World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 26561 – 26580 of 30315 publications

Opinion 2316 (Case 3463) Testudo gigantea Schweigger, 1812 (currently Geochelone (Aldabrachelys) gigantea; Reptilia, Testudines): usage of the specific name conserved by maintenance of a designated neotype, and suppression of Testudo dussumieri Gray, 1831 (currently Dipsochelys dussumieri)

Aldabra Atoll — 2013 — WHEDC777EA0B3

A decision by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has conserved the specific name Testudo gigantea for the giant land tortoise native to Aldabra Atoll, affirming its long-standing usage and resolving taxonomic ambiguity. The ruling maintains a 2006 neotype designation while suppressing T. dussumieri, clarifying the scientific name for this iconic species. This action ensures stability in nomenclature, aligning with established practices and supporting conservation efforts for one of the world's most significant reptile populations.

Organotin pollution from pleasure craft at Paraty, a tourist area of Southeastern Brazil: amelioration or interference?

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2013 — WHE7B0EE41A71

Despite the global ban on organotins, persistent levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its breakdown products dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) were detected in mangrove sediments at Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its culture and biodiversity. The study found TBT concentrations ranging from 16.0 to 205.7 ng Sn g-1, even at reference sites, indicating ongoing illegal use on small pleasure craft. Increased imposex incidence in the gastropod Stramonita haemastoma suggests recent TBT inputs, potentially interfering with endocrine disruption assessments. The research highlights the need for stricter enforcement and monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts in this ecologically significant tourist area.

Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of pine and cypress litter in selected habitats of Sicily (Italy)

Mount Etna — 2013 — WHEEF7F5FADC0

A study of oribatid mites in pine and cypress litter across Sicily, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Etna, reveals distinct community structures shaped by habitat. The highest diversity and abundance were found in cypress litter in Agrigento and on Etna's slopes, with small species like Suctobelbella subcornigera dominating near the crater. In contrast, pine litter in Agrigento showed the lowest diversity, while Giardini Naxos habitats featured Oppiella nova and Ramusella clavipectinata dominance. The research used Shannon, Pielou, and Hurlbert indices to quantify evenness, highlighting low species evenness except near Etna's crater. Juvenile mites were also notable in certain taxa. This work contributes to understanding microarthropod ecology in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Orogen styles in the East African Orogen: A review of the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian tectonic evolution

Island of Mozambique — 2013 — WHE864703EAF3

The East African Orogen, spanning from Israel to Mozambique and Madagascar, is the world's largest Neoproterozoic to Cambrian orogenic complex. This study reveals distinct phases of orogeny between 850 and 550 million years ago (Ma), culminating in the closure of the Mozambique Ocean around 620 Ma during the East African Orogeny. Post-orogenic extension, interpreted as resulting from lithospheric delamination, occurred diachronously between 600-480 Ma. The orogen exhibits varied styles: an accretion-type orogen in the Arabian-Nubian Shield, a hot-to-ultra-hot orogen in the Eastern Granulite-Cabo Delgado Nappe Complex, and a Himalayan-type orogen in Tanzania and Madagascar. These findings highlight the complex tectonic evolution of the region, shaped by different geodynamic settings.

Orpheus and Pickleherring in the Kremlin: The “Ballet” for the Tsar of February 1672

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2013 — WHE691371AC5F

A pivotal event in the formation of Russian court theatre was identified: a February 1672 performance for Tsar Aleksej Michajlovič by foreign residents in Moscow, which directly catalyzed the establishment of his court theatre in October 1672. By analyzing contemporary published accounts (newspapers and Jacob Rautenfels' 1680 work) and unpublished diplomatic dispatches—some newly discovered—the study pinpointed this event's date and established connections between Western theatrical practices and early Russian staged performances. The research also contextualized subsequent court theatre performances, notably featuring the stock comic figure Pickleherring. Beyond rewriting the pre-history of Russian theatre, the findings highlight the significance of Early Modern Europe's communications revolution in cultural history, emphasizing the role of newspapers and diplomatic dispatches in shaping early Russian culture.

Os casos das igrejas de Eladio Dieste em Atlântida e Durazno

The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida — 2013 — WHE7FC4DE4670

Uruguayan engineer Eladio Dieste's innovative use of reinforced brick in architectural design, particularly in his two emblematic churches—Cristo Obrero in Atlántida (1958–60) and San Pedro in Durazno (1969–71)—challenges conventional engineering norms while achieving structural efficiency and aesthetic sophistication. Dieste's approach, rooted in the physical properties of brick and steel, subverted traditional construction standards by prioritizing fundamental principles over pragmatic solutions. His method, combining an innovative calculation technique with industrialized construction processes, allowed for the creation of complex, durable structures that transcend typical engineering constraints. The churches exemplify his mastery of light manipulation, proportional design, and symbolic material use, where brick serves as both a structural and aesthetic element, embodying a locally adapted modernity.

Osmotic adjustment of four mangrove species growing on Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2013 — WHE75F5073C49

A study on Iriomote Island, part of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reveals that mangrove species exhibit distinct diurnal variations in osmotic adjustment but lack significant differences in leaf internal solute concentrations across their distribution ranges. Researchers analyzed four mangrove species (Osbukia, Heritiera, Bruguiera, and Ceriops) at the Hira River estuary, comparing daytime and nighttime soluble sugar levels and ion ratios. While no strong correlation was found between Na+:K+ ratios and sugar concentrations, daytime increases in total soluble sugars were observed in Osbukia and Heritiera. Strong correlations existed between solute concentrations and river water salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen, though Na+:K+ ratios showed no such relationship. This suggests that osmotic adjustment in these mangroves is influenced by environmental factors but varies diurnally rather than spatially.

Osogbo and the Art of Heritage: monuments, deities, and money by Peter Probst

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2013 — WHEDD2E4145E5

Peter Probst's book, Osogbo and the Art of Heritage: monuments, deities, and money, examines the transformation of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals how colonial-era interventions, particularly those led by Suzanne Wenger, reshaped the grove's ritual landscape with modernist art, blending tradition and modernity. Probst argues that this 'experiment' was part of a long-standing local strategy to maintain control over media and cultural representation, rather than merely a response to colonial nostalgia. The research combines anthropological analysis with historical context, exploring how traditional rulers redefined the grove's significance amid religious shifts and debates over authenticity. The book highlights the contested nature of heritage processes, from its designation as a national monument in 1965 to its UNESCO recognition in 2005.

Ostracods (Crustacea) with soft part preservation from Miocene cave deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, NW Queensland, Australia

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2013 — WHEAF20028143

A groundbreaking discovery at the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Australia, reveals the first known soft part preservation of ostracods from a palaeo-subterranean habitat. The study, conducted on an Early Miocene (23–16 Ma) cave deposit, identified 26 exceptionally preserved specimens representing three new species: Heterocypris collaris, Candonocypris fimibolus, and Newnhamia mckenziana. This preservation is attributed to mineralization by calcium phosphate (apatite), likely facilitated by phosphate-rich guano from bats inhabiting the cave. Notably, some specimens exhibit extraordinary surface precipitation embedding fine structures like setules on setae, while another shows differential preservation of ovaries and hepatopancreases, a rare phenomenon in ostracod fossils.

Ottoman period water structures and water-related architecture: examples in Safranbolu, Turkey

City of Safranbolu — 2013 — WHEED6863E15E

Safranbolu, Turkey, showcases exceptional Ottoman-era water structures that exemplify traditional Turkish architecture and engineering. The study highlights the Incekaya Aqueduct, a gravity-fed system commissioned by Grand Vizier Izzet Mehmet Pasha (1794–98), which delivers drinking water from Danaköy Village to Safranbolu via the Tokatlı Canyon. Additionally, it examines pool rooms—integral to Ottoman residential architecture—both within mansions like Asmazlar and Deligözler House, and as standalone pavilion structures with garden pools in Bağlar and central districts. These features illustrate the spatial and aesthetic integration of water in historic urban planning.

Out of Arabia: A Complex Biogeographic History of Multiple Vicariance and Dispersal Events in the Gecko Genus Hemidactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)

Socotra Archipelago — 2013 — WHEE4E2C21CA8

A comprehensive phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of the gecko genus Hemidactylus reveals a complex history shaped by vicariance and dispersal events spanning 30 million years. The study identifies two basal divergences linked to the break-up of the Arabian and African landmasses, as well as the separation of Socotra from the Arabian mainland. Subsequent radiations led to multiple independent expansions into Iran (13.1 Ma), northeastern Africa (9.8 Ma and 5.9 Ma), and Socotra (8.2 Ma and 4.1 Ma). The research also uncovers cryptic diversity within the genus, particularly in southwestern Arabia and the Ethiopian highlands, confirming at least seven new species. This highlights Arabia and the Horn of Africa as critical hotspots for Hemidactylus diversity.

Overconsolidation and Stiffness of Venice Lagoon Sands and Silts from SDMT and CPTU

Venice and its Lagoon — 2013 — WHE533B06B1BF

A novel approach to estimating the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) in Venice Lagoon sands and silts using combined seismic dilatometer (SDMT) and piezocone (CPTU) tests has been demonstrated. This method provides a practical way to assess OCR, which is crucial for understanding soil behavior under loading conditions. The study, conducted at the Treporti test site in Venice, Italy, involved constructing and monitoring a cylindrical trial embankment over four years. By analyzing SDMT and CPTU soundings before and after embankment removal, researchers observed how OCR changes reflected in the soil's stiffness behavior. Additionally, the research illustrates the potential of SDMT to evaluate the decay of soil stiffness with increasing strain levels, offering valuable insights for geotechnical engineering applications.

Overview of the Mount Tai Experiment (MTX2006) in central East China in June 2006: studies of significant regional air pollution

Mount Taishan — 2013 — WHE067BA849DB

A significant increase in regional air pollution, particularly ozone (O3) and aerosol concentrations, was linked to open crop residue burning after winter wheat harvesting, combined with photochemical aging. This discovery emerged from the Mount Tai Experiment (MTX2006), conducted at the summit of Mount Taishan in central East China during late May to June 2006. The study utilized intensive field measurements to analyze seasonal maxima of O3 and its precursors, as well as aerosols. Key findings included the strong impact of regional-scale agricultural burning on pollutant levels, interactions between O3 and aerosols, validation of satellite observations of tropospheric NO2, and behaviors of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aerosol species. The observed black carbon (BC) levels were noted for their potential significant influence on regional climate.

Palaeoenvironmental significance of organic facies and stable isotope signatures: the Ladinian San Giorgio Dolomite and Meride Limestone of Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland, WHL UNESCO)

Monte San Giorgio — 2013 — WHEB3AE31094F

Monte San Giorgio reveals that its Ladinian carbonate section contains immature organic matter primarily of marine bacterial origin, with increasing land plant-derived contributions upsection. This study links organic-matter accumulation to sea-level changes, productivity, and volcanic activity-induced rainfall. Enhanced productivity during high sea levels contributed to black-shale formation under anoxic-sulphidic conditions, while low sea levels intensified runoff, leading to basin restriction and laminated limestone deposition under dysoxic to anoxic conditions. Benthic microbial activity played a significant role in hydrogen-rich organic matter production, carbonate precipitation, and vertebrate fossil preservation. The research integrates sedimentology, geochemistry, and microscopy to provide insights into palaeoenvironmental dynamics.

Palenque como Imago mundi y la presencia en ella de Itzamná

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2013 — WHEFB1EDC1881

Research at the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque reveals that the Mayan deity Itzamná, depicted as a celestial dragon or astral band, plays a central role in the site's cosmological symbolism. This is evidenced by intricate carvings and reliefs, particularly in the tomb of K'inich Janaab' Pakal and the Temple of the Cross, where Itzamná is linked to GI, a member of Palenque's divine trinity. Inscriptional evidence from these structures, including the Temple XIX, further confirms Itzamná's role as a creator deity, reinforcing its identification with the celestial dragon motif. The study deciphers these symbols through detailed analysis of architectural and epigraphic elements, offering new insights into Mayan cosmology and religious practices.

Paleoenvironmental analysis of Ediacaran strata in the Catalina Dome, Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland

Mistaken Point — 2013 — WHE04BBD29BB0

A new paleoenvironmental analysis of Ediacaran strata in the Catalina Dome, Newfoundland, reveals significant differences from other well-studied sites like Mistaken Point and Spaniard's Bay. The study identifies a stratigraphically higher turbidite paleocurrent shift from easterly to southerly directions, supporting a two-phase tectonic model for basin evolution. Notably, volcanic ash beds are more common and volumetrically significant in the Catalina Dome succession, suggesting proximity to a volcanic arc. This also correlates with a diverse rangeomorph fossil assemblage in the Fermeuse Formation, contrasting with the low-diversity Ediacaran discs found elsewhere in the Avalon Peninsula. The research underscores the role of taphonomy in shaping deep-water Ediacaran assemblages and provides deeper insights into the paleobiology and tectonic history of eastern Newfoundland.

Palmyrenes in Hatra: evidence for cultural relations in the fertile crescent

Hatra — 2013 — WHE2791725E0A

Archaeological evidence challenges the assumption of strong commercial ties between Palmyra and Hatra, revealing limited Palmyrene presence in the latter. Contrary to past beliefs, only one Palmyrene relief was found in a small shrine within Hatra's residential area, suggesting minimal cultural or economic influence from Palmyra. This finding is further supported by comparisons with other cities like Dura-Europos, where Palmyrenes are more prominently represented. The study employs a comparative archaeological approach to reassess the nature of interactions between these ancient cities in the Fertile Crescent.

Panoplias pintadas: estudio anticuario de las armas pintadas en una tumba de Paestum recuperada en 1854

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2013 — WHE108B298337

A rare and detailed depiction of three metallic panoplies, dominated by long anatomical corazas, was discovered on a tomb in the necropolis Spinazzo of Paestum, dating back to 1854. This exceptional find, largely overlooked until now, provides unprecedented insight into the iconography and historical context of Lucano-Pestan gens during the turbulent period of Roman expansion in southern Italy. The study, based on an analysis of the painted elements' descriptions and drawings, along with a valuation of the scenes and models used, reveals that the tomb dates to the first quarter of the 3rd century BCE. Additionally, it suggests that the representation was meticulously selected to convey historical significance, offering a unique window into the cultural and social dynamics of the era.

Parental care behavior in the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae), in Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2013 — WHECFB1E4EEDA

Research reveals that the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, exhibits high-intensity parental care, particularly in larger groups and during travel. This behavior likely maximizes hydrodynamic efficiency while minimizing risks, with feeding dynamics showing a more random pattern compared to other states. Calves receive significantly more intense care than juveniles, suggesting potential parent-offspring conflict. The study, conducted in Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil, quantified parental care intensity, examined its influence on behavioral states and group size, and compared care levels between calves and juveniles using observational data.

Parthian and Elymaean Rock Reliefs

Bisotun — 2013 — WHE8B9B9CB82C

Rock reliefs from the Arsacid period, including prominent examples at Bisotun, Sar-e Pol-e Zohab, Tang-e Sarvak, Hung-e Azhdar, and Tang-e Butan, reveal intricate iconography and dress details that challenge traditional attributions to Parthian rulers. Analysis of these anepigraphic reliefs suggests some were likely created by Elymaean rulers, as confirmed by associated inscriptions. The study outlines their chronology while emphasizing the complexity of assigning authorship due to the lack of written records on most reliefs.