Island. The work reflects on themes of displacement, ancestral anger, and the interplay between African and American identities, using vivid imagery such as the ocean's role in both historical trauma and personal connection. Jeffers' narrative approach—blending autobiography, cultural critique, and poetic language—challenges conventional narratives about Gorée Island, particularly its representation as a site of both slavery and resistance. The poem captures the tension between Senegalese customs and her own unruly identity, while also acknowledging moments of connection and healing through shared rituals like tea-making. This work contributes to broader discussions on memory, heritage, and the emotional weight of visiting sites with complex historical legacies.

Du paysage au terroir viticole de forte pente : à la recherche des leviers du management territorial

Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces — 2013 — WHEC7D75B1062

Steep vineyard landscapes, such as those of Lavaux and the Cinque Terre, exemplify humanity's adaptation to environmental constraints. These landscapes, recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance, are shaped by the challenges posed by steep terrain, which influences viticultural practices and land transactions. The study introduces an ontological system to model these vineyard landscapes, combining field observations with multi-agent modeling (SMA). This approach aims to uncover the social and landscape mechanisms at play in such territories, offering insights into territorial management strategies.

Dynamic connectivity patterns from an insular marine protected area in the Gulf of California

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2013 — WHE805982C440

Dynamic connectivity patterns from San Pedro Mártir Island, a small and isolated marine protected area in the Gulf of California, reveal significant spatial variability over time. Using particle-tracking models based on hydrodynamic data, researchers found that larvae dispersal spans up to 600 km along the coast, with potential ecological and genetic connectivity to distant fishing sites and neighboring Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), though not simultaneously. The study highlights the temporal changes in connectivity, influenced by lunar phases and reproductive cycles of commercial species, suggesting that retention within the island declines from May to June and with longer planktonic durations. These findings underscore the need for adaptive MPA networks that account for dynamic ocean features and match species' reproductive patterns and fisheries behavior.

Dynamic responses of a grotto under strong earthquake, Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi province, China

Yungang Grottoes — 2013 — WHE9AA126E5F1

A study on the Yungang Grottoes, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Chinese Buddhist temple complex, reveals that thin rock layers between grottoes experience rhythmic displacement during strong earthquakes. The research, using 3-D finite element modeling of the 19th grotto's west ear-grotto, found that peak ground acceleration (PGA) can be amplified up to 130 times in certain regions, particularly where the roof of the ear-grotto meets the upper rock mass—a zone prone to collapse. This critical insight underscores the structural vulnerability of these heritage sites during seismic events, emphasizing the need for targeted preservation strategies.

Dynamic Stability of Coral Reefs on the West Australian Coast

Ningaloo Coast — 2013 — WHEDEE7D31A39

Coral cover at Ningaloo Reef has remained relatively stable over 25 years, averaging around 28%, though significant declines have been observed in north-eastern and southern areas due to periodic disturbances like cyclones and thermal anomalies. A meta-analytical approach revealed that latitude explains 10% of the deviance in coral cover through time at Ningaloo, with Acroporidae corals decreasing in abundance relative to more thermally and mechanically tolerant families. The study highlights gaps in quantitative time-series data, particularly in north-western Australia, and emphasizes the need for standardized monitoring methods to improve conservation efforts.

Dynamics of seawater carbonate chemistry, production, and calcification of a coral reef flat, central Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2013 — WHE56640F0111

Coral reef calcification on the Great Barrier Reef is highly sensitive to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, with even small shifts in aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) driving measurable shifts in net ecosystem calcification. The study, conducted at Davies Reef flat in the central Great Barrier Reef, found that daytime net community production (NCP) and net ecosystem calcification (NEC) were significantly higher than nighttime values across both summer and winter seasons. Warming explained a substantial portion of seasonal shifts in pCO2 and pH, underscoring the vulnerability of reefs to climate change. The research highlights the critical role of carbonate chemistry in coral reef resilience and provides data essential for predicting global-scale changes to reef calcification under ocean acidification.

Dynamics of the summer shelf circulation and transient upwelling off Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2013 — WHE541734BFED

Research off Ningaloo Reef reveals that northward wind-driven currents periodically reverse the coastal flow, triggering transient upwelling—a rare phenomenon along Western Australia's coast. This process is driven by interactions between the southward-flowing Leeuwin Current and strong northward winds, leading to cooling of coastal waters. The study combined field observations from moorings with nested numerical models (ROMS) to capture mesoscale dynamics influencing shelf circulation. Findings indicate that upwelling sources nutrients from deeper water layers, likely affecting Ningaloo Reef's ecosystems due to the region's steep shelf slope and strong summer stratification.