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Publications

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Long-term monitoring of large rainforest mammals in the Biosphere Reserve of Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

Taï National Park — 2011 — WHEFFC5157B6E

A dramatic decline of up to 91% in populations of key rainforest mammals such as forest elephants and bongos has been documented over nearly three decades (1977–2004) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the severe impact of hunting on tropical biodiversity. This long-term monitoring study, one of the few in Africa’s forested protected areas, used transect dung counts and direct observations to compare species abundance between 1977–1983 and 1995–2004. While some species like duikers and leopards showed resilience, the findings underscore the urgent need for sustained conservation efforts. Additionally, the study revealed that day counts often underestimate densities compared to night counts, emphasizing the importance of methodological rigor in wildlife monitoring.

Long-term research sites as refugia for threatened and over-harvested species

Taï National Park — 2011 — WHECBCA6969DA

Long-term research sites within protected areas can serve as critical refugia for threatened and over-harvested species, according to a study conducted in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. The research found significantly higher encounter rates of primates and duikers, including the endangered red colobus monkey (Procolobus badius), within the park's long-term research area compared to adjacent regions. This pattern was mirrored by a reduction in poaching signs toward and inside the research area, supported by park-wide data. The study employed wildlife surveys along 225 km of line transects, demonstrating that even simple analytical approaches can effectively bridge conservation theory and practice. It underscores the importance of integrating long-term research sites into protected area management to enhance biodiversity conservation.

Long‐term trends in carnivore abundance using distance sampling in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2011 — WHE7370B530F3

A study analyzing long-term trends in carnivore abundance in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, reveals significant declines in the densities of golden jackals, black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes over a span of decades. Using distance-based transect counts from 2002 to 2005 and adjusted historical data from fixed-width transects conducted in 1977 and 1986, researchers were able to detect these changes despite wide confidence intervals. The study highlights the effectiveness of distance-sampling methods for monitoring multiple carnivore species simultaneously, providing critical insights for conservation management. Notably, abrupt declines of up to 20% in frequently observed species like lions, spotted hyenas, and golden jackals can be detected through long-term monitoring, although larger declines may go unnoticed for less common species.

Love for Lydia: A Sardis Anniversary Volume Presented to Crawford H. Greenewalt, Jr. Archaeological Exploration of Sardis; Report 4 by Nicholas D. Cahill

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2011 — WHE3693BD8956

A comprehensive archaeological exploration of Sardis reveals significant insights into the Lydian and Roman periods. The study, part of the 'Archaeological Exploration of Sardis' series, celebrates the scholarly contributions of Crawford H. Greenewalt Jr. and the 50th anniversary of George Hanfmann's founding of the Sardis Expedition. It compiles extensive data on the Romano-Iberian economy, particularly focusing on oil and wine production, through a meticulous analysis of amphora stamps and other material evidence. The research approach involves chronological arrangement of contributions, starting from the late Lydian period to the late Roman era, providing a dynamic perspective on the site's history. However, the study is noted for its static presentation of data, which, while detailed, may be less accessible to casual readers compared to more narrative-driven works.

Low-Cost Methods for Generating Panoramic Views for a Mobile Virtual Heritage Application and its Application to the Heritage Zone of George Town Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2011 — WHE8569662D5C

A novel low-cost method for generating panoramic views on mobile platforms, compatible with iOS devices, has been successfully developed and applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Malaysia. This approach eliminates the need for intermediate software conversion by storing finite images in an array to create 360° cylindrical panoramic views, offering high-quality visualization at lower computational costs. The study also explores key aspects of iOS User Experience (UX) design using Model-View-Control (MVC) strategies, ensuring standardized interfaces while maintaining visual clarity around historical monuments. This method represents a significant advancement in mobile virtual heritage applications, enhancing accessibility and user engagement without compromising production quality.

Luang Prabang, sanctuaire Unesco et paradis gay

Town of Luang Prabang — 2011 — WHE9266D871AB

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, has undergone significant transformation due to tourism, evolving from its traditional image of Buddhist monasteries and colonial architecture into a dual identity. While it remains renowned for its cultural heritage, it is also increasingly recognized as a 'gay paradise,' a label that contrasts with local perceptions of tradition. This study highlights the tension between Luang Prabang's historical and contemporary identities, exploring how UNESCO recognition and tourism have reshaped the town's social dynamics. The research employs qualitative methods to analyze these shifts, revealing the complexities of heritage preservation and cultural identity in the context of globalization.

Lytopylus Förster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae) species from Costa Rica, with an emphasis on specimens reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2011 — WHE2DAA879624

A comprehensive taxonomic study identifies twelve species of Lytopylus wasps from Costa Rica, including ten newly described species and two reclassified from other genera. Over 32 years of caterpillar inventory in Area de Conservación Guanacaste yielded critical specimens, revealing the diversity and ecological significance of these parasitoids. The research transfers nine species to the Lytopylus genus, providing updated taxonomic keys—one interactive and one static—to facilitate identification. This work advances our understanding of wasp biodiversity and their role in tropical ecosystems.

MacCannell revisited in the World Heritage Kvarken Archipelago, Finland

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2011 — WHEBF330497E1

The Kvarken Archipelago, Finland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site based on natural uniqueness, demonstrates that even regions without established tourist 'imaginaries' can become globally recognized destinations. This study challenges Dean MacCannell's Attraction theory by exploring the archipelago's potential as a successful tourist attraction despite its lack of historical tourism focus. Through qualitative analysis, the research examines how the WH status has been strategically integrated into regional development over five years, benefiting the 2500 local inhabitants. The findings suggest that the Kvarken Archipelago possesses key attributes for tourism, leveraging its natural heritage and socio-economic assets to create a unique, globally appealing destination.

Magma, faults, and gravitational loading at Mount Etna: The 2002–2003 eruptive period

Mount Etna — 2011 — WHEF6CB231E48

A numerical model reveals that gravitational loading of Mount Etna's volcanic edifice opposes magmatic intrusions, contributing to up to 10% of the overall deformation pattern during the 2002–2003 eruption. The study also identifies the Pernicana fault as having a very low apparent coefficient of friction (<0.1), influencing the volcano's kinematics. Additionally, medium heterogeneities were found to favor eastern flank movements and summit spreading, playing a crucial role in magma ascent. The model, which accounts for topography, crustal discontinuities, and material properties, aligns with GPS and seismological data but highlights discrepancies suggesting regional-tectonic influences, such as the Acireale–S. Alfio fault system.

Making Indigenous Archives: The Quilcaycamayoc of Colonial Cuzco

City of Cuzco — 2011 — WHE8A75437FEF

Research challenges the traditional notion of the 'lettered city,' revealing indigenous Andean notaries (escribanos de cabildo) as pivotal figures in colonial Cuzco's archival landscape. These native writers, who documented records in Spanish under Viceroy Francisco de Toledo's ordinances, acted as intermediaries between indigenous communities and Spanish colonial bureaucracy, often serving dual roles that could both support or undermine their communities' interests. The study examines the archives created by these notaries, suggesting a possible connection to quipucamayoc, who managed Andean quipu records. By analyzing evidence from the Cuzco region, the research redefines the 'lettered city' as an inclusive urban phenomenon that extends beyond elite Spaniards.

Managing for extinction? Conflicting conservation objectives in a large marine reserve

Papahānaumokuākea — 2011 — WHE848AC15769

Despite the establishment of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) as one of the world's largest no-take marine reserves, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal population within its boundaries is declining towards extinction. This study identifies high juvenile mortality in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) as the primary driver of this decline, contrasting with increasing populations in unprotected areas. While proposed interventions may temporarily stabilize subpopulations and preserve metapopulation structure, the long-term success hinges on understanding the underlying ecological factors causing the decline. The research highlights conflicting conservation objectives, emphasizing the need for adaptive management and ecosystem-level studies to address the paradox of declining monk seal populations within a protected marine reserve.

Marine invertebrate diversity in the oceanic Ogasawara Islands: a molecular examination of zoanthids (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) and theirSymbiodinium(Dinophyceae)

Ogasawara Islands — 2011 — WHE318B567C0A

A molecular examination of zoanthids (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) and their symbiotic algae (Symbiodinium spp.) in the Ogasawara Islands reveals a lower diversity of zoanthid species (n=5) compared to similar latitudes, such as the Okinawa Islands. The study identified five species, including Zoanthus sansibaricus, Z. kuroshio, Palythoa tuberculosa, P. mutuki, and a potentially undescribed Palythoa species. Notably, while most specimens harbored clade C Symbiodinium, one Z. kuroshio specimen was associated with clade A, and no Z. sansibaricus colonies contained the expected C1z type zooxanthellae. The findings suggest that the Ogasawara Islands' marine fauna more closely resembles that of northern Izu Islands than other Indo-Pacific regions. This research combines in situ field observations with DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to provide novel insights into the biodiversity and symbiosis patterns of oceanic islands.

Mass Balance of Total Mercury and Monomethylmercury in Coastal Embayments of a Volcanic Island: Significance of Submarine Groundwater Discharge

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2011 — WHE4066AF5E91

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is identified as a significant source of mercury (Hg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) in coastal embayments, contributing substantially to their mass budgets. In Hwasun Bay, SGD accounts for 34% of Hg and 55% of MMHg, while in Bangdu Bay, it dominates with 67% of Hg and 64% of MMHg. Atmospheric deposition also plays a notable role, particularly in Hwasun Bay (25% of Hg). The study highlights that SGD must be considered alongside atmospheric deposition and sediment diffusion as primary sources for Hg and MMHg mass budgets, despite spatial variations in discharge rates. This research employed preliminary mass balance estimates to quantify these contributions, underscoring the importance of SGD in coastal mercury cycling on volcanic islands.

Mathematical-geographical analysis of the orientation of St John’s church of the Studenica monastery

Studenica Monastery — 2011 — WHE9B0536932F

A mathematical-geographical analysis of St. John’s Church at Studenica Monastery reveals that its orientation aligns with the sunrise on May 7th (Gregorian calendar) or April 30th (Julian calendar), dating back to the 13th century. This finding suggests a deliberate connection between the church's geometry and solar events, despite ecclesiastical rules not mandating such precision. The study employed a novel method combining gnomon measurements of the church’s longitudinal axis with cartometric determination of sunrise altitudes, enabling the identification of probable founding dates and the assessment of whether the structure was built on older foundations. This approach offers a template for analyzing medieval church orientations globally.

Measurement of ambient aerosol hydration state at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the southeastern United States

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHE81B2C79614

Aerosols at Great Smoky Mountains National Park exhibit distinct seasonal hydration behaviors, with summer aerosols overwhelmingly favoring the more hydrated state (12% showing dual states) while winter aerosols display a near-even split between hydrated and less hydrated states (49% with dual states). This discovery challenges assumptions about aerosol stability in climate and visibility models. Researchers used a tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) to measure ambient hydration states, revealing that seasonal variations in particulate matter composition and relative humidity influence these patterns.

Medieval Mortuary Rolls: Prayers for the Dead and Travel in Medieval England

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2011 — WHE63FE91E226

Medieval mortuary rolls, which document requests for prayers for the dead and responses from religious houses, reveal extensive travel networks in medieval England. Analysis of Durham Cathedral Priory's records shows that roll-bearers visited up to 637 houses during their journeys between the 12th and 15th centuries, providing a detailed snapshot of medieval mobility and religious practices. The study highlights the logistical scale of these pilgrimages and their significance in understanding both mortuary customs and long-distance travel in the late Middle Ages.

Mediterranean and north-African cultural adaptations to mid-Holocene environmental and climatic changes

Arslantepe Mound — 2011 — WHE57FBF48381

A significant link between mid-Holocene climatic shifts and cultural transformations is revealed through archaeobotanical evidence from Mediterranean and North African regions. The study identifies three critical dry periods—c. 8200, 6000, and 4200 cal. yr BP—as pivotal moments for both environmental and cultural change. Using pollen and charcoal analyses from five key sites (Wadi Teshuinat in Libya, Benzù cave in Spain, La Vaquera Cave in Spain, Terramara di Montale in Italy, and Arslantepe in Turkey), researchers demonstrate that human activities, such as overexploitation of plant resources, exacerbated aridity during drying phases. These findings suggest that cultural adaptations, including shifts in land-use strategies, were both a response to and an amplifier of climatic stress. The Bronze Age period, in particular, appears to have had a profound impact on the environment, likely due to advancements in knowledge and complex land management practices.

Mercury emission and dispersion models from soils contaminated by cinnabar mining and metallurgy

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2011 — WHE0DE25C7F61

Researchers found that mercury emissions from contaminated soils near decommissioned mining sites vary significantly with distance, temperature, and solar radiation. The study, conducted at the Almadén mercury mining district in Spain, revealed that emissions decrease with distance from point sources but increase with higher soil temperatures and sunlight exposure. Soils with higher proportions of soluble mercury emitted more mercury than those dominated by cinnabar. Using laboratory flux measurements and dispersion models, the team estimated yearly mercury emissions from a former smelter at 16.4 kg per year, with seasonal variations showing larger plumes in warm, dry periods compared to colder, windier seasons. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of mercury emission from contaminated soils and underscore the importance of environmental factors in dispersion modeling.

Mesopotamian ceramics from the burial mounds of Bahrain, c.2250-1750 BC

Dilmun Burial Mounds — 2011 — WHE05D96543DC

A distinct two-phase pattern of Mesopotamian ceramic imports and local emulations, spanning c.2250–1750 BC, has been identified at the Dilmun burial mounds of Bahrain. The first phase, characterized by a specific vessel type exclusive to pre-Dilmun 'state' Early Type mounds, is linked to Mesopotamia's late third-millennium Magan trade network, serving as a key fossil directeur for this period. The second phase, found in compact cemeteries coinciding with Dilmun's peak, reflects the contracted Isin-Larsa network of Dilmun trade. This study reconstructs trade dynamics and political interactions between Mesopotamia and the 'Lower Sea' populations through ceramic distribution analysis.

Metagenomic analysis of the coral holobiont during a natural bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2011 — WHE97A1B5BEE2

A metagenomic analysis of the coral holobiont during a natural bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef revealed significant shifts in microbial communities associated with the hard coral Acropora millepora. These shifts included changes in Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, Fungi, and micro-algae, with the microbial metabolism transitioning from autotrophy to heterotrophy. The study also found an increase in virulence genes in bleached corals, suggesting a higher prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms following thermal stress. This research highlights the complex interplay between coral health and its associated microbial communities during heat stress events.