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Patrones biogeográficos de los tenebriónidos epigeos (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) del Área Natural Protegida Península Valdés, Argentina: implicaciones para su conservación

Península Valdés — 2011 — WHE7DA00B985D

A comprehensive study of the biogeographical patterns of epigean tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Península Valdés, Argentina, reveals that 25 species inhabit the area, with an estimated total richness of 27. The research identified 10 hotspots of significant species richness and found that only three species are endemic to the region. The study also determined that the distribution ranges of these beetles follow a log-normal pattern, indicating a high degree of adaptation to arid conditions among the species. Given the ongoing habitat degradation due to productive activities in the area, the findings underscore critical implications for the conservation of these beetles, highlighting the need for targeted protective measures.

Patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance differ among three species of free-living ungulates

St Kilda — 2011 — WHE96A41FBEAD

Research on three free-living ungulate populations—bighorn sheep, roe deer, and Soay sheep—reveals distinct patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance. The study found that light individuals tended to disappear at both the youngest and oldest ages across all species. Bighorn sheep and roe deer exhibited a continuous decline in body mass that accelerated with age, while Soay sheep experienced a sharp decrease in the two years preceding death. These findings underscore the significance of mass loss in explaining demographic declines in later adulthood and highlight potential differences in senescence processes among related species with similar life histories.

Performing Natures and Land in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2011 — WHE70E78807DC

Competing visions of nature shape the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals how historical transitions—from hunting to big-game preservation and modern conservation—have redefined human-animal-land relationships, often marginalizing alternative realities. By employing a performative approach, it highlights how certain actors impose their version of nature while excluding others, illustrating the dynamic and contested nature of conservation narratives. This dual strategy of tracing historical transformations and analyzing contemporary enactments underscores the complexity of environmental governance in protected areas.

Persistent Phytoplankton Bloom in Lake St. Lucia (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa) Caused by a Cyanobacterium Closely Associated with the Genus Cyanothece (Synechococcaceae, Chroococcales)

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2011 — WHE83C4591A39

A persistent phytoplankton bloom, the longest on record, was caused by a cyanobacterium closely associated with the genus Cyanothece in Lake St. Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. The bloom persisted for at least 18 months due to the organism's resistance to high temperatures, intense insolation, and hypersalinity, as well as the absence of grazing pressure from salinity-sensitive zooplankton. Exceptionally heavy summer rains in 2011 reduced salinity, leading to a crash in the cyanobacterium population. The study characterized the causative organism using light and electron microscopy, along with 16S rRNA sequencing.

Phone centres and the struggle for public space in Italy: between revanchist policies and practices of resistance

City of Verona — 2011 — WHE05CB806FF5

Revanchist urbanism policies, often framed as narratives of domination, can be effectively resisted by public spaces' targets. This study challenges the assumption that such policies lead to the annihilation of public spaces, demonstrating that resistance practices can counteract their effects. Focusing on two northern Italian cities, Verona and Modena, the research examines phone centres' normative framework and its impact on urban dynamics. It highlights a gap in existing literature by integrating political analysis with urban studies, showing how local resistance can shape outcomes despite revanchist interventions.

Photography-based analysis of tourists’ temporal–spatial behaviour in the Old Town of Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang — 2011 — WHE04669D468A

A novel photography-based approach reveals key temporal and spatial patterns of tourist behavior in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, offering new insights for sustainable tourism management. Analyzing 1308 publicly shared photos, researchers estimated tourists' daily visit frequencies, movement traces, and hotspots, demonstrating the potential of photo-sharing data to track visitor distribution with high accuracy. This method provides a non-intrusive alternative to traditional surveys, enabling more precise planning of resources and conservation efforts in historically significant areas.

Phylogenetic analysis of the fecal microbial community in herbivorous land and marine iguanas of the Galápagos Islands using 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing

Galápagos Islands — 2011 — WHE47FB2D0165

Diet significantly shapes the gut microbial communities of herbivorous iguanas in the Galápagos Islands, with marine and land iguanas exhibiting distinct bacterial compositions. Marine iguanas, which consume algae, show higher abundances of Bacteroides spp., Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiaceae, while land iguanas, feeding on terrestrial vegetation, harbor a greater diversity of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and a fivefold increase in Ruminococcaceae. Archaea were uniquely detected in land iguanas, suggesting their role in breaking down recalcitrant polysaccharides. The study used 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing to analyze fecal samples from both species across the archipelago, revealing novel microbial diversity that could lead to discoveries of enzymes capable of degrading complex polysaccharides.

Physical and chemical conditions of the formation and evolution of late pleistocene-holocene magmas of the Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanoes, southern Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2011 — WHED46E5EA20D

A shift in geodynamic regime, marked by increased extensional strains, has been identified in the Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanic regions of southern Kamchatka since the Late Pleistocene. This conclusion is supported by mineralogical and geochemical analyses of basaltic rocks from both volcanoes, combined with numerical modeling using the COMAGMAT program. The study reveals distinct magma evolution pathways for each volcano, emphasizing the influence of fractional crystallization, fluid dynamics, and tectonic conditions on their petrogenesis. These findings suggest a significant change in the volcanic activity patterns linked to broader geodynamic processes in the region.

Picea rubensgrowth at high versus low elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: evaluation by systems modeling

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHEC0FD915088

Red spruce (Picea rubens) growth in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is primarily constrained by air pollution at high elevations (1800–2000 m), while lower elevations (1450–1700 m) face challenges from photoinhibition, drought stress due to reduced precipitation and high evapotranspiration, and minor air pollution effects. The study employed the ARIM (annual radial increment model), a systems modeling approach that integrates multivariable factors to assess tree growth dynamics. This methodology quantifies complex interactions across disciplines, offering new insights for conservation policies in response to environmental changes, climate shifts, and pollution. The findings underscore the need for habitat-specific management strategies to sustain red spruce populations amid evolving ecological pressures.

Pigments and Plasters from the Roman Settlement of Thamusida (Rabat, Morocco)

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2011 — WHE1D3F2F0809

Roman plasters from Thamusida, Morocco, reveal a consistent aesthetic and technical tradition shared with other Roman Provinces. Analysis of 22 samples using microscopy and Raman spectroscopy identified pigments like cinnabar, ochre, Egyptian blue, and carbon black, while mortar composition matched local limestone sources. Public buildings exhibited poor craftsmanship compared to private structures, indicating varying expertise among masons. The findings position Thamusida within a broader Mediterranean Roman 'koinè,' distinct from Italian sites.

Place-making, participative archaeologies and Mursi megaliths: some implications for aspects of pre- and proto-history in the Horn of Africa

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHE307CEE4887

Recent archaeological survey and trial excavation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley have revealed megalithic circular platforms, challenging the long-held perception of the region as a wilderness devoid of human inhabitation. These findings provide new insights into pre- and proto-history in the Horn of Africa, particularly within Mursiland. The study emphasizes the significance of a participative archaeology framework, which prioritizes collaboration with local stakeholders to shape research agendas and ensure accountability. This approach not only deepens understanding of landscape and heritage but also has implications for conservation, development, and tourism strategies.

Plan urbain et SIG archéologique. L'exemple de Qalhat (Oman)

Ancient City of Qalhat — 2011 — WHE5B31FC8E03

A novel approach combining Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and aerial photography, integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), revolutionizes urban mapping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qalhat, Oman. This method not only accelerates data acquisition but also enhances transparency in interpretation and spatial analysis, offering unprecedented flexibility in cartographic representation. The resulting 3D models provide a comprehensive understanding of Qalhat's archaeological reality, bridging scientific rigor with public dissemination. Published in Cahiers de Géographie, this study demonstrates how advanced technologies can transform our comprehension of ancient urban landscapes.

Planned gentrification in istanbul: the sulukule renewal area 2005-2010

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2011 — WHE1BE1A13416

Planned gentrification in Istanbul's historic areas, exemplified by the Sulukule Renewal Area project (2005–2010), demonstrates how authoritarian urban regeneration policies can lead to the displacement of marginalized communities. The study reveals that despite civil society efforts for community-based alternatives, the implementation of a top-down renewal plan resulted in the total demolition of Sulukule and the destruction of its Roma community. This case highlights the broader implications of such projects, sparking debates about the purpose and outcomes of regeneration in Istanbul. While some advocate for halting regeneration to prevent gentrification, others propose developing a sustainable, conservation-led, and community-based model inspired by international experiences. The Sulukule experience also underscores the need for action to address the vulnerabilities of poorer neighborhoods, particularly in light of seismic risks.

Plant-feeding dipterans (Diptera, Chloropidae, Agromyzidae) from Wrangel Island (the Chukchi Sea)

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2011 — WHE5AB62BA9D5

A groundbreaking discovery of Chloropidae flies in the arctic tundra of Wrangel Island marks the first documentation of this family in such extreme environments. The study identified four species: Oscinella frit L., predominantly found in mountainous regions; and three Agromyzidae species—Napomyza mimula Spencer (most abundant), Phytomyza cineracea Hendel, and Chromatomyia sp.—with the latter two being rare. Notably, all four species coexisted only in a unique zoogenic forb-grass meadow patch near an arctic fox burrow, highlighting niche-specific biodiversity even in harsh conditions. The research employed field collections across diverse biotopes to assess species distribution and abundance, revealing nuanced ecological dynamics in this remote Arctic reserve.

Plantas medicinais utilizadas na comunidade caiçara da Praia do Sono, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHE6600EB2A0A

A study of the Caiçara community at Praia do Sono, Paraty, Brazil, identified 89 medicinal plant species used for treating 13 categories of diseases, with Lamiaceae and Asteraceae being the most prominent families. Ten species demonstrated versatility in their therapeutic applications, while three native species—Cecropia pachystachya, Davilla rugosa, and Trema micrantha—showed significant cultural importance (CUPc > 50%). The research, based on interviews with 12 experts, highlights the community's traditional knowledge and underscores the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies to validate these plants' potential.

Plato on the Omo: reflections on decision-making among the Kara of southern Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHEEA8C95B364

Ethnographic research among the Kara people of southern Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley reveals a sophisticated system of decision-making centered around a council called the borkotto bitti. This system, characterized by its emphasis on personal virtue, status, accountability, and communal well-being, shares striking parallels with Plato's philosophical treatise on philosopher-kings in 'The Republic.' The study highlights the complexity of social imagination in the region by comparing Kara practices with those of neighboring Hamar communities. Unlike traditional analytical approaches, this research treats political contradictions as an inherent part of the actors' problem, offering a nuanced understanding of governance structures in indigenous societies.

Population densities of understorey birds across a habitat gradient in Palawan, Philippines: implications for conservation

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 2011 — WHEA066BF6A1F

A study of understorey bird populations in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines, reveals that old-growth forests are critical for conserving Palawan's endemic and threatened birds. While some species thrive in disturbed habitats like cultivation, the highest densities of 11 species—including five endemics and three threatened ones—were found in undisturbed forests. The research highlights the importance of retaining large trees to sustain suitable microhabitats, cautioning against expanding cultivated areas within protected zones. Though population estimates for threatened species may be higher than previously thought, the study underscores the need for stronger conservation management across Palawan's protected areas.

Population dynamics of Walia ibex (Capra walie) at Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2011 — WHEBBE4DE3BB0

A population of 745 Walia ibexes (Capra walie) was estimated in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, using intensive direct counts in 2009. The study revealed significant variability in growth rates, with the population growing by 2.5% under ideal conditions and slightly declining by 0.13% under random environmental conditions. Growth rate metrics, including instantaneous growth rate (r = 2.6 ± 2.6) and per capita growth rate (λ = 0.03 ± 0.18), showed strong positive correlations, indicating resilience in population dynamics. Historical data and literature reviews were integrated with the 2009 counts to model these trends, providing insights into the species' vulnerability and conservation needs within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Population growth and colonization of Steller sea lions in the Glacier Bay region of southeastern Alaska: 1970s–2009

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2011 — WHE7BDA1DFB67

Steller sea lions in the Glacier Bay region of southeastern Alaska exhibited rapid population growth from the 1970s to 2009, increasing at a rate of 8.2% annually (95% CI = 6.4%–10.0%), with the most significant growth observed at South Marble Island (16.6%/yr) and in Cross Sound. This study documented the colonization of new haul-outs and the transition of Graves Rocks to a rookery, suggesting potential reversal of reproductive isolation between eastern and western populations. Seasonal distribution patterns were linked to new breeding opportunities and prey availability. The research combined multiple observation platforms to assess trends, highlighting factors such as habitat expansion due to deglaciation, immigration, reduced mortality, and ecosystem changes contributing to this growth.

Population management as a tool in the recovery of the critically endangered Western Derby eland Taurotragus derbianus in Senegal, Africa

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2011 — WHE030EE18AD4

A semi-captive population of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus) in Senegal, established with just six founders in 2000, demonstrates significant potential for genetic resilience and recovery. Over nine years, this population grew to 54 individuals while maintaining 77% of its original gene diversity through careful management strategies like minimal kinship breeding. Despite a low effective population size (Ne/N = 0.13) and moderate inbreeding (F = 0.119), the study predicts that incorporating new founders could preserve at least 75% of genetic diversity over a century, with full wild population integration potentially retaining 90%. The research highlights the feasibility of using semi-captive populations as a critical tool for subspecies survival, offering hope for future reintroduction or reinforcement efforts. This approach combines demographic monitoring, pedigree analysis, and modeling to guide long-term conservation strategies.