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Endangered anurans in a novel forest in the highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2012 — WHEC84864F1B6

A novel forest ecosystem, dominated by alien species and lacking native vegetation, can support comparable populations of endangered anurans to those found in primary tropical montane cloud forests. The study, conducted in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, surveyed 110 transects across three microhabitat types, recording 552 specimens. It found that 12 out of 15 anuran species from neighboring primary forests, including eight endangered species, had established populations in this novel ecosystem, with abundances often exceeding those in primary forests. This challenges the assumption that such ecosystems are unsuitable for threatened faunas and suggests they should be considered in conservation assessments.

Endohelminths of the Socorro Island Tree Lizard, Urosaurus auriculatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae), from Colima, Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2012 — WHEEB61A8BCD1

A study of the endangered Socorro Island tree lizard, Urosaurus auriculatus, revealed a high prevalence (75%) of endohelminth infections among 12 museum specimens from Socorro Island in Mexico. Four helminth species were identified: Oochoristica whitfieldi (Cestoda), Parapharyngodon alvarengai, Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis, and Strongyluris similis (Nematoda), along with a larval cystacanth of Acanthocephala. On average, infected lizards hosted 5.1 helminth individuals and 1.2 species per host, with five new host records documented. The research highlights the lizard's role as a host for diverse parasites, contributing to our understanding of its parasitic community in the Revillagigedo Archipelago.

Energy rehabilitation of buildings of earthen construction

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2012 — WHEFE106FA24D

Rammed earth architecture, recognized for its historical significance and sustainability, faces critical challenges in energy efficiency. A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shibam (Yemen) and Sana’a highlights that while these structures are built entirely from earth, their conservation must also address modern energy demands without compromising their heritage value. The research emphasizes the need for innovative rehabilitation techniques that preserve the traditional construction process while enhancing thermal performance. By analyzing the typological and formal aspects of rammed earth buildings, the study proposes solutions to balance cultural preservation with contemporary energy standards, offering a model for similar heritage sites worldwide.

Engaging the convict legacy : art's role as a means of understanding

Australian Convict Sites — 2012 — WHE688D393FD9

Art can significantly enhance the interpretation and visitor experience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by evoking story, memory, and a sense of place. This study demonstrates that art installations, exhibitions, and performance art effectively communicate the economic, social, and cultural contexts of Australia's convict legacy, particularly in sites like Maria Island, Cascades Female Factory, and Woolmers Estate. The research explores interpretative strategies using art to engage non-expert, cross-cultural audiences, leveraging collaborative approaches to elicit poignant responses. It highlights the potential of art as a tool for historians and site custodians to enrich historical understanding and tourism experiences.

Enjeux fonciers à risques au Congo (RDC) : contexte théorique et pratiques déviantes. (Land stakes at risks in the Congo-DRC : theoretical context and deviant practices)

Virunga National Park — 2012 — WHE0FB0EA8E4B

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflicting land regimes and systemic corruption are driving widespread land conflicts, with severe human and environmental consequences. Despite laws assigning soil and subsoil ownership to the state, two competing systems operate: large-scale concessions in urban and industrial areas, and traditional management elsewhere. This duality, exacerbated by weak governance and rampant corruption, leads to the seizure of peasant lands for profit, as seen in cases like Virunga National Park and Luishia High School. The study highlights how these practices undermine both local communities and conservation efforts.

Entre affection et aversion, le retour du loup en Cévennes comme problème public

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHE6139CCD07F

The return of the wolf to the Cévennes region has sparked complex public sentiments ranging from affection to aversion. This study reveals that while wolves are often viewed as symbols of nature's reassertion and heritage conservation, they also provoke fear and conflict among local communities, particularly regarding livestock predation. The research employs qualitative methods, including interviews and ethnographic observations, to analyze how this duality shapes public discourse and policy debates. It highlights the need for balanced approaches that address both ecological restoration and socio-economic concerns in managing such cultural landscapes.

Entre el Rey y la comunidad: el agua del Albayzin (Granada) en la Edad Media.

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2012 — WHE052E0243EF

A medieval irrigation system, the Aynadamar canal, served as a key water source for Granada during the Andalusian period, primarily benefiting the Alhambra's Alcazaba Qadima and mosques while also supporting the Albayzín neighborhood. The study reveals that this system was organized with Islamic temporal and spatial parameters, likely between the 11th and mid-13th centuries, with royal intervention favoring elite structures over residential use. Despite this, the Albayzín community maintained its water rights through a network of cisterns (aljibes). The research combines edited and unpublished Arabic, Romance, and Castilian documents from local and national archives to analyze the canal's origins, governance, objectives, and maintenance, offering insights into medieval urban water management and social dynamics.

Environmental and socio-economic sustainability ofchinampas(raised beds) in Xochimilco, Mexico City

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2012 — WHEF0AB3A2C60

Greenhouses, while more profitable and diverse, cannot replace the irreplaceable ecosystem services provided by chinampas in Xochimilco, Mexico City. A study comparing both systems using the MESMIS framework found that greenhouses, though economically advantageous, lead to significant environmental degradation—including tree cover loss and canal filling—while relying heavily on external inputs and subsidies. Chinampas, traditionally used for staple crops but now shifted toward commercial horticulture, offer sustainable food production without such dependencies. However, their long-term viability depends on urgent compensation mechanisms for ecosystem services. The research integrated farm-level surveys with GIS techniques, providing a comprehensive valuation framework that could guide future sustainability policies.

Environmental factors affecting the distribution of land snails in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2012 — WHE284A0AEFD0

A study on Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals that the distribution and abundance of land snail species in Atlantic Rain Forest are influenced by environmental factors such as atmospheric temperature, soil temperature, litter depth, and relative air humidity. While two hillsides studied showed similar species richness, differences in species composition and abundance were linked to variations in these environmental conditions. Additionally, distinct luminosity and canopy closure conditions were found to shape the land-snail community on one hillside. The research employed timed searches, litter sampling, cluster analysis, Pearson correlation matrix, and discriminant analysis to investigate these relationships.

Environmental susceptibility model for predicting forest fire occurrence in the Western Ghats of India

Western Ghats — 2012 — WHE69E0369C91

Forest fires pose significant management challenges in the Western Ghats of India, with their spatial distribution influenced by climate, topography, and vegetation. This study reveals that while highly fire-prone areas are predominantly located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, the accuracy and predictions of fire susceptibility vary significantly across regions. The research employs the MODIS Hotspots database and Maxent algorithm to quantify these environmental controls over 2003–2007, using hierarchical partitioning to assess independent contributions and build parsimonious models for each study area. A two-step approach is proposed: first, identifying large fire-prone areas by focusing on monsoon season climatic conditions that influence fuel moisture content; second, pinpointing the most vulnerable sites within these areas based on local vegetation types.

Épidémiologie clinique et parasitologique de la leishmaniose cutanée dans cinq villages du Pays Dogon, Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2012 — WHEF8DF26A8E1

A study on the Bandiagara Escarpment (Land of the Dogons), Mali, revealed the presence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania major, though its epidemiology remains poorly documented in the region. Researchers from France and Mali conducted a bio-clinical field study in five villages between January 16-27, 2010, examining 50 patients with skin lesions for CL symptoms. Using dermato-infectiological assessments, light microscopy, in vitro cultures, serology, and molecular biology, the team identified 18 suspected cases, with PCR confirming Leishmania spp. in 12 patients (86% positivity rate) and Western blot serology supporting the diagnosis in 92% of these cases. Despite negative smears and cultures, the findings suggest CL is present in Bandiagara, warranting further investigation during the transmission period (September-October) to confirm the presence of Leishmania major epidemics in the Dogon country.

Epilogue

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE0594EBBB07

A significant portion of Scholastic learning and literature in the later Middle Ages was produced within the studia or study-houses of religious orders, rather than universities. These studia outnumbered universities and were more widely distributed across Europe, playing a crucial role in educating members of mendicant orders, including notable figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus. Additionally, the Papal Court, particularly the Sacred Palace at Avignon, served as another key locus for Scholastic discourse alongside royal courts such as those in Naples and Munich. This volume, derived from a 2008 colloquium, compiles essays on the study and teaching of philosophy and theology across various religious orders' studia, as well as intellectual activities at papal and royal courts.

Epilogue: Reflections and Refractions from the Southwest Borderlands

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2012 — WHE968E3A4B0B

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, located nine miles downstream from Santa Fe, New Mexico, serves as a tangible testament to the historical significance of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Dating back to 1710, this 'living history' museum was originally established by Miguel Vega y Coca as a resting place (paraje) along the royal road connecting Mexico City to its distant colonial settlements in Nuevo Mexico. The rancho's prosperity expanded during the Bourbon Reforms and particularly flourished after the 1821 opening of the Santa Fe Trail, which linked American and Mexican trade routes, fostering vibrant international commerce. This study reflects on the enduring legacy of such historical sites, illustrating their role in cultural exchange and economic development across the Southwest Borderlands.

Erosion and Archaeological Heritage Protection in Lake Constance and Lake Zurich: The Interreg IV Project ‘Erosion und Denkmalschutz am Bodensee und Zürichsee’

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps — 2012 — WHE880ED0453D

The Interreg IV project 'Erosion and Archaeological Heritage Protection on Lake Constance and Lake Zürich' significantly advanced the preservation of UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile dwellings by refining mapping, surveillance, and erosion protection techniques. The study identified ship-induced waves as a major contributor to anthropogenic-increased erosion, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to mitigate their impact. By integrating archaeological monitoring with lake research, the project enhanced the effectiveness of protective strategies while addressing ecological considerations. These findings provide a foundation for long-term conservation efforts in these culturally significant underwater sites.

Eruption forerunners from multiparameter monitoring and application for eruptions time predictability (Piton de la Fournaise)

Pitons Management Area — 2012 — WHEDB82A34BE8

A groundbreaking study on Piton de la Fournaise volcano reveals that combining seismicity and deformation data significantly enhances eruption prediction accuracy, reducing false alarms. Researchers identified three distinct precursory patterns: a seismic velocity change 100–50 days before eruptions, a power-law increase in seismicity rate 15–10 days prior, and an abrupt rise in displacement on the eruption day. These findings suggest a three-step magma transfer mechanism toward the surface. By applying statistical methods to multiparameter monitoring data from 1999–2006, the study demonstrates that integrating deformation with seismicity data outperforms single-parameter predictions, offering a robust tool for decision-makers to optimize eruption prediction strategies based on risk levels.

Erziehung nach Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2012 — WHE16A34B977A

The enduring relevance of Auschwitz as a symbol of societal barbarism and the persistent risk of its recurrence is highlighted. Adorno argues that educational ideals must prioritize preventing such atrocities, emphasizing that the conditions fostering barbarism remain intact despite their invisibility today. The essay critiques the neglect of this foundational demand in educational discourse, asserting that debates on education are meaningless without addressing Auschwitz's lessons. It underscores the continuity of societal pressures and the psychological state of individuals as key factors sustaining the possibility of such horrors.

Escravos e cidadãos na Ilha Grande: a alvorada republicana demorou a chegar

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2012 — WHE6522A00174

Ilha Grande, a district within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty and Ilha Grande, stands out for its historical significance as a hub of slavery in the 1870s. Despite Brazil's abolition of slavery in 1888, records from Angra dos Reis reveal that former slaves were still identified as such well into the 20th century, highlighting the lingering societal impact. Most landholdings were small, and slave ownership was concentrated among a few individuals. This study leverages civil records to trace the transition from slavery to citizenship, offering a unique perspective on post-abolition social dynamics in Brazil.

Espacios rituales y cultura material en un sitio arqueológico Humahuaca- Inca (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHE9D0A311112

Archaeological evidence from the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals that Inca material culture persisted even during periods of Spanish influence. The study analyzed burial practices and mortuary offerings at Esquina de Huajra, a Humahuaca-Inca settlement, showing that secondary interments, ossuaries, and primary burials in vessels were common. Notable findings included the presence of bird crania and pigments (red, yellow, green, orange, and blue) among grave goods. This suggests that Inca lifestyle and social structures remained largely intact despite Spanish encroachment, indicating the resilience of preexisting interaction networks.

Esporotricose urbana: epidemia negligenciada no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2012 — WHE0D1B8CADE3

A significant urban outbreak of sporotrichosis, traditionally linked to agricultural settings, was identified in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with domestic cats serving as the primary source of infection. The study analyzed 1,848 cases reported between 1997 and 2007, revealing a predominantly female, non-labor-force population affected by this zoonotic disease. Geospatial analysis pinpointed a transmission belt along the border of Rio de Janeiro and adjacent municipalities in the Greater Metropolitan Area, highlighting the urban spread of sporotrichosis through cat-related wounds. The research utilized data from the Health Surveillance Service at the Evandro Chagas Institute to estimate incidence rates and map spatial distribution, offering critical insights into this neglected epidemic.

Estimates of exploitation rates of the spiny lobster fishery forPanulirus argusfrom tagging within the Bahía Espíritu Santo ‘Sian Ka'an’ Biosphere Reserve, Mexican Caribbean

Sian Ka'an — 2012 — WHE5A3C231877

A study of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, reveals high exploitation rates exceeding 0.94, driven by intensive fishing in shallow waters (≤20 m) due to gear restrictions. The research used a modified Brownie model to analyze tag recovery data from the 2010/2011 season, accounting for tag retention and reporting biases. Independent aquaria trials and fisher interviews refined estimates of mortality and catchability. Findings suggest that the 'casita/campo' system, which relies on fast-growing juveniles, sustains stable landings by enabling seasonal replenishment, despite high exploitation pressures.