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Rare vegetation change detection in the Gobustan Conservation Area, Azerbaijan

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHEA674C437C9

A notable shift in rare vegetation patterns was detected within the Gobustan Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art engravings. The study employed advanced spatial analysis techniques to identify changes in vegetation distribution over time. This research underscores the ecological dynamics of this semi-desert landscape, which is also significant for its archaeological and historical value. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring such sites not only for their cultural heritage but also for their biodiversity conservation.

Raw materials used in ancient mortars from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai (Belgium)

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai — 2011 — WHEEC199B5FAE

A study of ancient mortars from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium, reveals that both chalk and 'hard' Tournaisian limestone were used to produce lime during the Imperial Roman, Carolingian, and Romanesque periods (4th–11th century AD). The research, employing mineralogical, chemical, and microscopical techniques, identified these materials as locally sourced and capable of yielding either hydraulic or non-hydraulic lime. Additionally, the low abundance of overburnt particles in Gallo-Roman and Palaeo-Christian mortars suggests that technological knowledge regarding lime burning was present during these periods.

Re-assessment of the conservation status of Malawi’s ‘Endangered’ Yellow-throated Apalis Apalis flavigularis

Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHE321BFC0307

A re-assessment of the globally 'Endangered' Yellow-throated Apalis (Apalis flavigularis), the only bird endemic to Malawi, suggests its population on Mount Mulanje may approach or exceed 10,000 individuals—a figure previously considered the most optimistic global estimate. This finding challenges earlier conservation assessments and highlights the species' resilience in fragmented forest patches as small as 0.01 hectares, particularly along forest edges. Researchers surveyed 41 forest patches during the breeding season, noting a positive correlation between the bird's presence and the invasive Himalayan yellow raspberry (Rubus ellipticus), potentially due to its role in structuring canopy architecture and understorey layers. Conservative estimates indicate at least 7,900 individuals inhabit cedar forests alone on Mount Mulanje, with densities in other native forests suggesting an even higher total population. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to address threats from illegal logging and uncontrolled fires, which exacerbate invasive species proliferation.

Rebuilding to remember, rebuilding to forget

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2011 — WHEAEC8A894D7

While the rebuilding of architecturally significant heritage sites often symbolizes cultural resilience, there is no universal approach to addressing their destruction. This study analyzes how political and economic conditions shape decisions on whether and how to rebuild, using case studies from Old Town Warsaw, Stari Most in Mostar, and the former World Trade Center site. By examining local engagement with monuments before, during, and after destruction, it highlights that rebuilding processes are deeply influenced by context, embracing selectively chosen memories while navigating UNESCO guidelines on authenticity and preservation.

Records of non-indigenous marine species at Palmyra Atoll in the US Line Islands

Site of Palmyra — 2011 — WHEFF046755DA

Research at Palmyra Atoll, a remote and quasi-pristine reef system in the central Pacific, has identified five non-indigenous marine species, including two sponges, one bryozoan, one hydroid, and one macroalga. These introductions likely originated from the Hawaiian Archipelago, potentially via shipping or yachting activity. The study highlights the susceptibility of even remote islands to invasive species, particularly those with a history of human modifications like Palmyra Atoll's military past. While the ecological impacts remain unknown, ongoing monitoring aims to assess their influence on this fragile reef ecosystem.

Recovering Carthage: An Interview with Richard Miles

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2011 — WHEC7B0325FBC

Recent archaeological research has significantly advanced our understanding of ancient Carthage, revealing it as a vibrant cultural and economic hub within the trans-Mediterranean context. Contrary to traditional narratives, Carthage was not merely a maritime power but a complex society that interacted extensively with diverse Mediterranean cultures, including Etruscans, Samnites, Iberians, Syrians, and others. This shift in perspective, supported by extensive excavations from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s, sheds light on Carthage's religious, social, and economic structures. Notably, Rome's rise as a naval power during the Punic Wars was achieved through innovative tactics like the use of the 'corvus,' a device that allowed Roman marines to board enemy ships, ultimately leading to Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean.

Recycling Ruins

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2011 — WHE3045776FEF

A shift in the perception of Gothic ruins is highlighted by contrasting objections to William Aislabie's 1768 reorganization of Fountains Abbey. Initially, critics like William Gilpin in the 1770s focused on the ruin's Picturesque qualities and its evocation of mood, aligning with late-eighteenth-century aesthetic ideals. By the 1840s, John Walbran's criticism pivoted toward valuing the original fabric as documentary evidence, reflecting a new antiquarian approach that emphasized empirical examination and moral principles. This evolution underscores how cultural attitudes toward ruins transitioned from private, fashionable aesthetics to public, principled styles, illustrating broader changes in the interpretation of Gothic architecture.

Refortifying Cahokia, More Efficient Palisade Construction through Redesigned Bastions

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2011 — WHE91D48AD37D

A new analysis of Cahokia's Central Palisade reveals that its construction became significantly more efficient over time, with each reconstruction requiring up to 27.5% fewer posts and person-hours than previous ones. This efficiency likely resulted from architectural redesigns, including changes in bastions, which may have been a deliberate strategy by the Cahokians to conserve wood resources. The study recalculated post counts using precise measurements of postholes, bastion structures, and perimeter adjustments across multiple construction phases.

Regional and global conservation assessments for 200 vascular plant species from Costa Rica and Panama

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE59D81E64E7

A comprehensive conservation assessment of 200 vascular plant species from Costa Rica and Panama, with 52 receiving global assessments and 148 regional ones, reveals critical insights into the biodiversity of the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park. These species, identified as keystone for the reserve, include detailed taxonomic information, local names, uses, and maps illustrating their distribution. The study highlights significant threats to these species, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. By combining regional and global assessments, this research offers a nuanced understanding of plant biodiversity and the urgent need for protective measures in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.

Regional and local patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and community structure along an altitudinal gradient in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2011 — WHECAE8B93B34

A study of the Hyrcanian Forests, one of Eurasia's last temperate old-growth forests, reveals that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity declines monotonically with altitude. This pattern mirrors broader trends seen in macroorganisms and is influenced by environmental energy limitations, which reduce competitive ability for rare species. The research combined morphological and molecular identification methods to analyze 367 fungal species across three altitudinal transects, finding that host species and altitude were the primary drivers of community composition at both local and regional scales. Climatic variables like mean annual temperature and precipitation, strongly correlated with altitude, also played a significant role in shaping these patterns. The study suggests further investigation into direct effects of climatic variables and their seasonality, particularly at larger spatial scales.

Registro de la relación isotópica de carbono en la paleoflora de la Formación Ischigualasto (Triásico Superior), noroeste Argentino: implicaciones paleoatmosféricas

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2011 — WHE45FD1CE444

A detailed isotopic analysis of the Upper Triassic flora from Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina, reveals a mean carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of -25.4‰, consistent with C3 plants and indicating minimal diagenetic alteration. This value is enriched by ~3‰ compared to Middle Triassic plants, suggesting a disturbance in the global carbon cycle during the Early Mesozoic. The study also estimates a paleo-atmospheric isotopic composition of -6.1‰, differing slightly from marine carbonate proxies, possibly due to atmospheric CO2/O2 ratios or hydric stress. The research provides critical data for chemostratigraphic correlation and offers insights into paleoatmospheric conditions during the Carnian period (~225 Ma).

Reinterpreting the Plaza de los Glifos, la Ventilla, Teotihuacan

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2011 — WHE3A3C9BB9E7

A reinterpretation of the Plaza de los Glifos at Teotihuacan's La Ventilla residential area (ca. 300–450 CE) challenges prior assumptions about its glyphs, suggesting they primarily depict disease-causing entities and curing rituals rather than toponyms or titles. Central to this proposal is the identification of two 'deer-snake' glyphs—a supernatural creature linked to ailments across Mesoamerica—alongside other signs that align with historical concepts of illness and healing. The study combines a meticulous review of existing interpretations, glyphic writing systems, and linguistic hypotheses about Teotihuacan, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic significance of this unique archaeological site.

Relative abundance and reproductive tactics of a Loricariidae species at Saraiva Lagoon, Ilha Grande National Park, MS-PR, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2011 — WHEA5C9486CF4

Research on Loricariichthys platymetopon at Saraiva Lagoon, Ilha Grande National Park, Brazil, revealed distinct seasonal and spatial patterns in abundance and reproduction. The species exhibited peak relative abundance in February within the middle lagoon section, with reproductive activity concentrated from September to February, ceasing during autumn and winter. High fecundity was observed, averaging 962 oocytes per female (SD ± 382), with notable variation across lagoon sections. These findings suggest adaptive reproductive tactics linked to habitat settlement in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, providing insights into the species' ecological dynamics within a UNESCO-listed site.

Religionsskiftet i sen vikingetid – Belyst ud fra Harvey Whitehouses teori om religiøse modaliteter

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church — 2011 — WHEDB138882AC

This study reveals that the transition from paganism to Christianity at Jelling Mounds, Denmark, during the Late Viking Age was not conflict-free but involved distinct religious modalities. Using Harvey Whitehouse’s theory of divergent modes of religiosity (DMR), it shows that pre-Christian rituals were primarily imagistic—characterized by low-frequency, high-arousal events with spontaneous meaning-making—while Christian adoption among nobility reflected doctrinal traits, such as narrative-driven, high-frequency rituals with centralized leadership. Archaeological evidence, including burials, cult sites, and monumental ship graves, supports this duality: hierarchical grave goods suggest doctrinal influence, while exclusive burial practices and violent rituals align with imagistic modality. The study concludes that the peaceful shift to Christianity was facilitated by the nobility’s familiarity with controlled religious narratives, bridging the gap between pagan and Christian structures.

Remaking the Space: the Plan and the Route in Country-House Guidebooks from 1770 to 1815

Blenheim Palace — 2011 — WHEA60E1D9C0F

Country-house tourism in England saw a surge between 1770 and 1815, with estates like Blenheim Palace becoming both historical sites and tourist attractions. This study reveals how guidebooks emerged as a means to formalize public access, reshaping the presentation of these properties. Initially, housekeepers guided visitors, but as popularity grew, owners published guidebooks to control narratives, highlight key features, and inform tourists about interiors and contents. The research examines methodologies behind this re-presentation, showing how country houses were metaphorically 'remade' to function as both residences and tourist destinations—a practice still observable today.

Remembering the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Collective memory of post-war Japan

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2011 — WHE57DE3C3072

Post-war Japan's collective memory of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been significantly shaped by government-led narratives, reinforcing victim consciousness over reconciliation. This study reveals how Tokyo strategically integrated A-bomb memories into national identity through symbolic means, analyzing peace parks, memorials, and news coverage from two major daily newspapers on memorial days. The findings demonstrate that the nation's memory is guided predominantly by state-driven efforts rather than collective reflection or overcoming the past.

Remote sensing of climate change, long-term monitoring of air pollution and stone material corrosion in Estonia

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2011 — WHED812DD593A

Despite declining air pollution levels in Estonia, research indicates no significant reduction in the corrosion of limestone materials, including those found in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Tallinn's Old Town. A study analyzing data from 2005–2006 and comparing it to earlier periods (1987–2003) revealed that limestone corrosion loss actually increased during this time. This unexpected finding suggests that factors beyond air pollution, such as changing environmental conditions or variations in material quality—like the use of Portland limestone—may play a significant role in material degradation. The research, part of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects on Materials (ICP Materials), employed long-term monitoring techniques to assess the impact of climate change and air pollution on historical and cultural monuments.

Resident Well-Being in Conservation Resettlement: The Case of Padampur in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2011 — WHEFC2AC593FB

A citizen-initiated resettlement program in Padampur, Nepal, within the Royal Chitwan National Park, has shown promising results for resident well-being. Unlike traditional forced resettlements, which often lead to negative socioeconomic outcomes, this study found that most respondents reported being socially and economically better off in their new location. While voluntary and forced resettlement groups differed in overall satisfaction and perceptions of land quality and employment, they shared positive evaluations of land ownership, housing, physical infrastructure, health, social ties, and support services. The findings suggest that future conservation-related resettlements could benefit from adopting elements of the Padampur model, with potential improvements focusing on economic status, food and nutrition, and reducing marginalization.

Resource Selection and Its Implications for Wide-Ranging Mammals of the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2011 — WHE2BFA5B76FE

A critical insight from this study is that Emas National Park, despite its small size, provides rare and essential resource conditions for giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) and jaguars (Panthera onca), making these species highly sensitive to landscape changes caused by agricultural development outside the park. The research used noninvasive methods, including scat detection dogs, to survey five large mammals of conservation concern across 1,572 scat locations and 434 giant armadillo burrow sites. By estimating resource selection probability functions, the study revealed that while natural habitats are crucial for these species, remnants of woodland and forest vegetation enable other wide-ranging mammals like maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), pumas (Puma concolor), and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) to utilize agricultural landscapes. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted conservation approach that extends beyond park boundaries to protect these species effectively.

Resource Wars and Conflict Ivory: The Impact of Civil Conflict on Elephants in the Democratic Republic of Congo - The Case of the Okapi Reserve

Okapi Wildlife Reserve — 2011 — WHED74925C34C

Civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to a near 50% decline in elephant populations within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, primarily due to increased poaching for ivory during the war. Using distance sampling surveys and Generalized Additive Models, researchers found that human activity—rather than habitat factors—dominated elephant distribution both before and after the conflict, with post-war models explaining more variation. Elephant densities were higher in the park's central, better-protected areas, suggesting these zones acted as refuges. However, persistent threats like weakened institutions, illegal trade, and growing human populations continue to endanger remaining populations. Strengthening conservation efforts and curbing illegal wildlife trade are critical for recovery.