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Nectar Production by InvasiveLantana camaraand EndemicL. peduncularisin the Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2012 — WHE15C14C9856

Invasive Lantana camara outproduces the endemic L. peduncularis in nectar volume and sugar content across elevational gradients, suggesting a competitive advantage for pollinators in the Galápagos Islands. While L. camara consistently produced more nectar, L. peduncularis exhibited higher sugar concentration at lower elevations, hinting at divergent drought-adaptation strategies. Flower exclusion experiments revealed that nocturnal lepidopteran visitors significantly reduced nectar production in L. camara, though sugar concentration remained stable. These findings imply potential competition between invasive and endemic Lantana species for shared pollinators, with implications for ecosystem dynamics.

Neottia Chandrae Raskoti, et al. (Orchidaceae): A New Addition to the Orchid Flora of India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2012 — WHE418814B28E

A rare orchid species, Neottia chandrae Raskoti et al., previously described from Nepal, has been documented for the first time within India's borders. This discovery was made in the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand, significantly expanding the known distribution of this species in South Asia. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions, ecological insights, and phenological observations, alongside photographic documentation. Such findings contribute valuable data to the region's biodiversity records and highlight the park's importance as a hotspot for orchid diversity.

Nest Site Characteristics and Nest Tree use by Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in Southwestern Alberta, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE59EC39A9E8

Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, particularly in Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, exhibit strong preferences for nest sites characterized by less canopy cover and a higher density of large snags. These findings suggest that populations of this secondary cavity-nesting species may be limited by specific habitat traits, especially in cold climates where nests serve critical functions such as thermoregulation and predator avoidance. The study analyzed nest tree use, revealing that flying squirrels predominantly occupy cavities within large snags and aspens (Populus tremuloides), with a marked selection for sites surrounded by fewer trees but more large snags compared to random locations. This research highlights the ecological constraints shaping the distribution of northern flying squirrels in cold-region ecosystems.

Nesting biology and life cycle of Nomia (Acunomia) chalybeata Smith on Iriomote Island, southernmost Archipelago of Japan, with notes on the simultaneous occurrence of diapausing and non-diapausing prepupae within the same nests (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2012 — WHEF46C30E707

A groundbreaking discovery in the nesting biology of the bee species Nomia (Acunomia) chalybeata Smith on Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals a unique strategy for survival across varying climatic zones. The study found that this bee produces both diapausing and non-diapausing prepupae simultaneously within the same nests, with the rate of diapausing prepupae increasing towards the later activity season. This dual production mechanism suggests an adaptive response to environmental conditions, potentially allowing the species to inhabit a wider range of climates. The research also documented the nesting period from late April to October, with nest densities reaching up to 20 nests per square meter in clay soil under shady conditions. Communal nests were observed, containing brood clusters with varying numbers of cells, indicating independent provisioning by cohabitants. Additionally, the study estimated at least two, and possibly three, generations per year, with a notable female ratio of approximately 34.7% in the overwintered generation.

New data on the development of the Baradla Cave (Hungary, Aggtelek karst)

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2012 — WHE8CC70C803B

A new study reveals that the dolines on the Aggtelek Plateau, Hungary, are solution dolines, not sinkholes, and suggests their former catchment area was located on the plateau or north of the Kecső valley. The research used Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to analyze these landforms and found that the valleys did not continue from the recent covered karst but tilted southward, indicating subsurface capture near the current sinking line. Additionally, sediments from the Borsodi Gravel Formation, eroded from these areas, played a significant role in the genesis of the Baradla Cave, contributing to its development.

New Evidence for the Submerged Ancient Harbour Structures at Tolmetha and Leptis Magna, Libya

Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — 2012 — WHEF64220B7C3

Recent surveys at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Leptis Magna and its neighboring city, Tolmetha, have uncovered new evidence of submerged ancient harbor structures, significantly advancing our understanding of these cities' maritime infrastructure. The research, conducted in 2009 as part of a broader project to establish underwater archaeological parks in Libya, utilized advanced survey techniques to both analyze known structures and discover previously unknown elements within the harbor areas. These findings provide critical insights into the architectural sophistication and economic significance of Leptis Magna during its peak, contributing valuable data to the field of nautical archaeology.

New floral distribution records of Aquilegia nivalis (Baker) Falc. ex B.D. Jacks and Doronicum falconeri C.B. Clarke ex Hook. f. from the Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2012 — WHE537363A10F

Researchers have documented the first occurrence of two rare alpine plant species, Aquilegia nivalis and Doronicum falconeri, within the Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, India. These findings represent new distribution records for both species in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, expanding their known range in the northwest Himalayas. The study involved taxonomic analysis of specimens collected from Garhwal and Pantnagar University, cross-referenced with herbarium records (CAL, DD, BSD) and existing literature to confirm the novelty of these observations. This discovery contributes critical data for conservation efforts, particularly for threatened alpine flora in high-altitude ecosystems.

New Lanark ou les origines écossaises d’un village industriel « modèle »

New Lanark — 2012 — WHE67D52C8FDD

New Lanark, a pioneering industrial village on the banks of the River Clyde, challenges conventional narratives by revealing that its groundbreaking social and educational reforms were largely shaped by David Dale, not Robert Owen. The study demonstrates that New Lanark's innovative features—such as its schools and collaborative governance—were deeply rooted in the traditional structures and moral economy of late 18th-century Scotland. This research highlights how the village's model industrial system emerged from a confluence of regional Scottish traditions, including parish-based education and collegial governance, rather than being solely an outgrowth of Owen's proto-socialist theories. By analyzing New Lanark within its historical context, the study provides new insights into the origins of philanthropic industrialism and its role as an alternative to the harsh conditions of early industrialization.

New Nabataean Inscriptions from Umm El-Jimal Area, Jordan

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2012 — WHEDA7BF718A3

A recent analysis of Nabataean tombstones from the Umm el-Jimal area, Jordan, reveals a significant correlation between Nabataean, Safaitic, and Arabic proper names with their Greek counterparts. This discovery, based on three newly discovered inscriptions dated to the first half of the second century AD, provides fresh insights into the linguistic and cultural interactions in the region during that period. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on Nabataean inscriptions from Southern Hauran and Umm el-Jimal, enhancing our understanding of the historical and linguistic landscape of the area.

New occurence of the Cambrian (Stage 4, Series 2) Guanshan Biota in Huize, Yunnan, South China

Chengjiang Fossil Site — 2012 — WHEE657AE3EE1

A new occurrence of the Cambrian (Stage 4, Series 2) Guanshan Biota has been identified in Huize, Yunnan, South China, approximately 100 km north of previously reported sites. This discovery expands the paleogeographic distribution of the Guanshan Biota and strengthens its connections to both the younger Chengjiang Biota and the older Kaili Biota, as well as the coeval Burgess Shale community. The study examines the lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Zhujiaqing section, revealing representatives from various phyla, including sponges, palaeoscolecids, arthropods, brachiopods, echinoderms, vetulicolians, and potential new taxa such as a novel species of Vetulicola. This finding enhances our understanding of the evolutionary relationships between these significant Cambrian fossil assemblages.

New Perspectives on Pius XII and Vatican Financial Transactions During the Second World War

Vatican City — 2012 — WHE7B940C51EF

Newly declassified British archives reveal that the Vatican, under Pope Pius XII, maintained complex financial operations during World War II despite wartime restrictions. These records, spanning 1941–1943, detail the Vatican's income, expenditures, and global financial movements amid foreign exchange controls and 'Trading with the Enemy' regulations. The findings challenge long-standing debates about the Vatican's neutrality, offering unprecedented insights into its economic strategies and potential political leanings during the conflict.

New Perspectives on Safavid Iran: Empire and Society (review)

Meidan Emam, Esfahan — 2012 — WHE660BF22EAD

A Festschrift edited by Colin P. Mitchell, 'New Perspectives on Safavid Iran: Empire and Society,' offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of Safavid Iran's political, social, and cultural landscape. The volume, dedicated to Roger M. Savory, celebrates his pioneering work while incorporating new methodologies and interpretations that have emerged since the 1960s and 1970s. Key contributions explore inter-cultural relations between Safavid Iran and regions such as Central Asia, Anatolia, and Europe, with a notable focus on architectural studies, particularly regarding Meidan Emam (Imam Square) in Isfahan. The book also delves into the role of women in Safavid society, including their seclusion practices and participation in courtly circles. Despite some structural issues that could hinder readability for non-specialists, the volume stands out for its rich content and interdisciplinary approach, providing valuable insights into Safavid Iran's complex history.

New record of Sargassum denticarpum Ajisaka (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from Iriomote Island (Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan)

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2012 — WHE8208294DC1

Researchers report the first confirmed occurrence of Sargassum denticarpum, a species previously known only from Vietnam, in Iriomote Island, Japan. This discovery suggests a northward expansion of tropical and subtropical Sargassum species, likely driven by rising sea temperatures in the western Pacific. The identification was based on morphological traits—such as terete primary branches, dentate leaves, and spherical vesicles—and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, which matched those of Vietnamese specimens. The study highlights the potential impact of climate change on marine biodiversity in the Ryukyu Archipelago, a region at the northern limit for these species.

New Records of Giant ArmadilloPriodontes maximus(Cingulata: Dasypodidae) at Serra do Amolar, Pantanal of Brazil

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2012 — WHEFDCD46CDD4

Researchers have confirmed the presence of the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), a vulnerable species, at Serra do Amolar within the Pantanal Conservation Area of Brazil. This discovery extends the known range of the species and provides new data for its conservation in this critical biome. The study employed camera traps and burrow censuses to document the species' occurrence in an area previously lacking records. While the findings highlight the need for further population assessments and ecological studies, they underscore the importance of Serra do Amolar as a potential refuge for this threatened mammal.

New species of mite harvestmen from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia, with commentary on biogeography of the genus Austropurcellia (Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Pettalidae)

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2012 — WHEEEC47FAB09

Researchers have identified four new species of mite harvestmen (Austropurcellia alata, A. culminis, A. despectata, and A. vicina) from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia, significantly expanding the known diversity of this cryptic genus. These narrow-range endemics, each represented by a single collection and few specimens, offer valuable insights into historical forest fragmentation's role in rainforest animal evolution. The study provides the first key to Austropurcellia species, a catalogue of collecting localities, and a distribution map, though it acknowledges that current knowledge remains incomplete. This work highlights the potential of Austropurcellia as a model system for understanding biogeographical patterns in rainforest fauna.

New troglomorphic Arrhopalitidae (Collembola: Symphypleona) from the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2012 — WHE05041F78EC

Researchers have uncovered two highly troglomorphic species of springtails (Collembola) from the caves of the Western Caucasus: Arrhopalites macronyx and a newly described genus, Troglopalites stygios. These species exhibit extreme adaptations for cave life, including elongated claws, long antennae with segmented annulations, and unique morphological traits such as accreted teeth on posterior lamellae. The study also re-examines the trichobothrial complex chaetotaxy of two related species from Crimean caves, providing deeper insights into their taxonomic characteristics. This discovery contributes to our understanding of subterranean biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

News from an Old Excavation: Two Hitherto Unnoticed Measure Capacity Signs on an Egyptian Stone Vessel of the Middle Kingdom from Royal Tomb II at Byblos

Byblos — 2012 — WHEE10F5D6968

A previously unnoticed discovery on a Middle Kingdom Egyptian stone vessel from Royal Tomb II at Byblos reveals two measure capacity signs, rare even within Egypt. These signs, found on the vessel's lid bearing King Amenemhat's cartouche, provide new insights into the use of such markings during this period. The study examines these signs in relation to the vessel's actual capacity, contributing significantly to our understanding of Middle Kingdom measurement practices and material culture.

No Dal Molin: The Antibase Movement in Vicenza

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2012 — WHE090E9BF19D

A significant democratic mobilization emerged in Vicenza, Italy, following the secret negotiations for a new military base on a critical undeveloped area and aquifer. The 'No Dal Molin' movement, sparked by local residents in 2006, rapidly grew into mass demonstrations and direct actions against the proposed installation within months. This case study highlights an unprecedented experiment in civic engagement, illustrating how grassroots opposition can mobilize large-scale political participation effectively. The research examines the movement's origins, development, and impact on local governance, providing insights into democratic resistance strategies.

Non-Target Species Management for the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project

Macquarie Island — 2012 — WHE4DD58AF0F3

The Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project (MIPEP) successfully mitigated non-target species impacts while progressing toward eradicating invasive rodents and European rabbits. Initial baiting in 2010, delayed by adverse weather, resulted in non-target mortality across six seabird and duck species, prompting a review that confirmed long-term ecosystem benefits despite short-term risks. Enhanced mitigation strategies—including the release of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus to reduce rabbit populations and increased carcass removal efforts—were implemented before resuming baiting in 2011. Monitoring during subsequent operations revealed no significant population-level impacts on seabirds, with only minor transitory effects observed in king penguin colonies and no adverse effects on wandering albatross chicks or marine mammals. The project demonstrates that targeted pest eradication can be achieved with minimal lasting harm to non-target species when adaptive mitigation measures are applied.

Nonparametric Techniques for Predicting Soil Bulk Density of Tropical Rainforest Topsoils in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2012 — WHE46780BCFCE

A study on Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, reveals that organic carbon (OC) content alone is a robust predictor of soil bulk density (BD) in tropical rainforest topsoils. Using nonparametric techniques—k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) and boosted regression tree (BRT)—researchers found these methods performed comparably to traditional pedotransfer functions but outperformed those developed for non-tropical or non-forest soils. The findings highlight the critical role of OC data in soil fertility assessments, yet underscore its scarcity in African tropical forests. High-throughput infrared spectroscopy is proposed as a solution to fill this data gap. This approach challenges conventional assumptions about BD prediction and offers a scalable method for biogeochemical modeling.