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Population status of black and white rhinos in Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2011 — WHE792E366B67

Zambia's black rhino population, once extinct due to poaching by 1993, has been successfully reintroduced through a conservation program initiated in 2003. As of now, there are 27 black rhinos with six births and no mortalities linked to poaching. The study also reports the introduction of white rhinos, with seven individuals established in Mosi oa Tunya National Park and another pair introduced in Lusaka National Park No. 20 in 2011. This reintroduction effort, supported by technical guidance from the Rhino Specialist Group and financial backing from the Frankfurt Zoological Society, aims to restore rhino populations in other national parks where they historically existed.

Population Structure and Growth of Young Lemon Shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Poey, 1868), at the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2011 — WHE8FE0F0F9C2

Young lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) at the Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve exhibit rapid growth, with males and females increasing in total length by approximately 12.4 cm/year and 12.7 cm/year, respectively. This study, conducted through 16 expeditions capturing 239 sharks using drift gill nets, also revealed a higher frequency of male sharks (53%) compared to females (47%). A subset of 73 sharks was tagged for recapture studies, providing insights into population structure and growth rates in this protected area. The research highlights the importance of monitoring shark populations in remote, ecologically significant sites like Atol das Rocas.

Port Royal

The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal — 2011 — WHE87D525524E

Port Royal, once the largest English colonial city in the Americas, was 'rediscovered' in the 20th century after being destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1692. A meticulous analysis of its inventory records reveals intriguing insights into daily life and economic activities during its heyday. This study highlights the significance of Port Royal's 'meiocirculante,' offering a nuanced understanding of its socio-economic dynamics. By examining these inventories, researchers have reconstructed aspects of the city's vibrant yet short-lived existence, providing a window into 17th-century colonial America.

Possible climate change impacts on the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park — 2011 — WHE720F6389FF

Climate change is expected to significantly alter the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park (ENP), with forecasted decreases in mean annual precipitation leading to shallower water depths and reduced inundation periods. This shift could result in a decline of hydric vegetation, such as sawgrass, while xeric communities become more prevalent. The study used a stochastic model linking rainfall inputs to water levels across ENP and correlated these changes with vegetation community composition using publicly available datasets. These findings highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the Everglades and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to restore historical hydrological and vegetative conditions.

Possible Incursions of Gekko hokouensis (Reptilia: Squamata) into Non-native Area: An Example from Yakushima Island of the Northern Ryukyus, Japan

Yakushima — 2011 — WHEEA0E58BE4B

Research on Yakushima Island reveals that the gecko species Gekko hokouensis is likely an introduced, non-native species, while G. yakuensis is the island's native gekkonid. Field surveys found G. hokouensis only in four villages with historical or current maritime links to regions where it is endemic, suggesting multiple accidental introductions. Hybridization between the two species was also detected, indicating potential genetic introgression. The study highlights the impact of human activity on island biodiversity and suggests that G. yakuensis may be experiencing genetic influence from its invasive counterpart.

Potential lantana invasion of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area under climate change.

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2011 — WHEA643F119AF

A 2°C rise in temperature could make 94% of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area suitable for lantana invasion, up from just 8% under current conditions. Minimum temperature emerged as the dominant predictor, accounting for over 88% of the variation in potential lantana establishment, underscoring its critical role in the weed's expansion. The study used habitat suitability modeling to simulate future conditions, revealing that low-lying riparian areas pose significant risks as invasion pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive management to curb lantana's spread and protect the region's biodiversity.

Pottery-Making in Spanish California: Creating Multi-Scalar Social Identity through Daily Practice

San Antonio Missions — 2011 — WHE7D0CF8A578

Ceramic production at Mission San Antonio de Padua (1769–1834) reveals how potters shaped social identity through shared practices and material choices. Analysis of Plainware pottery shows that potters consistently selected local raw materials and used open-fire firing techniques, suggesting a collective mission identity. However, variability in forming methods—such as hand modeling versus wheel-throwing—hints at gender distinctions within the indigenous population. This study demonstrates how daily craft practices could both unify mission communities while also create social divisions, offering insight into colonial-era identity formation.

Predicting Bison Migration out of Yellowstone National Park Using Bayesian Models

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHE5420247612

A Bayesian modeling approach reveals that bison migration from Yellowstone National Park is influenced by herd size, snow water equivalent, and dried biomass, with significant variations depending on the park boundary. The study predicts that allowing more bison to migrate during severe climate conditions could prevent large-scale population reductions. This research demonstrates how integrating long-distance migration dynamics into management policies can mitigate conflicts and protect migratory ungulate populations.

Predicting foraging wading bird populations in Everglades National Park from seasonal hydrologic statistics under different management scenarios

Everglades National Park — 2011 — WHE1CB8C8E73E

A novel model successfully links wading bird foraging populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) to seasonal hydrologic conditions, offering critical insights for restoration efforts. The study identifies key predictors such as water depth at the start of the nesting season, average dry season water levels, and the number of reversals from dry season recession, all of which influence prey availability. Using a nonlinear hierarchical Bayesian model with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation, researchers analyzed long-term hydrologic data (1952–2006) to reveal decadal fluctuations in bird populations tied to hydroclimatic variability. Simulations under alternative water management scenarios demonstrate how posterior probability distributions of foraging birds can guide adaptive management strategies, bridging seasonal rainfall forecasts with ecological outcomes.

Predicting spread of invasive exotic plants into dewatered reservoirs after dam removal on the Elwha River, Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park — 2011 — WHE052CB13CB3

Dam removal on the Elwha River could significantly alter the landscape of Olympic National Park's reservoirs, but research predicts that invasive exotic plants may spread into these areas post-removal. The study identified high-risk zones for long-distance dispersal of invasive species, primarily through vectors like wind, water, birds, beavers, ungulates, and human activity on roads and trails. By combining survey data with geographic information system (GIS) models and statistical analyses, the research prioritized treatment areas to mitigate ecological disruption before dam removal begins in 2011. This approach aims to protect native vegetation recovery by addressing potential threats from invasive species.

Prediction of macrozoobenthic species distribution in the Korean Saemangeum tidal flat based on a logistic regression model of environmental parameters

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2011 — WHE0144244D98

A study on the Saemangeum tidal flats, Korea, successfully predicted the distribution of 15 intertidal macrobenthic species with high accuracy (65–92%) using logistic regression models based on environmental parameters such as shore level, mud content, and organic content. The research demonstrated that these models could effectively map species occurrence probabilities, revealing significant variability in how closely associated species respond to habitat changes. While the ecological processes driving these distributions were not fully determined, the strong agreement between modeled predictions and field observations underscores the practical utility of this approach for tidal flat management under an ecosystem-based framework.

Presenza di Ommastrephes bartramii (Mollusca, Cephalopoda) nelle acque dell'Arcipelago delle Isole Eolie

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2011 — WHEACF95F9BFA

Researchers documented the presence of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the waters around the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie), Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, marking a significant biogeographical observation. Between September 2007 and October 2008, 379 specimens were sampled, ranging from 18 mm to 654 mm mantle length, with the largest weighing approximately 10 kg. This discovery challenges the species' rarity in the Mediterranean, where it was previously considered sporadic or difficult to find. The study highlights its broad bathymetric distribution (100–1500 m depth) and contributes to understanding its epipelagic and mesopelagic habitat preferences.

Preservation of industrial heritage

Völklingen Ironworks — 2011 — WHE564D4B2F47

Industrial heritage preservation, exemplified by the UNESCO-listed Völklingen Ironworks, differs significantly from traditional monument care due to its unique characteristics. This study highlights that while industrial monument preservation is widely accepted in Germany since 1994, regional perceptions vary greatly. It outlines key differences in rehabilitation and conservation requirements for industrial sites compared to classic monuments, providing a concise overview of these special cases of human heritage.

Prevalence and Carrier Status of Leptospirosis in Smallholder Dairy Cattle and Peridomestic Rodents in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2011 — WHEB09160A7D9

A high prevalence of leptospirosis was detected in smallholder dairy cattle (38.8% of farms) and peridomestic rodents (17.5%) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with cattle identified as a significant reservoir for human transmission. The study used serological testing to detect antileptospiral antibodies and PCR to identify Leptospira flaB gene DNA in urine and kidney samples. Cattle were predominantly infected with serogroups Sejroe (73.9%) and Hebdomadis (26.1%), while rodents showed reactions to Javanica (61.5%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (30.8%). The findings suggest cattle may pose a greater risk to agricultural communities than rodents, aligning with human leptospirosis patterns in the region.

Prevalence and Lineage Diversity of Avian Haemosporidians from Three Distinct Cerrado Habitats in Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHEA29EA044F8

A study of avian haemosporidian parasites in Brazil's Cerrado Protected Areas revealed that habitat alteration does not significantly impact the prevalence or diversity of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections. Researchers analyzed 676 wild birds from three distinct habitats—intact cerrado, disturbed cerrado, and a transition area between Amazonian rainforest and cerrad—to assess how these environments influence parasite dynamics. While no significant differences were found among habitats, the study identified 15 previously unknown parasite lineages, suggesting potential regional endemism. Additionally, six known lineages accounted for 50-80% of infections, indicating a strong regional relationship in parasite distribution.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Mycoplasma ovis in Selected Free-Ranging Brazilian Deer Populations

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHECB717E73FB

A study reveals that Mycoplasma ovis, a hemoplasma known to cause anemia and mortality in small ruminants, infects free-ranging deer populations in Brazil with significant prevalence. Analysis of 103 deer samples from Porto Primavera, Pantanal, and Emas National Park identified an overall infection rate of 58%, with the highest prevalence (72%) observed in Blastocerus dichotomus from Porto Primavera. Molecular characterization using PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene uncovered three genetically distinct hemoplasmas, including M. ovis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma erythrocervae', and a novel strain closely related to M. ovis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these findings, highlighting the genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in wild deer populations.

Prevalence of protozoa, viruses, coliphages and indicator bacteria in groundwater and river water in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2011 — WHEC214186D39

A significant prevalence of waterborne pathogens was found in groundwater and river water samples from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, during the rainy season of 2009. The study detected at least one type of pathogen—including Cryptosporidium, Giardia, human adenoviruses, and noroviruses—in 56% of shallow well samples tested. River water exhibited notably higher concentrations of these pathogens compared to groundwater, with Cryptosporidium and Giardia levels reaching 140 oocysts/l and 8500 cysts/l, respectively. The research also demonstrated that E. coli-positive groundwater samples were more likely to contain protozoa and viruses, suggesting its potential as an indicator for pathogen contamination in valley groundwater. Additionally, genotyping of F-RNA coliphages was successfully used to differentiate between human and animal fecal sources.

Preview: Geomechanics and Tunnelling 5/2011

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHEFF3FBA4A21

A comprehensive analysis of geotechnical monitoring and tunneling methods reveals critical insights for enhancing safety and efficiency in underground construction, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study highlights the importance of thorough displacement monitoring in tunnels to prevent accidents, demonstrating that continuous and accurate data collection is essential for risk management. It also introduces innovative approaches like the observational method in TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) tunneling, which significantly reduces risks by adapting to real-time geotechnical conditions. Additionally, the research provides criteria for selecting appropriate tunneling methods, such as NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method), ADECO-RS, and TBM, based on project-specific factors like soil stability and site conditions. Lessons learned from past incidents, including mine collapses and mudslides, underscore the need for rigorous safety protocols and data integration to mitigate risks effectively.

Priest Pot in the English Lake District: a showcase of microbial diversity

The English Lake District — 2011 — WHE4FC4C00169

Priest Pot, a freshwater site within the English Lake District, exhibits remarkable microbial diversity driven by its stratified water column. The study identifies 220 species of scale-bearing protists, belonging to three functional groups: amoeboid protozoa, flagellates, and ciliates. These microorganisms thrive in distinct niches determined primarily by oxygen levels at varying depths, showcasing their adaptability to changing physical and chemical conditions. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to analyze microbial eukaryotes from water columns, sediment surfaces, surrounding habitats, and subfossils, revealing intricate details of their microscales. This research highlights Priest Pot as a unique ecosystem with significant potential for further exploration, particularly regarding understudied protist species.

Primary identities in the lower Omo valley: migration, cataclysm, conflict and amalgamation, 1750–1910

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHE4958D7974F

Ethnic identities in the Lower Omo Valley emerged from two key patterns of movement between 1750 and 1910: organized pastoralist migrations and downstream river movements. These shifts, linked to East African cataclysms like floods and epidemics, reshaped local demographics, leading to assimilation and the disappearance of some primary groups. The study reveals that 'clusters' of interacting peoples in high-interaction localities were crucial nodes for cultural identity formation. By analyzing historical records and migration patterns, it demonstrates how external disruptions and ecological opportunities shaped current ethnic identities.