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Selous Game Reserve Indian Ocean elephant corridors: A perspective from Kilwa District

Selous Game Reserve — 2012 — WHEDA59F11816

A study in Kilwa District, southeastern Tanzania, reveals the presence of Indian Ocean elephant corridors linking the Selous Game Reserve to coastal areas. Elephant movements were documented through a 20-day survey by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), following tracks from the eastern zones of the Selous GR to the Indian Ocean coast. This research highlights the resilience and adaptability of elephants in a region where they were nearly extirpated during the 19th century due to ivory and slave trades, with Saadani National Park being the only coastal area historically inhabited by resident elephants. The study also notes the sparse human population density (12 inhabitants/km²) in Kilwa District, which contributes to the preservation of wildlife habitats, including 'Open Areas' and Wildlife Management Areas, where hunting is restricted or prohibited.

Sensitivity of EVI-based harmonic regression to temporal resolution in the lower Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta — 2012 — WHED003958802

Reducing the temporal resolution of satellite data degrades the ability to detect both short-term and long-term ecological cycles, with the impact varying by vegetation type and disturbance regime. The study found that while woodland-dominated areas, riparian vegetation, and frequently flooded zones retained better cycle characterization even at reduced temporal depths, grasslands, mixed savannas, and frequently burned areas were more sensitive to data gaps. Additionally, random sampling of time-series vectors increased the risk of misinterpreting system variability as change, with randomly selected vectors producing larger artifacts than systematically chosen ones. These findings underscore the importance of carefully selecting satellite time series not only for temporal depth but also for temporal spacing to avoid misleading interpretations in dynamic environments like the Okavango Delta.

Sensitivity of hydrological ensemble forecasts to different sources and temporal resolutions of probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts: flash flood case studies in the Cévennes‐Vivarais region (Southern France)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHE111B58D465

A study on the Cévennes-Vivarais region reveals that merging probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPF) from different sources and temporal resolutions significantly enhances flash flood discharge predictions. The research found that 6-hour ensemble prediction systems better capture rainfall dynamics compared to daily analogy-based PQPF, which tend to underestimate rainfall variability. By combining these data sources, the study demonstrated a substantial improvement in hydrological forecast performance, reducing the need for sophisticated hourly rainfall generators. This approach provides more accurate and reliable early warnings for flash floods in small to mid-sized catchments.

Sépultures et rites funéraires médiévaux en Ligurie orientale

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2012 — WHE6F66D8595F

Medieval and post-medieval funerary practices in Eastern Liguria, including sites like Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, underwent significant transformations during the transition from medieval to later periods. This study cataloged and analyzed burial data across multiple locations—Luni, Migliarina, Sarzana, Vezzano Ligure, Brugnato, Soviore, and San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte—to identify shifts in social and cultural norms. By distinguishing phases of necropolis use, the research revealed how funerary traditions evolved, reflecting broader societal changes in the region. The findings provide a rare, interdisciplinary framework for understanding lesser-studied medieval burial customs.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Domestic and Wild Animals From the Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2012 — WHEF198AA2913

A comprehensive study on the Brazilian Atlantic Island of Fernando de Noronha revealed a widespread endemic infection of Toxoplasma gondii among both domestic and wild animals, with seroprevalence rates ranging from 3% to 81.8% across various species. The research, conducted between 2007 and 2010, analyzed blood samples from 764 animals, including chickens (80%), cattle (3%), sheep (60.8%), goats (81.8%), horses (43.7%), cats (59.3%), dogs (39.6%), black rats (38.2%), and cattle egrets (79.7%). The findings highlight the archipelago's role as a significant reservoir for this zoonotic parasite, posing potential risks to both local wildlife and human health.

Settling Down or Moving On?: The Settlement of the Irish Neolithic Landscape

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2012 — WHE55A5F968BD

A central debate in Irish Neolithic archaeology challenges the assumption that early agricultural communities were uniformly settled, revealing instead a dynamic landscape use. Research suggests that while some households likely maintained permanent bases—evidenced by robust rectangular and circular houses—their settlement patterns exhibited flexibility, with evidence of short-term activity sites indicating seasonal or specialist mobility. This duality contrasts sharply with neighboring Britain's Neolithic experience, highlighting Ireland's unique ecological and social adaptation during the 1,600-year period (4,000–2,400 BC). The study synthesizes empirical data from hundreds of excavated house sites, particularly those unearthed during the 1990s economic boom, to propose a nuanced model of settlement: permanent habitations coexisted with transient or seasonal resource exploitation. This shifts focus from static empirical analysis toward understanding lived experiences and landscape interactions.

Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park — 2012 — WHE5824F79154

A dramatic decline in mammal populations within Everglades National Park (ENP) has been linked to the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons. Research shows a 99.3% decrease in raccoon observations, alongside significant drops in opossum and bobcat sightings, with rabbits no longer detected during road surveys from 2003–2011. These declines coincide with areas where pythons have recently established themselves, suggesting predation by these apex predators has severely impacted local mammal populations. The study highlights the potential for introduced giant constrictors to exert significant top-down pressure on prey species, raising concerns for less observable or rare mammals of conservation concern.

Shahr-i Sokhta and the Bronze Production Workshop: A Review

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2012 — WHE4D5E0CC4E3

Shahr-i Sokhta, located approximately 55 km southwest of Zabol in southeast Iran, stands out as the most significant Bronze Age site on the eastern Iranian Plateau, spanning 151 hectares. A unique metallurgical center, it is distinguished by the discovery of copper ores, slags, and finished bronze tools, indicating advanced bronze production capabilities. Analysis of 25 metallic slags and 14 artifacts using XRF spectroscopy revealed the presence of arsenic and lead in bronze objects, providing insights into ore sources and workshop provenances. This study highlights Shahr-i Sokhta's role as a key Bronze Age metallurgical hub, offering valuable clues about ancient production techniques and trade networks.

Shaping the Body Politic: Art and Political Formation in Early America (review)

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2012 — WHE39C36AFCD2

Shaping the Body Politic: Art and Political Formation in Early America reveals how early American visual and material culture played a pivotal role in defining national identity and political discourse. The volume, drawn from a 2006 symposium at the University of Virginia, explores the interplay between art, politics, and rhetoric during the late colonial period to the early nineteenth century. Through interdisciplinary analysis, it uncovers the political motivations behind iconic representations of George Washington, such as Houdon’s statue and Stuart’s Lansdowne Portrait, which shaped America’s national iconography and legitimated Federalist policies. Additionally, it examines lesser-known works by Charles Willson Peale and British-trained artists, highlighting their contributions to American visual aesthetics. The book also rethinks the significance of vernacular artworks and built environments, including Monticello, demonstrating how Jeffersonian design conveyed a sense of national identity through spatial dynamics.

Sharing schistosomes: the elephant schistosome Bivitellobilharzia nairi also infects the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2012 — WHEBC77ADA41F

Researchers have discovered that the elephant schistosome Bivitellobilharzia nairi, previously known to infect elephants, also infects the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. This is the first sequence-verified identification of a schistosome from any rhinoceros species and the first verified occurrence of Bivitellobilharzia in mammals other than elephants. The study analyzed fecal samples from wild and domestic elephants, as well as rhinoceroses, using morphological and genetic (cox1 and 28S) analyses to confirm the presence of B. nairi. The findings suggest that these two charismatic megafauna species share this parasite due to their similar lifestyle involving extensive contact with freshwater habitats, though the intermediate snail host and infection mode remain undocumented.

Sharing the Sacra

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2012 — WHE6B9DDB4B6A

The concept of 'shared' sites, where distinct religious communities interact or clash, reveals that tolerance and intercommunalism are both possible and perpetually threatened. This volume, based on fieldwork from diverse locations including Djerba in Tunisia, demonstrates the complexity of these dynamics through historical processes such as the evolution of Chinese funerals and memorial commemoration post-Vietnam War, as well as specific events like Pope John Paul II's visit to shared shrines in Sri Lanka or the Al-Qaeda bombing of a Jewish synagogue on Djerba. The study underscores the importance of understanding wider social contexts to grasp the fragility and potential of tolerance in multicultural settings.

Shoreline Distribution and Landscape Genetics of Bears in a Recently Deglaciated Fjord: Glacier Bay, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2012 — WHE1851831503

A recently deglaciated fjord in Glacier Bay, Alaska, shows distinct patterns in the distribution and landscape genetics of bears, revealing how these animals adapt to rapidly changing environments. The study found that bear populations along the shoreline exhibit genetic differentiation linked to specific landscape features, suggesting that post-glacial environmental shifts influence genetic structure. Researchers analyzed bear samples using landscape genetics techniques, mapping their movements and genetic diversity in relation to terrain characteristics such as elevation, vegetation cover, and proximity to water sources. This work provides insights into how bears colonize and adapt to newly exposed landscapes, with implications for understanding biodiversity dynamics in deglaciated regions.

Should Ruins Be Preserved?

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2012 — WHED096E3A508

The preservation of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, constructed from soft globigerina stone, presents a complex dilemma between conservation efforts and natural decay. A 2009 Teflon-covered tent erected to protect one temple sparked public debate, with opinions divided on its aesthetic impact versus its role in safeguarding archaeological heritage. The study highlights the tension between allowing ruins to deteriorate naturally—a source of fascination—and actively preserving them, paralleling other global cases like Seahenge in Britain, where similar controversies arose over relocating exposed timber circles for restoration.

Shoulder joint and inner ear of Tachypteron franzeni, an emballonurid bat from the Middle Eocene of Messel

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2012 — WHE1B50F191CB

A rare, exceptionally well-preserved fossil bat from the Middle Eocene Messel Pit reveals that Tachypteron franzeni possessed shoulder joint and inner ear structures indistinguishable from modern emballonurid bats. This suggests that bioacoustic specializations and flight adaptations in this lineage were already fully evolved 48 million years ago, predating the diversification of its extant relatives. The study analyzed two specimens, focusing on their shoulder morphology—a key innovation linked to wing biomechanics—and compared them with living and extinct bat lineages. It identified a derived shoulder joint type unique to emballonurids, reinforcing evidence for parallel evolution in chiropteran flight mechanics.

Showcasing the geology, resources and innovative geoscience approaches Downunder: the 34th International Geological Congress

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2012 — WHE91137724BF

Australia's geological diversity, showcased at the 34th International Geological Congress, reveals significant insights into its ancient landscapes and resources. The study highlights the discovery of very old internal drainage rivers, ancient glacial horizons in the Neoproterozoic era, and fossil macro-organisms that define the Ediacaran Period. It also explores the geological significance of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, including the world's largest monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock), which is a testament to ancient Aboriginal culture and arid landscapes. The research delves into innovative geoscience approaches, such as effective mine management around World Heritage sites like Kakadu National Park, and the unique geological features of the Great Artesian Basin, which hosts groundwater as old as 2 million years. Additionally, it examines Australia's rich fossil records, including large mammals and dinosaurs in Queensland, and its diverse mineral resources, from opal fields to oil shale deposits. The study also sheds light on the country's unique coastal geology, including the Great Barrier Reef and the wave-dominated coast of southern Victoria, which is home to many endemic marine species.

Simplifying the savanna: the trajectory of fire‐sensitive vegetation mosaics in northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2012 — WHE206333D0FF

A long-term study in Kakadu National Park reveals that fire-sensitive vegetation elements within northern Australia's savanna mosaics are declining under current fire regimes, despite the overall structural integrity of mesic savannas. The research used 15 years of ambient fire regime data from monitoring plots and spatial modeling to assess the impacts on closed forest, savanna, and shrubland heath attributes across a 28,000 km² region (1995–2009). Key findings include significant declines in large stems of Allosyncarpia ternata, stem densities of Callitris intratropica, and obligate seeder taxa in shrublands, particularly in less dissected terrains. No significant impacts were observed on eucalypt or non-eucalypt adult tree components. The study underscores the broader implications for savanna biodiversity across northern Australia and highlights the need for long-term infrastructure to monitor fire regimes in similar ecosystems.

Singularités architecturales du cimetière impérial des Xixia : le monument funéraire

Xixia Imperial Tombs — 2012 — WHE6209B78843

The Xixia imperial necropolis, located against the Helan Mountains near Yinchuan, China, presents unique architectural features distinct from traditional Chinese and neighboring states' funerary practices. Notably, its monumental pagoda-like structure is positioned in the northwest of the inner precinct, not at the center or above the underground chamber—a deviation unparalleled in imperial tomb designs. This study reveals that the necropolis's design integrates religious and political influences, highlighting the Tangut dynasty's originality. By analyzing architectural elements, the research sheds light on the cultural and symbolic significance underlying the Xixia funerary tradition.

Sir John Vanbrugh, Storyteller in Stone, and: The Country Houses of Sir John Vanbrugh (review)

Blenheim Palace — 2012 — WHE657D149296

Sir John Vanbrugh, a multifaceted figure as merchant, soldier, playwright, and architect, left an indelible mark on English architecture, particularly through his country houses. A key insight from recent scholarship is the interpretation of Vanbrugh's buildings not merely as architectural structures but as narrative reflections of their patrons' 'mythology or story.' This approach, while rich in associative content, somewhat overlooks formal and typological significances. For instance, Blenheim Palace, built for the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, was designed to evoke narratives of power and legacy, drawing from historical associations like Henry II's exploits at Woodstock. Similarly, Castle Howard and Seaton Delaval reflect their patrons' heraldry and naval prowess, respectively. The study relies heavily on Vanbrugh's letters and a 1709 memorandum on Woodstock, offering a unique lens to understand his architectural choices through the prism of literature and history.

Sir Joseph Hooker's Collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2012 — WHE7E1DD4714A

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker's legacy at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was celebrated on December 9, 2011, marking nearly a century since his death. The event, attended by over 150 participants, highlighted Hooker's significant contributions to botanical science through a series of displays and presentations. Hooker's extensive collections, which include rare plants and specimens from global expeditions, remain pivotal in understanding biodiversity and plant taxonomy. The conference emphasized the enduring impact of his work on modern botany, showcasing his meticulous documentation and pioneering research methods that continue to influence scientific study.

Sistemas de Diaclases e Influência Tectônica da Borda Sudeste da Bacia Sedimentar do Parnaíba: Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara, Brasil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE1277DE4A3A

A study of Serra da Capivara National Park reveals that tectonic activity has significantly influenced the park's geomorphological features. The research highlights how fractures in sedimentary rocks, caused by tectonic efforts, have shaped the park's unique relief and contributed to the formation of ruiniform landscapes. These fractures, visible through satellite images, aerial photographs, and fieldwork, have led to accelerated erosion processes, creating distinctive and visually striking forms that attract both tourists and researchers. The study underscores the importance of revisiting long-held geomorphological theories in light of tectonic influences, offering new insights into the park's geological evolution.