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Direct use values of selected vegetation resources in the Okavango delta wetland

Okavango Delta — 2011 — WHEB8759B989E

A study quantifies the significant economic value of native plant resources in the Okavango Delta, revealing that their direct use value per household (US$1,434 annually) nearly matches average financial income. The net present value of these benefits is estimated at US$101.9 million, underscoring the critical role of vegetation in local livelihoods and quality of life. This finding highlights the need for economic development planners to integrate wetland resource values into infrastructure planning, ensuring sustainable access without adequate mitigation strategies. The research focused on palm leaves, grass, fuelwood, and edible fruits harvested by three villages in 2003, excluding other ecosystem services like fishing or tourism.

Discovery of Aneuretus simoni Emery in a disturbed forest in Kalutara, and Stereomyrmex horni Emery in Anuradhapura Sanctuary, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2011 — WHE28F6E78132

Two rare ant species, Aneuretus simoni and Stereomyrmex horni, have been discovered in distinct forest areas of Sri Lanka. Aneuretus simoni was found in a disturbed forest in Kalutara, while Stereomyrmex horni was identified within the Anuradhapura Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical and ecological significance. These discoveries highlight the presence of these previously understudied species in Sri Lankan ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of ant biodiversity in the region. The research involved field surveys and taxonomic analysis, underscoring the importance of both disturbed and protected forest habitats in supporting diverse ant populations.

Discus (Canaridiscus) rupivagus sp. nov., a rock-dwelling species from La Gomera, Canary Islands (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Discidae)

Garajonay National Park — 2011 — WHE311C02682A

A new species of rock-dwelling snail, Discus (Canaridiscus) rupivagus, has been discovered in the eastern part of La Gomera, Canary Islands. This species belongs to the subgenus Canaridiscus and is notable for its unique genital system featuring a long or very long penis, a trait not previously observed in other Discidae. The discovery expands the known diversity of endemic snails in the Canarian and Madeiran archipelagos, challenging earlier taxonomic classifications that grouped these species under a single genus, Atlantica. Researchers identified the new taxon by examining specimens found hidden in narrow rock crevices near Casas de Encherada. This finding contributes to our understanding of the biodiversity and evolutionary adaptations of snails in the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.

Distribution and drivers of coral disease at Ningaloo reef, Indian Ocean

Ningaloo Coast — 2011 — WHEF602824E56

A study on Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, reveals that coral disease prevalence is primarily driven by natural stressors rather than human activities. The research found that 2.3% of coral colonies exhibited signs of disease, with variations at both broad and local scales, comparable to other Indo-Pacific regions. Seven diseases were identified, with 'skeletal eroding band' being the most common. At a broader scale, this disease was positively linked to Drupella spp. feeding scars, while black-band disease (BBD) correlated with coral colony density. Locally, BBD severity and cyanobacterial bands were associated with anoxic events and Drupella spp. scars. No strong relationship was found between human activities, such as vessel or person density, and disease prevalence, suggesting natural stressors like anoxia may be key drivers of coral disease at Ningaloo Reef.

Disturbance and the Dynamics of Coral Cover on the Great Barrier Reef (1995–2009)

Great Barrier Reef — 2011 — WHEB5FAA285E8

Between 1995 and 2009, the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) showed no overall decline in coral cover, which remained stable at around 29%. While subregional trends varied—with six areas seeing increases and seven decreases—Acroporidae corals drove 68% of these changes. Contrary to expectations, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and storms caused more coral loss than bleaching or disease, despite two mass bleaching events during the period. The study analyzed annual data from 47 fixed sites across 1300 km, revealing localized dynamics rather than system-wide decline.

DIY Home Improvements in a Post-Soviet Housing Market: A Socio-Spatial Analysis of Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2011 — WHE84B77AC6B9

DIY home improvements were widespread among households in Vilnius, Lithuania, during 2001–2002, regardless of socio-economic status or housing type. Contrary to expectations, these activities did not correlate with building conditions or the proximity to gentrifying areas like the Old Town. Instead, perceptions of neighborhood quality emerged as a key factor influencing DIY engagement. The study, part of the WHO's LARES project, analyzed survey data from eight European cities to explore socio-spatial patterns in post-Soviet housing markets. Interviews with local officials revealed additional contextual insights not captured by the survey.

Do Not Stop: The Importance of Seamless Monitoring and Enforcement in an Indonesian Marine Protected Area

Komodo National Park — 2011 — WHE1BAFC82560

A significant decline in the abundance of squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) and brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), along with the apparent extirpation of one aggregation, was observed at Komodo National Park following lapses in monitoring (2003–2005) and enforcement (2004-2005). This study highlights the severe impact of fishing pressure on fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) targeted by the live reef food fish trade (LRFFT), particularly when conservation efforts are disrupted. Researchers monitored eight sites, including two FSA sites, from 1998 to 2003 and 2005 to 2008, revealing that seamless monitoring and enforcement are critical for maintaining population persistence of targeted species in high-pressure marine protected areas.

Does the global network of marine protected areas provide an adequate safety net for marine biodiversity?

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2011 — WHE32F2AF5D52

The global network of marine protected areas (MPAs) remains insufficient to adequately safeguard marine biodiversity, despite recent expansions such as those around the Phoenix Islands and Chagos Archipelago. Currently, less than 1% of the world's oceans is covered by MPAs, with only a fraction (<0.001%) designated as 'no-entry' zones, which offer the highest level of protection. A critical gap exists in empirical research addressing whether existing MPAs effectively benefit threatened species, with a stark imbalance in research focus—only 23 papers (largely reviews) mention threatened species compared to 951 on fisheries, highlighting a lack of field-based studies specifically targeting endangered marine species.

Doors in Domestic Space at Pompeii and Herculaneum: A Preliminary Study

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2011 — WHE2F7984BAF0

A preliminary study challenges the long-held perception of Pompeian and Herculanean atrium houses as primarily social spaces, revealing instead that their doors played a crucial role in organizing domestic activities. Contrary to the traditional view that these structures were highly decorated but functionally empty, the research suggests that door placement and design reflected practical needs for privacy, circulation, and spatial division within households. By analyzing architectural patterns and door configurations across multiple sites, the study proposes that domestic space was more functionally integrated than previously assumed, with doors serving as key elements in structuring daily life rather than merely signaling social status.

Dorsal Monuments: Messiaen, Sellars, and Saint Francis

Chartres Cathedral — 2011 — WHEA2EDB7EFFE

Olivier Messiaen's musical works, particularly 'Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum,' are shown to uniquely address religious modes of time that restructure aesthetic presence. This study focuses on how gestures in Messiaen's compositions modulate temporality and alter the meaning of his works. It highlights a critical aspect of his oeuvre: the production of presence, which distinguishes his approach from other musical traditions. The research draws on Messiaen's own writings, including his 'Traité' on rhythm, color, and ornithology, to explore this phenomenon. By analyzing specific performances, such as that at Chartres Cathedral in 1965, the study provides insight into how Messiaen's works engage with theological and philosophical concepts of time, offering a novel perspective on the intersection of music, religion, and temporal experience.

DOWNFLOW code and LIDAR technology for lava flow analysis and hazard assessment at Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2011 — WHEBDEE7C6DA2

A novel combination of probabilistic lava-flow simulation (DOWNFLOW) and high-resolution LIDAR technology reveals the dynamic behavior of compound lava flow fields at Mount Etna. The study found that such flows consist of narrow, disjointed units (5-15 m wide) with widely varying advance velocities (3-90 m/h), fed by uneven lava pulses within channels. This complexity challenges deterministic models due to the difficulty in measuring key parameters like discharge rate or viscosity. DOWNFLOW overcomes this by statistically accounting for perturbations and pre-eruption topography, enabling the creation of a lava-flow hazard map based on vent probability and expected flow length. The research also addresses recent morphological changes at Mount Etna, providing critical insights for volcanic hazard assessment.

Dynamics of fish assemblages on a continuous rocky reef and adjacent unconsolidated habitats at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, tropical western Atlantic

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2011 — WHEE9E929199D

A study on the Brazilian Atlantic Islands revealed that species richness of reef fish assemblages is significantly influenced by topographical complexity and the percent cover of algae, excluding coralline algae. This research, conducted at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in the tropical western Atlantic, used underwater techniques to assess both fish numbers and microhabitat variables such as depth, rugosity, crevice number, and benthic organism coverage. The findings indicate that higher species richness was observed on consolidated substrata during both sampling periods (May and October), while fish abundance showed no significant spatial variation. The study highlights the importance of assessing multiple microhabitat variables to understand their relative influence on reef fish assemblages, contributing valuable insights to the understudied South Atlantic region.

Earliest Arenig radiolarians from the Cow Head Group, Western Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park — 2011 — WHE2E1943056F

A groundbreaking discovery of earliest Arenig radiolarians from the Cow Head Group in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, reveals significant evolutionary shifts in radiolarian faunas. This study identifies two new assemblages comprising eight families, 13 genera, and 25 species, including 11 newly described species. Contrary to previous assumptions, the difference between pre-Arenigian and Arenigian radiolarian faunas is attributed to phylogenetic evolution rather than mass extinction. Key features distinguishing earliest Arenig assemblages include the development of a 'bandage' structure and multiple concentric shells with a proloculus or microsphere. The precise biostratigraphic age of one assemblage was confirmed using the index conodont Prioniodus adami from the Tetragraptus approximatus Graptolite Zone, marking the base of the Arenigian period.

Early metal smelting in Aksum, Ethiopia: copper or iron?

Aksum — 2011 — WHE6BFCF3F648

Archaeometallurgical analysis of 3rd/4th century A.D. remains from Aksum, Ethiopia, reveals evidence of highly efficient iron smelting using the bloomery process and slag tapping furnaces, rather than copper smelting. Chemical and mineralogical examinations confirmed that lateritic iron ore with at least 80 wt% FeO was processed, producing one unit of iron metal per unit of slag with minimal furnace wall erosion. The study also identified distinctive spinel zoning patterns, indicating strongly reducing conditions during smelting. This finding challenges previous assumptions about early metallurgical practices in the region and provides new insights into the technological sophistication of Aksum's ancient metallurgy.

East Rennell World Heritage Site: misunderstandings, inconsistencies and opportunities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the Pacific Islands

East Rennell — 2011 — WHEF1EC9FCCE7

East Rennell World Heritage Site, the first inscribed under natural criteria with customary ownership and management, reveals tensions between conservation goals and the 'beauty pageant' aspects of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention. Community dissatisfaction stems from inconsistencies in inscription requirements, highlighting a disconnect between international heritage standards and local customary practices in Pacific Island states. The study explores these dynamics through a case analysis, emphasizing the need for alignment between global conservation frameworks and traditional land tenure systems.

Ecological adaptation of plants and control of rocky-desertification on karst region of South-west China

South China Karst — 2011 — WHEED2AAB126C

South China Karst, a region characterized by its ecological fragility and severe rocky-desertification, has seen significant advancements in plant ecology research aimed at understanding vegetation restoration challenges. This study highlights key findings on the habitat characteristics of the karst region, focusing on plant adaptation mechanisms, population dynamics, community structures, and ecosystem interactions. By synthesizing recent pure and applied research, it identifies critical ecological processes that underpin rocky-desertification management strategies. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating field observations, experimental data, and theoretical models to elucidate how plants adapt to the harsh karst environment. It also proposes future directions for plant ecology research, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to mitigate desertification in this vulnerable region.

Ecology and biology of scorpions in Palmyra, Syria

Site of Palmyra — 2011 — WHE5CCDC62EA2

A study near Palmyra, Syria, identified five scorpion species, with Buthacus tadmorensis dominating at 80.6% of observations. Pitfall traps proved more effective for sampling than stone-checking methods, revealing significant variations in scorpion abundance across survey areas. The research also documented interspecific and intraspecific predation patterns, seasonal trends, and biometric data, including weight measurements. Population structure analysis focused on B. tadmorensis provided insights into its ecological dynamics in the Syrian Desert.

Ecology and conservation of the jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Cerrado grasslands of central Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE2B3E040F77

A study reveals that the jaguar population in Emas National Park (ENP), a critical Cerrado reserve, is highly isolated and vulnerable to extinction due to its small size. Researchers estimated a jaguar density of 0.3-0.6 individuals per 100 km² using camera trapping data and spatially explicit models, which account for animal movement more accurately than traditional methods. The study also found that jaguars in ENP exhibit strong selection for giant anteaters as a primary prey, aligning with an optimal foraging model that predicts this preference due to its profitability. Additionally, the research demonstrated resource partitioning between jaguars and pumas, with jaguars dominating dense habitats within the park while pumas, being more generalist, are frequently found outside ENP boundaries. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing small population isolation and identifying potential dispersal corridors for jaguar conservation in the Cerrado.

Ecology of Time: Calendar of the Human Body in the Pamir Mountains

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2011 — WHE219E476CA2

Villagers in the Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan and Tajikistan historically used their bodies as 'calendars' to track seasonal changes, integrating cultural practices with ecological rhythms. This study reveals that these calendars were not just tools for measuring time but also imbued it with meaning, reflecting a deep connectivity between humans and their environment. The research examines the diversity of these calendars across different valleys, their role in agro-pastoral activities, and their potential to enhance villagers' anticipatory capacity in response to climate change. Despite their decline, remnants of this calendar persist in local languages, illustrating its enduring ecological significance.

Ecology, demography and conservation in the Galapagos Islands flora

Galápagos Islands — 2011 — WHE6570A53DE9

The Galápagos Islands, true oceanic islands rising from a shallow submarine platform, exhibit remarkable geological diversity with ages ranging from 4.5 million years to as young as 60,000 years before present (bp). The eastern islands, such as Española and Santa Cruz, are composed of older uplifted lava flows, while the western islands like Fernandina and Isabela are formed by younger shield volcanoes with frequent eruptions. These volcanic landscapes display a variety of features including craters, barren fields of lava or scoria, and vegetated areas. The study provides insights into the ecological and demographic patterns of the Galápagos flora, emphasizing the unique geological history that shapes its biodiversity.