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Invasive species and bushmeat hunting contributing to wildlife conservation: the case of feral pigs in a Neotropical wetland

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2011 — WHEB3453A10E6

In the Brazilian Pantanal, feral pigs serve as a crucial buffer against bushmeat hunting of native wildlife, offering a culturally acceptable and readily available meat source. This study reveals that feral pigs are the primary hunting target in this Neotropical wetland, where human populations rarely hunt native species due to their scarcity or inaccessibility. Researchers used exploratory surveys, semi-structured interviews, skull collections, tooth wear analysis, and hunting registers to assess hunting patterns. While feral pigs mitigate hunting pressure on native wildlife, their ecological impacts remain uncertain, highlighting a complex conservation dilemma in non-protected areas.

Inventário de Elateridae (Coleoptera) de Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Angra Dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHE2A98DAFDFF

A comprehensive inventory of the beetle family Elateridae (click beetles) on Ilha Grande, Brazil's Atlantic Forest, revealed 28 species from five subfamilies, including 19 genera documented for the first time in this UNESCO-listed site. The study, conducted through seven collections between January and December 2008 using entomological nets and light traps near a research center, identified Pomachilius terminatus as the most abundant species within the dominant Elaterinae subfamily. While Agrypninae and Cardiophorinae accounted for nearly 20% of the total abundance, Lissominae and Denticollinae were rare, with only one representative each. This research significantly expands the known biodiversity of Ilha Grande's Atlantic Forest, a critical ecosystem under global conservation attention.

Investigating diversity dependence of tropical forest litter decomposition: experiments and observations from Central Africa

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2011 — WHE07A5D3CBEF

Research in the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, reveals that litter decomposition rates in tropical forests are more influenced by the quality of dominant litter species than by forest diversity itself. The study found that decomposition in mixed-species forests was four times faster than in monodominant forests, primarily due to the prevalence of low-quality Gilbertiodendron dewevrei litter. While high-quality bay leaves decomposed significantly faster than low-quality G. dewevrei leaves, mixing litter types accelerated decomposition for G. dewevrei, suggesting a diversity-dependent effect. The findings challenge the assumption that tree species diversity alone drives decomposition rates, highlighting the critical role of litter quality in ecosystem functioning.

Investigation of the Potential of IRSL Single Aliquot and Single Grain Feldspar for Dating Qanat Irrigation Systems

The Persian Qanat — 2011 — WHE8A2FE56306

A groundbreaking study demonstrates the potential of IRSL single aliquot and single grain feldspar dating techniques to directly date ancient Persian qanat irrigation systems, challenging long-held assumptions about their origin. The research, conducted on spoil deposits near the Dasht-e-Bayaz fault in northeastern Iran, provides the first OSL dating evidence for these elaborate tunnel systems, which facilitated water extraction in arid regions and sustained agricultural practices for centuries. While initial single aliquot results posed interpretative challenges, the adoption of single grain dating offered more reliable chronologies. The study not only advances our understanding of the antiquity and development of qanat technology but also sheds light on its potential Iranian origins, contrasting with claims attributed to Roman innovation. Additionally, the research contributes to geological studies by investigating the slip-rate of the Dasht-e-Bayaz fault, highlighting the intersection of archaeological and geophysical inquiries in this historically significant region.

Iridium anomaly in the cretaceous-paleogene boundary at Højerup (Stevns Klint, Denmark) and Woodside Creek (New Zealand): The question of an enormous proportion of extraterrestrial component

Stevns Klint — 2011 — WHED9000F4D76

A significant iridium anomaly, indicative of extraterrestrial material, has been identified at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary layers in Højerup (Stevns Klint, Denmark) and Woodside Creek (New Zealand). The study estimates that up to 26% and 65% of the carbonaceous chondritic component in these layers may originate from extraterrestrial sources, though this proportion is likely overestimated due to potential iridium influx from nearby marine or continental sites. The research utilizes integrated iridium fluencies to assess the extraterrestrial contribution, providing insights into the composition and origin of the boundary clays.

Island beaches morphological and sedimentary short term variations – the case of SE Fernando de Noronha Island, South Atlantic, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2011 — WHEFEFA9F8B64

A study on the Brazilian Atlantic Islands, specifically Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves, reveals significant short-term variations in beach morphology and sediment composition. The research highlights the influence of geological structures, such as hotspots and fracture zones, on the formation and evolution of these oceanic islands. It synthesizes modern knowledge about their geology, including chemical and mineralogical characteristics of their rocks, and suggests that hotspot activity played a crucial role in shaping volcanic chains and island formations. The study also compares Fernando de Noronha with other Brazilian archipelagos like Martin Vaz and São Pedro e São Paulo, emphasizing the unique geological processes at work. The research approach involves detailed analysis of sedimentary and morphological data to understand these dynamic changes over short periods.

Island tourism: sustainable perspectives

Macquarie Island — 2011 — WHEA3CEDBAF0F

Island tourism, particularly on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Macquarie Island, faces significant ecological, social, and economic challenges that require sustainable solutions. The study highlights the delicate balance between conservation efforts and tourism development, emphasizing the need for ecologically sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts such as invasive species (e.g., rabbits and rats) and sand mining. Social sustainability is also critical, with a focus on maintaining positive host-guest interactions while addressing cultural sensitivities and potential conflicts, such as those seen in Trinidad and Tobago or casino-driven tourism in St. Croix. Economically, the research underscores the importance of adaptive strategies to rejuvenate tourism markets, as demonstrated by cases from Mauritius and Okinawa, ensuring long-term viability without compromising ecological integrity or social cohesion. The study employs comparative analyses across diverse island settings to derive actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

Italy and Mauritania: A Project by the Autonomous Region Fruili Venezia Giulia for the Preservation of Desert Libraries

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2011 — WHEE703DE505A

A collaborative project between Italy's Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and Mauritania successfully trained 12 local specialists in advanced preservation techniques for ancient manuscripts, now operational across five laboratories. These include the capital Nouakchott and four historic 'villes anciennes'—Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata—critical to preserving Mauritania's endangered desert libraries. The initiative, approved in 2005, demonstrates a sustainable model for safeguarding cultural heritage in arid environments through localized expertise. This approach addresses the urgent need to protect fragile manuscripts from degradation while empowering local communities with specialized skills.

Jerusalem Day, 2011

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2011 — WHE071CE3B83D

On June 7, 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli paratroopers captured the Old City of Jerusalem, a pivotal event that reshaped the city's geopolitical landscape. The surprise assault on Egyptian air force bases and Jordan's subsequent attack on West Jerusalem fulfilled long-standing Zionist ambitions, despite the presence of United Nations forces and prior armistice agreements. This strategic capture, marked by the paratroopers' advance from the Mount of Olives to the Lions' Gate, underscored the war's unexpected swiftness and its profound implications for Jerusalem's status as a sacred site. The study provides a historical account of this transformative event, highlighting its significance in the context of regional conflicts.

Jerusalem, the Old City, Wilson’s Arch and the Great Causeway

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2011 — WHE7663893D91

A monumental public hall from the Second Temple period, known as the Masonic Hall, was uncovered beneath Wilson's Arch and the Great Causeway in Jerusalem. This discovery, first documented by scholars in the 19th century, was further investigated through excavations and tunnel work conducted by various institutions, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Israel Antiquities Authority. The research involved removing soil, repairing ancient vaults, and exposing street remains dating to the Roman-Byzantine period, including parts of the eastern cardo. Additional findings included a monumental staircase from the Second Temple period above Wilson's Arch. These excavations have significantly contributed to understanding Jerusalem's architectural evolution and its historical layers.

Jerusalem: City of Dreams, City of Sorrows

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2011 — WHEC7F91A2377

Jerusalem's evolution from a pilgrimage site to a complex administrative, religious, and commercial center during the Ottoman era (16th–19th centuries) underscores its pivotal role in shaping Palestine’s western coasts, highlands, and Jordan River valley. The study highlights how social and cultural transformations, exacerbated by British occupation and rising Zionist immigration, intensified tensions leading to the 1948 War and the city's division between Israeli and Jordanian forces. To facilitate understanding of Jerusalem's layered history—often referred to as the 'three Jerusalems'—the paper proposes pedagogical strategies for U.S. study abroad students, emphasizing its intellectual context and cultural significance.

Josephus The Stage Manager At The Service Of Josephus The Dramatist: Masada As Test Case

Masada — 2011 — WHEDD96D224D1

Josephus' precise topographical descriptions of Masada reveal his strategic use of language as both a stage manager and dramatist, distinguishing the fortress's natural rock from its constructed elements. Unlike other battle sites where his accounts are less detailed, Josephus meticulously delineates Masada's layout, emphasizing its significance in siege operations. This analysis highlights how his narrative choices serve to enhance dramatic effect while maintaining historical accuracy, offering a unique lens through which to view ancient military and literary techniques.

Juge ou policier : les mesures conservatoires dans l’affaire du Temple de Preah Vihear

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2011 — WHEF1CFA337E9

The 2011 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case Cambodia v. Thailand introduced a unique 'provisional demilitarized zone' around the Temple of Preah Vihear, redefining the court's role in urgent international disputes. This decision marked the second instance where the ICJ issued provisional measures in an interpretation case, setting a precedent for how such measures are applied and justified. The study analyzes the conditions under which these measures were granted and assesses their implications for the court's responsibilities in contentious scenarios involving heritage sites. By examining this landmark ruling, the research highlights the intersection of legal authority and conservation urgency, offering insights into the balance between judicial action and policymaking.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Gastropoda (Mollusca) yang Berasosiasi dengan Ekosistem Mangrove di Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2011 — WHE492C5AB8E8

A comprehensive survey of gastropod biodiversity in Ujung Kulon National Park's mangrove ecosystems revealed 59 species, with 33 (56%) representing new records for the site. These included 19 native gastropods previously undocumented and three Onchidiidae species marking their first recorded presence in Java's mangroves. The study identified three ecological categories: 37 native species (63%), 5 facultative species, and 17 visitors. Field observations also documented key interactions such as predation, mating, and aggregation behaviors. This research significantly expands the known gastropod diversity of Ujung Kulon National Park, contributing critical baseline data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed mangrove ecosystem.

Keeping the Plantin Press Together: Jan Moretus and the Inheritance of Christophe Plantin

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2011 — WHE935F208771

Jan Moretus successfully inherited the Plantin Press, one of Europe's most significant 16th-century publishing houses, despite legal challenges from other heirs. The study reveals that Plantin's testament intended for the entire enterprise to pass to Moretus, but disputes arose over its lucrative privileges—legal rights protecting published works from competition. Moretus defended these privileges against his brother-in-law, Gilles Beys, ensuring control of high-value editions like bibles and classical texts. These privileges were pivotal in maintaining market dominance, allowing the Moretus family to sustain the press for generations until the 19th century. The research highlights the role of legal rights in preserving publishing enterprises during a transformative era.

Keoladeo National Park: highlighting surface water tensions

Keoladeo National Park — 2011 — WHEFD092EEBD6

Keoladeo National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajasthan, India, faces significant ecological stress due to drought and upstream dam construction. A proposed 17 km pipeline aims to alleviate water scarcity, but it raises critical questions about the allocation of surface waters. This study compares socially efficient water distribution with legal agreements, revealing regional tensions and socioeconomic complexities unique to water-scarce developing nations. Conducted through interviews in May 2010, the research highlights the disconnect between optimal ecological management and policy decisions, offering insights into sustainable water governance in vulnerable ecosystems.

Khami and the Venda in the Mapungubwe Landscape

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2011 — WHE034146DC2E

Archaeological research at Khami Ruins National Monument reveals significant differences between the 15th–16th century Khami occupation and the later Venda period. Unlike the 19th-century Venda capitals, which housed around 350 people in dense chiefdoms, the earlier Khami phase supported thousands living on cattle posts and agricultural villages under more consistent rainfall. The study also documents a gradual cultural shift, with the Venda-speaking Machete chiefdom acculturating into Sotho-speaking groups by the time Mapungubwe was discovered in the 1930s. This work sheds light on the dynamic social and environmental changes in the Mapungubwe landscape, combining archaeological evidence with historical analysis to reconstruct past settlement patterns and cultural transitions.

Kibris Adasi'nda Çanak Çomleksiz Neolitik Dönemde Görülen Ölü Gömme Uygulamaları

Choirokoitia — 2011 — WHE628EA4F3B9

Archaeological research at Neolithic sites in Cyprus reveals significant evolution in funerary practices from the 8th to early 6th millennium cal. BC, transitioning from diverse collective and secondary burials to predominantly primary, single interments for both adults and subadults. The study, based on findings from sites such as Parekklisha-Shillourokambos, Kissonerga-Mylouthkia, Kalavasos-Tenta, Khirokitia Vouni, and Cap Andreas-Kastros, highlights this shift while comparing Cypriot practices to those of mainland Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) sites. The research underscores the cultural and social transformations during this period, providing insights into early human behavior and societal organization on the island.

Kuramosciadium (Umbelliferae): A New Genus from the Uzbekistanian Part of the Western Tian Shan Mountains

Western Tien-Shan — 2011 — WHED238208E7B

Researchers have identified Kuramosciadium corydalifolium, a new genus and species of Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) from the Kurama Ridge in Uzbekistan's Western Tian Shan Mountains. This discovery, distinct from any known Middle Asian flora, was made through morphological, anatomical, and molecular analyses, including nrDNA ITS sequencing. The findings reveal its distant affinity to genera like Ligusticum and Cnidium, with closest resemblance to Sphaenolobium, differing in key traits such as monocarpic life-form, unbranched rootstock, and unique mericarp features. The species is rare, narrowly endemic, and warrants protection due to its limited distribution.

L'aire Paysagère de Wulingyuan (Hunan, Chine) : à la recherche d'un équilibre entre protection et développement local.

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2011 — WHEA752B38505

Balancing protection and development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites poses significant challenges, particularly in inhabited areas. A study on Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Hunan, China) reveals that while local authorities have implemented a demolition-based conservation strategy to curb uncontrolled urbanization, this approach may not be sustainable or effective. The research, conducted through fieldwork and analysis, examines the social, economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of such policies. It suggests that achieving equilibrium between preservation and development requires more nuanced strategies than those currently in place.