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Publications

Showing 27461 – 27480 of 30315 publications

Estimating Grizzly and Black Bear Population Abundance and Trend in Banff National Park Using Noninvasive Genetic Sampling

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE89AD2DAA66

Grizzly bear populations in Banff National Park, Canada, are likely declining due to high human-caused mortality. A study using noninvasive genetic sampling—hair traps and bear rub surveys—estimated grizzly bear abundance at 73.5 (2006) and 50.4 (2008), with population growth rates (λ) of 0.93 for males and 0.90 for females, suggesting a stable but vulnerable population. Hair traps effectively detected female grizzlies and black bears, while bear rub surveys were more reliable for both male and female grizzlies. These findings highlight the potential of bear rub surveys as an efficient tool for monitoring grizzly bear populations in the Canadian Rockies.

Estimating the Energy Carbon Footprint of Huangshan National Park

Mount Huangshan — 2012 — WHE33FC27253C

Huangshan National Park's carbon footprint increased by 7% annually from 2006 to 2009, rising from 2674.92 to 3456.76 hm², despite being deemed sustainable during this period. The study identified electricity as the largest contributor to energy consumption-related emissions, followed by coal, diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas. Researchers developed a Tourism Carbon Footprint Model (TCF) based on energy consumption structure to quantify and analyze these emissions, offering a practical tool for measuring tourism sustainability.

Estimation of carbon stock in Kandyan Homegardens located in Kandy and Matale

Sacred City of Kandy — 2012 — WHE2F373AB627

Kandyan Homegardens in Sri Lanka's Kandy and Matale Districts sequester significant amounts of carbon, with potential to store up to 330.23 tons of CO₂ per hectare in Kandy and 381.27 tons per hectare in Matale. These agroforestry systems, covering 61,029 hectares in Kandy and 20,258 hectares in Matale, contribute substantially to global carbon mitigation efforts by locking away atmospheric CO₂ in biomass. The study, conducted through detailed vegetation surveys and destructive sampling of trees, identified dominant species and calculated aboveground carbon content and annual litterfall rates, revealing the gardens' role as effective natural carbon sinks. This research underscores the importance of Kandyan Homegardens in combating climate change by providing a scalable model for carbon sequestration.

Estudio de Pigmentos en Alfarería Estilo Negro Sobre Rojo de Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHECDF996E486

A groundbreaking analysis of pigments in the iconic 'Negro sobre Rojo' pottery style from Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals significant insights into its technological attributes and chronological variability. Researchers employed a combination of advanced techniques—including optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy—to unravel the compositional intricacies of these artifacts. The study's multi-disciplinary approach, involving collaboration with various specialists, allowed for nuanced interpretations that shed light on the cultural and temporal dimensions of this archaeological tradition. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the region's ceramic practices but also highlight the potential of integrating diverse analytical methods to reconstruct historical narratives.

Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Socotra Island

Socotra Archipelago — 2012 — WHEFD9B47B68E

Socotra Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Socotra Archipelago, hosts a unique fauna, including a distinct group of leaf beetles (Eumolpinae) within the family Chrysomelidae. This study identifies and describes 12 species of Eumolpinae from Socotra, with five being newly recorded for the island. The research highlights the high level of endemism in Socotra's insect biodiversity, contributing to our understanding of its ecological significance as a World Heritage Site. The study employs morphological analysis, comparing Socotran specimens with those from mainland Africa and other regions to establish taxonomic identities.

Evaluation of the Impacts of Marine Salts and Asian Dust on the Forested Yakushima Island Ecosystem, a World Natural Heritage Site in Japan

Yakushima — 2012 — WHE827CC19FD7

Yakushima Island experiences significant ecological impacts from marine salts and Asian dust. Research reveals that streamwater chemistry is heavily influenced by sea salt aerosols, contributing to high Na and Cl concentrations while depleting Ca and HCO3 levels. The study found that rain-derived cations account for 81% of Na and 83% of Mg in streamwater, with Sr isotope ratios indicating substantial leaching from bedrock due to acidic precipitation. Soils on Yakushima are depleted in Ca, Na, P, and Sr compared to parent materials, suggesting chemical weathering processes driven by sea salt-enriched rain. Additionally, Asian dust-derived apatite serves as a crucial phosphorus source in base cation-depleted soils. The study employed elemental composition analysis and Sr/Nd isotope ratios to trace the origins and impacts of these airborne materials on the island's ecosystem.

Everyday Life in Fascist Venice, 1929–40

Venice and its Lagoon — 2012 — WHE37B87E130D

Fascist Venice, 1929–40, reveals how the regime attempted to reshape daily life in Venice through systemic infiltration. The study highlights resistance and adaptation among Venetians, demonstrating that while fascism sought to impose uniformity, local traditions and social dynamics persisted. Ferris' approach combines archival research with oral histories, providing a nuanced view of lived experience under authoritarian rule. This work contributes to understanding the complexities of fascist governance in World Heritage Sites, offering insights into cultural resilience during periods of political upheaval.

Evidence for Adaptation to Fire Regimes in the Tropical Savannas of the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2012 — WHE3123600EA0

Research challenges the conventional view that fire-resistant traits in Cerrado plants evolved primarily due to drought or nutrient-deficient soils. Instead, it suggests these traits—such as thick bark and root sprouting—are adaptations to fire regimes, supported by phylogenetic evidence showing their emergence coincided with the rise of flammable C4 grasses and savanna expansion. The study highlights that these traits are absent in related lineages from fire-free environments with similar soil conditions, reinforcing their link to fire adaptation. This finding implies a low evolutionary barrier for lineages entering the Cerrado, likely due to the ease of adapting to fire regimes.

Evidence for high‐temperature in situ nifH transcription in an alkaline hot spring of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2012 — WHE2C7EB74085

Researchers have established a new upper temperature limit of 72.7°C for nitrogen fixation in alkaline, terrestrial hydrothermal environments, specifically within the Mound Spring outflow channel in Yellowstone National Park's Lower Geyser Basin. This discovery highlights the genetic capacity of microbes to fix nitrogen at high temperatures (57.2°C to 80.2°C), with evidence of active nifH gene expression up to 72.7°C, despite the absence of transcripts at higher temperatures (> 72.7°C). The study suggests that while microbes retain the genetic potential for nitrogen fixation, they may express it transiently or not at all under extreme conditions. Field measurements and stable isotope analysis further support these findings, indicating fixed nitrogen limitation as temperature decreases downstream. Additionally, the research identifies novel nifH sequences in both photosynthetic and chemosynthetic microbial communities, marking the first report of in situ nifH expression in strictly chemosynthetic zones of terrestrial hydrothermal systems.

Evidence for source–sink dynamics in a regional population of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius)

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2012 — WHE051CD9DEE3

A study on arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in the Kluane region of northern Canada reveals that boreal forest habitats act as population sinks, dependent on migrants from source habitats like low-elevation meadows. Researchers used mark–recapture live-trapping and radio-telemetry to show reduced recruitment, survival, and population growth rates for squirrels moving into boreal forests, where predation pressure is higher. Despite high densities in alpine meadows, these areas do not contribute to boreal forest recolonization. The findings explain the near-extirpation of boreal forest populations since 1998, with source meadows covering only 7–9% of lowland habitat, slowing recovery.

Evidence of Violent Conflict in Males from Pot Creek Pueblo

Taos Pueblo — 2012 — WHE94499DA4FC

A study of skeletal remains from Pot Creek Pueblo, part of the Taos Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals evidence of violent conflict among three young males during the period AD 1260-1320. The research identified peri-mortem trauma, including blunt force and chopping injuries to the skulls and post-cranial remains, suggesting these individuals died from hand-to-hand combat, likely related to warfare. CT scans were used to differentiate peri-mortem trauma from post-mortem damage in one case. The pattern of injuries aligns with rock art depictions from the same period, hinting at the possible use of similar weapons. While healed ante-mortem injuries were present in other individuals, peri-mortem trauma was exclusively found in these three males.

Eviota atriventris, a New Goby Previously Misidentified as Eviota pellucida Larson (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2012 — WHEF359757528

A species of goby previously misidentified as Eviota pellucida has been correctly described as the new species, Eviota atriventris. This discovery clarifies taxonomic confusion and expands the known distribution of this genus in the Indo-Pacific region. Eviota atriventris is distinguished from its look-alike by differences in coloration—both in preserved and live states—and pectoral-fin ray counts. While E. pellucida is restricted to a few island groups, including the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, E. atriventris has a broader range spanning the Ryukyu, Philippine, Palau, Indonesian, Papua New Guinean, Solomon, and New Caledonian waters, as well as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This correction is based on morphological comparisons, ensuring accurate species identification for future ecological and taxonomic studies.

Evolutionary mode of the ostracod, Velatomorpha altilis , from the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2012 — WHE22B3CDA3C0

A study of the estuarine ostracod Velatomorpha altilis from the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals that evolutionary stasis—minimal change in size and shape over 2–3 million years—dominates its development. This finding supports the hypothesis that organisms in fluctuating, stressed environments exhibit genetic stability to adapt to long-term environmental shifts. Researchers analyzed nearly 400 specimens using quantitative models and stable isotope analysis, though isotopic data indicated diagenetic alteration, precluding primary paleoenvironmental insights. The study underscores stasis as a potential trend in marginal ecosystems, encouraging further investigation of other organisms in such settings.

Experience in-between architecture and context: the New Acropolis Museum, Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2012 — WHEF7F10FC0BF

The New Acropolis Museum in Athens exemplifies how architecture's context and conditions can be understood through Gilles Deleuze's concept of the signaletic material, revealing a dynamic interplay between form, function, and experiential potential. This study demonstrates that architectural design, particularly in museum spaces, can afford multifaceted experiences—ranging from practical use to contemplative engagement with historical and geographical context. By analyzing visitor movement and perception within the museum, the research highlights how such designs actualize the 'in-between' encounters of architecture, context, and the experiencing subject, contributing to the broader understanding of architectural intentionality and its experiential dimensions.

Expert versus Machine: A Comparison of Two Suitability Models for Emergency Helicopter Landing Areas in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2012 — WHE0DFF6691F9

A comparison of two geographic information system (GIS) models for identifying suitable emergency helicopter landing areas in Yosemite National Park reveals that both expert-derived and machine learning approaches effectively classify potential zones, with the latter offering greater efficiency and reduced risk of human bias. The study employed a weighted overlay algorithm based on predefined constraints alongside a maximum entropy model trained on presence-only data to predict flat, treeless areas away from hazards. While both models performed similarly in classifying test coordinates, the machine learning approach eliminated the need for subjective weighting, making it more objective. This research underscores the complementary nature of these methods and provides a robust tool for search-and-rescue operations in wilderness environments. It marks the first GIS study focused specifically on estimating helicopter landing zones for emergency response.

Exploring risk attenuation and crisis communication after a plague death in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park — 2012 — WHE49C8129AB7

A plague death in Grand Canyon National Park in 2007, caused by pneumonic plague transmitted from a mountain lion to a U.S. National Park Service biologist, unexpectedly led to limited public concern and media attention despite the severity of the incident. This counterintuitive response was analyzed using the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF) and the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication model (CERC). The study found that certain characteristics of the event—such as its isolated nature, low perceived vulnerability, and effective communication efforts by NPS and partner agencies—likely attenuated rather than amplified public risk perception. Findings were derived from a workshop with NPS employees and in-depth interviews, offering theoretical insights for future research on organizational crisis communication.

Explosive eruptions triggered by rockfalls at Kīlauea volcano, Hawai‘i

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2012 — WHE246E3EA5B0

Researchers at Kīlauea volcano, Hawai‘i, have discovered that rockfalls from the vent walls trigger transient outgassing bursts and weak explosive eruptions. These events, previously thought to be random, are linked to composite seismic events and occur during the evolution of a collapse crater within the volcano's summit. The study leveraged geologic observations, particularly from a network of webcams, to provide unprecedented insights into lava lake dynamics and shallow outgassing processes. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that rockfalls generate a rebound splash or Worthington jet, which then fragments, leading to explosive activity. This finding introduces a new class of small transient explosive eruptions triggered externally by rockfalls.

Extreme Climatic Events as Drivers of Ecosystem Change

Mesa Verde National Park — 2012 — WHE854BB2C9E3

Extreme climatic events played a pivotal role in the decline of Anasazi culture in the Four Corners region, including the abandonment of Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings by the late 13th century. The study reveals that population shifts and cultural changes were driven by environmental pressures, such as prolonged droughts, which disrupted agricultural practices like maize farming on semi-arid mesa tops. Research analyzed historical occupation patterns, construction activity, and climate data to link these extreme events to the decline of large population centers, including multi-storey great houses in the San Juan Basin. The findings highlight the vulnerability of human societies to climatic variability, offering insights into the resilience and adaptation strategies of prehistoric communities.

Factors Associated with the Severity of Intersecting Fires in Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2012 — WHE07CAD273AD

A study on Yosemite National Park's Illilouette Creek basin reveals that reburn fires tend to increase in severity, with high-severity burns often converting vegetation to montane chaparral. The research found no significant link between fire return interval and initial fire severity but identified associations with the number of years since the last burn, burning index, and previous fire severity. These factors interact to influence reburn severity, offering insights for ecosystem management. The study analyzed 28 fires larger than 40 ha from 1973 to 2011, providing a data-driven understanding of fire dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

False promise or false premise? Using tourism revenue sharing to promote conservation and poverty reduction in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2012 — WHE29F3A0169D

Tourism revenue sharing, often touted as a solution for conservation and poverty reduction, faces significant challenges when implemented in practice. A study on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda reveals that despite its potential, the scheme struggles due to lack of genuine local participation, minimal economic returns relative to costs, inept institutional management, and complex governance structures. These issues are not unique to this case but reflect broader difficulties encountered globally. While tourism revenue sharing remains a promising concept, its effectiveness is hindered by economic and institutional shortcomings. The study suggests that addressing these challenges could enhance the scheme's potential rather than abandoning it altogether.