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Species Diversity and Tree Regeneration Patterns in Tropical Forests of the Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHEEDFF511477

Tree species diversity and regeneration patterns vary significantly across different vegetation types in the Western Ghats, India. The study found that mid-elevation forests exhibit higher species heterogeneity, while higher elevations show greater tree abundance. Rarefaction analysis revealed heterogeneous distribution of species across all vegetation types, with undisturbed areas demonstrating stronger regeneration signals. Disturbed forests showed more frequent shifts in species composition between mature and regenerating phases compared to less disturbed or undisturbed forests. The research used rarefaction curves, one-way ANOVA for density/basal area comparisons, and Sorenson similarity indices to quantify these patterns, highlighting the sensitivity of tropical forest regeneration to human disturbance.

Species richness of soil and leaf litter tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee, USA)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2013 — WHEA6794535BC

A comprehensive study of soil and leaf litter tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) reveals remarkably high species richness, with 80 species identified from 780 samples, including 14 new to science. This finding surpasses comparable studies in Japan, with GSMNP's estimated species richness significantly higher than that of Mt. Fuji and only surpassed by Kanagawa prefecture. The research utilized a large dataset (15,618 specimens) and employed the Chao 1 species richness estimator along with species accumulation curves to confirm near-complete sampling coverage. This study underscores the GSMNP's biodiversity and highlights the utility of species richness estimators in habitat comparisons, even when sampling efforts vary.

Spider Diversity on the Oceanic Island of Fernando De Noronha, Brazil, and Implications for Species Conservation

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2013 — WHEF4FA276F0C

A survey of spider diversity on Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, reveals 44 species, including 10 likely native ones and 42 newly recorded for the archipelago. Theridiidae and Salticidae were the most diverse families, while an unidentified Lycosidae species dominated in abundance (17%). Non-native spiders thrived near human settlements, suggesting establishment due to human activity. The study highlights the impact of tourism on native biodiversity, with urban areas showing higher diversity indices than preserved zones. Sampling was conducted using pitfall traps, beating sheets, and active collection during dry and rainy seasons.

Sport and Recreation on Robben Island

Robben Island — 2013 — WHE7D2FE3F7D5

Sport and recreation on Robben Island during apartheid served as a transformative force, fostering unity, respect, integrity, and teamwork among inmates, including many of South Africa's future leaders. This previously unexplored aspect of the island's history was uncovered through collaborative research involving the Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape Sports Council, Mayibuye Centre, and the University of the Western Cape. The study digitized archives revealing how leisure activities on the island became a symbol of human resilience, contributing to the broader journey toward freedom and democracy in South Africa.

St. Mildred of Thanet: biography of a cult

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2013 — WHEB89E857B5F

St. Mildred of Thanet stands out as one of the most celebrated female saints in medieval England, with her cult enduring from the 7th century to the present day. Unlike other Anglo-Saxon saints, her legacy survived through physical relics and a vibrant tradition of devotion, including saintly biographies (vitae) and pilgrimage sites. Her relics were notably transferred from Minster Abbey to St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury before the Norman Conquest, where they became central to a new shrine and narrative. Despite the suppression during the English Reformation, her cult persisted in France and Belgium, with relics later returning to England in 1954. This study highlights Mildred's unique cultural and religious significance, contrasting her enduring legacy with the fading presence of other Anglo-Saxon saints.

Stability and Mobility: Hyperterritoriality and Ethnic Intersections on Ivo Andrić’s Bridge on the Drina

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad — 2013 — WHE801400957C

Ivo Andrić’s Bridge on the Drina (1945) reveals how the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, a symbol of Ottoman power, transitioned from a site of violence to one of ethnic and cultural intersection. The novel traces over three centuries of shifts in Eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, highlighting its transformation under Austro-Hungarian rule (1878) as it became a hub for diverse ethnicities, including Ashkenazy Jews. Through narrative analysis, the study examines hyperterritoriality—where multiple identities and powers intersect—challenging static notions of cultural stability. This approach underscores the bridge’s role in reflecting broader historical and social dynamics.

Stable Isotope Evidence for Impact-Related Pseudotachylite Formation at Vredefort by Local Melting of Dry Rocks

Vredefort Dome — 2013 — WHE9DB134E581

A groundbreaking study at the Vredefort Dome reveals that pseudotachylite, a rock formed during impact events, was likely created through local melting of dry rocks. Stable isotope analysis shows that both granophyre (impact melt) and pseudotachylite share nearly identical oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions, indicating they originated from the same source without significant interaction with water. The study also found a bimodal distribution in water content within pseudotachylites, suggesting two distinct formation processes or sources. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the relationship between pseudotachylite and granophyre, providing new insights into the mechanisms of impact-related melt formation.

Stable isotope evidence of meat eating and hunting specialization in adult male chimpanzees

Taï National Park — 2013 — WHEC72CC806D8

Research in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals that adult male chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) derive a significant portion of their dietary protein from hunted meat, challenging previous assumptions about the minimal role of meat in their diet. Using stable isotope analysis of hair keratin and bone collagen, scientists detected a marked isotope signal indicative of frequent meat consumption, supporting behavioral observations of male-dominated hunting. Unlike females and juveniles, whose protein primarily comes from fruit and nuts, some adult males exhibit specialized meat-eating behavior, suggesting sex differences in food acquisition may have persisted throughout hominin evolution.

Stadtgeschichten: Rumor, Gossip, and the Making of Classical Weimar

Classical Weimar — 2013 — WHE5FE6DF3204

Rumor and gossip played a pivotal role in shaping Classical Weimar's cultural significance, acting as instrumental forces rather than obstacles. This study reveals how urban limitations in 18th-century Weimar facilitated the circulation of rumors and gossip, which helped negotiate tensions between the court and the town, elevating Weimar to national prominence. By linking these social phenomena to the built environment, the research demonstrates that persistent rumors were crucial in transcending material restrictions and establishing Classical Weimar's iconic status in German cultural history.

Standardized methods for Grand Canyon fisheries research 2015

Grand Canyon National Park — 2013 — WHE0F596A0F0F

Standardized methods for Grand Canyon fisheries research ensure consistency and reliability in fish handling, tagging, and data collection across multiple projects. This document, updated in 2015, provides protocols for fieldworkers involved in studies under the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, including agencies like the USGS, FWS, NPS, AGFD, universities, and private contractors. It addresses annual variations in project objectives while documenting standard methods that can be cited in scientific publications. The guidelines aim to improve data comparability and methodological rigor, building on protocols first established in 2002.

State and Uncivil Society in Thailand at the Temple of Preah Vihear

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2013 — WHED60AF6F3BA

The dispute over the Temple of Preah Vihear, which began in 2008, initially fostered cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, transforming a territorial conflict into a symbol of regional friendship. However, ultra-nationalist movements, supported by civic groups and institutions, derailed this progress, turning the temple into a source of animosity between the two nations. This study reveals how Thailand's strategic shift toward cultural diplomacy was undermined by domestic political forces, highlighting the complex interplay between state policy and civil society in shaping international relations.

State formation and the evolution of naval strategies in the Melaka Straits, c. 500–1500 CE

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2013 — WHEF1B382584E

Naval strategies in the Melaka Straits from 500 to 1500 CE evolved intricately with state formation, shaped by shifting maritime political economies dominated by China and India. Contrary to conventional assumptions, this evolution was not linear but adapted dynamically to regional policies, particularly those of the Malay port-polities, including the hegemonic Srivijaya state in eastern Sumatra. The study reconstructs this complex interplay using textual records, epigraphic materials, and historical literature, revealing a nuanced picture of premodern Southeast Asian maritime states and naval power dynamics.

Status and distribution of rock partridge Alectoris graeca in Apennine areas

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2013 — WHE30F0A1D335

Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) populations in the Apennine regions exhibit significant variability, with estimates ranging from 9-23 pairs in Umbria to 1500-1700 pairs in Abruzzo-Molise. Highest densities were recorded in Maiella National Park (4.2 pairs/km²) and Velino Sirente Regional Park (2.10 pairs/km²), while the species is restricted to Cilento e Vallo di Diano National Park in Campania, with 84 pairs. The study highlights that suitable habitats remain unoccupied, suggesting factors such as hunting pressure limit population expansion. Effective management, particularly in Abruzzo, is critical for conservation efforts.

Status of Horned Helmet Cassis Cornuta in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and Its Trade in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2013 — WHEA6104AD62F

A nationwide survey is needed to fully document the status of the giant reef gastropod Cassis cornuta, also known as the horned helmet, and the extent of its trade. This study found that most sampled C. cornuta in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) were large, suggesting minimal exploitation at the site. Regression analyses indicated that shell dimensions are significant determinants of body weight, with growth rates declining as shell size increased. Despite being protected under Philippine law, shells of C. cornuta were openly displayed for sale in souvenir shops in Puerto Princesa City, highlighting a gap between legal protection and enforcement. The study emphasizes the need for further research on population dynamics, survival, and exploitation to inform more effective conservation measures for this vanishing species.

Status review of Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India with recommendations for conservation and management

Western Ghats — 2013 — WHE857BBF5A44

Rocky plateaus in the northern Western Ghats and Konkan region of Maharashtra, India, harbor high species richness and diversity, with numerous endemic flora and fauna, many of which are threatened. These specialized habitats, characterized by unique microclimates and edaphic features, exhibit localized diversification and active speciation. However, most localities outside protected areas face significant biotic pressure, lacking specific legal protection for their biodiversity. The study provides a detailed classification of these plateaus, describes their microhabitats, and assesses ecological changes due to human impact. It concludes with urgent recommendations for conservation and management actions tailored to the ecology of these critical habitats.

Stipa zeravshanica sp. nov. (Poaceae), an endemic species from rocky walls of the western Pamir Alai Mountains (middle Asia)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2013 — WHEEF54E33BCC

Researchers have discovered and described Stipa zeravshanica, a new endemic grass species found on the rocky walls of the western Pamir Alai Mountains in Tajikistan. This species, closely related to S. gracilis but distinguishable by its pilose lower awn and longer ligules, represents a significant addition to the region's flora. The study employed both macro- and micro-morphological analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine lemma epidermal patterns, which effectively differentiated S. zeravshanica from three related taxa: S. gracilis, S. himalaica, and S. orientalis. Additionally, the research designated a lectotype for S. gracilis and described a new plant association, Asperulo albiflorae–Stipetum zeravshanicae, found in rocky crevices. This work enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the Pamir Alai Mountains while contributing to the taxonomy and phytosociology of the region.

Stone deterioration and replacement of natural building stones at the Cologne cathedral - A contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage

Cologne Cathedral — 2013 — WHE0642CD5979

A comparative analysis of stone deterioration at three medieval cathedrals—Cologne, Xanten, and Altenberg—revealed that industrial pollution significantly accelerates weathering processes in both carbonate and silicate stones. The study identified distinct weathering patterns, such as crust formation and structural degradation, which vary in intensity based on environmental conditions. By correlating petrophysical properties with empirical data from laboratory tests and in situ observations, the research developed a weathering model for Drachenfels Trachyt and proposed a systematic approach to evaluate the compatibility of historical and modern replacement stones. This work provides critical insights into the preservation challenges posed by material interactions and environmental factors at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stone Throwing as a Sexual Display in Wild Female Bearded Capuchin Monkeys, Sapajus libidinosus

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2013 — WHE8F2BB1CADF

Researchers have documented stone throwing as a novel sexual display behavior among wild female bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. This behavior was observed during the proceptive phase of three females over two years, with the behavior later spreading to additional females within the same social group. The study suggests this may represent a cultural diffusion of a new behavioral trait rather than independent innovations, given its absence in other capuchin groups. Observations included targeted stone throwing at males, alongside other known proceptive behaviors such as facial expressions and vocalizations. This discovery expands our understanding of capuchin communication and sexual display repertoires in the wild.

Stoneflies of the genus Neoperla (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve, Fujian of China

Mount Wuyi — 2013 — WHED8B94EC522

A new species of stonefly, Neoperla brevistyla, has been identified from Wuyi Mountain National Nature Reserve in Fujian, China. This discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the region and provides insights into the taxonomic diversity of Neoperla within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study also documents the first records of five additional Neoperla species for the reserve: N. henana, N. similiserecta, N. qingyuanensis, N. xuansongae, and N. tuberculata. Researchers used morphological comparisons to distinguish these species, including the new one, and developed a provisional identification key to aid in future taxonomic studies. This work contributes to the understanding of stonefly diversity in this ecologically significant area.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK: High Resolution Geophysical Surveys in the Surrounding Landscape, 2011

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2013 — WHE25D519CC0A

A high-resolution geophysical survey of Stonehenge's surrounding landscape revealed previously unrecognized features, including entrances on both long sides of the Stonehenge Cursus and a pit-arc below King Barrow Ridge. The study also identified a square-shaped feature surrounded by pits near Stonehenge Bottom and a linear ditch parallel to the southern section of the Stonehenge Avenue, all aligned with solsticial axes. Conducted in 2011, the survey used advanced geophysical techniques to map the Cursus Round Barrow Cemetery, the Avenue, and the Gate Ditch, while also documenting tracks and early roads crossing the landscape. Additionally, metallic anomalies from late 1970s and early 1980s camping grounds were detected, raising conservation concerns.