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Distinctiveness of termite assemblages in two fragmented forest types in Hantane hills in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2010 — WHEC305D3054A

Research reveals distinct termite assemblages between natural and secondary forests in the Hantane hills, Sri Lanka. While nine species were recorded in secondary forest, only two—Ceylonitermellus hantanae and Dicuspiditermes incola—were exclusive to natural forest at higher elevations. Natural forest termites were exclusively true soil feeders, whereas secondary forest species were predominantly wood feeders, including eight fungus-growing types. The study highlights how elevation, climate, vegetation, ground cover, and human interference shape these differences, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in fragmented tropical ecosystems.

Distributed Green Space System: An Implementable Green Infrastructure for the City

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2010 — WHE5F278AFA13

Historical cities, including those in ancient Greece and China, often neglected green spaces in central areas, focusing instead on urban development without systematic planning for vegetation. However, Beijing during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) stands out as an exception, incorporating significant green infrastructure such as Jingshan Hill and the Temple of Heaven—spanning 272 hectares with ten thousand trees—to align with Fengshui principles. While water bodies like the Three Front Seas and Three Rear Seas dominated these spaces for practical purposes (e.g., flood control), they also served as early forms of public green areas. The study highlights that green space systems, from isolated parks to interconnected networks like greenways, have evolved in response to urbanization and environmental challenges. Modern research emphasizes their role in addressing climate change, ecological crises, and urban sprawl through integrated planning. This paper introduces the 'distributed green land system' as a scalable solution for contemporary urban green infrastructure.

Distribution and habitat use by New Zealand pipits (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) on the Volcanic Plateau

Tongariro National Park — 2010 — WHE6E353DAD67

New Zealand pipits (Anthus n. novaeseelandiae) exhibit seasonal and habitat-specific distribution patterns within Tongariro National Park's volcanic plateau, with consistent presence at certain sites year-round. Surveys conducted between 1998 and 2009 revealed that pipits were present at Lake Te Whaiau, Mangatepopo Road, Waipakihi Road, and the Erua wetland throughout both winter and summer. Seasonal variations in habitat use were observed, particularly at Lake Te Whaiau, where flock sizes peaked at an average of 9.7 birds during summer. Maximum roadside counts outside the flocking period reached 1.13 pipits per kilometer along Waipakihi Road, with summer flock sizes averaging 6.0 birds (range: 2–18). This study highlights the pipit's adaptability to diverse volcanic habitats and underscores the importance of targeted conservation efforts in such dynamic environments.

Distribution and Mobility of Copper, Zinc and Lead in Plant-Sediment Systems of Quanzhou Bay Estuary, China

Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China — 2010 — WHE01A469FD17

Research reveals that sediments in the Quanzhou Bay estuary wetland are moderately to heavily contaminated with zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb), while copper (Cu) contamination is less severe. The study, using sequential extraction procedures, found that Zn and Pb primarily reside in reducible fractions, indicating potential bioavailability, whereas Cu is more strongly retained in oxidizable fractions. Among the plant species studied, Alternanthera philoxeroides demonstrated the highest accumulation of heavy metals, while Phragmites communis showed strong tolerance and transfer capabilities for Zn and Pb. Aegiceras corniculatum, however, appears resistant to contamination, challenging its use as an indicator species. The findings underscore the need for local industries to adopt cleaner production technologies to mitigate pollutant emissions and foster sustainable development.

Distribution and relative abundance of mountain ungulates in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2010 — WHE69C30008F9

A two-year study in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, revealed distinct distribution patterns and seasonal variations in mountain ungulate populations. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) were predominantly found in alpine regions, with blue sheep extending up to 5,500 meters. Encounter rates for blue sheep averaged 4.13 per hour, while Himalayan tahr had a lower rate of 1.38 per hour. Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) were more common in the krummholtz region, with an encounter rate of 0.26 per kilometer. Relative density estimates indicated blue sheep at 0.35 individuals per square kilometer and Himalayan tahr at 1.38 individuals per square kilometer. The study also identified eastern, southeastern, and western mountain slopes as preferred habitats for these ungulates, with slope preferences varying among species. Livestock grazing and anthropogenic pressures were highlighted as significant threats to their conservation in the region.

Distribution and risk factors for spread of amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2010 — WHEA4E973EAA3

A study reveals that the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) remains largely free of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), with only 3% of surveyed sites testing positive, despite providing optimal conditions for the pathogen. In contrast, surrounding areas with human disturbance—characterized by gravel roads, forests, and altitudes under 1000 meters—showed a 52% infection rate. The research suggests anthropogenic activities may facilitate Bd spread, while walking tracks in remote regions were strongly associated with its absence. These findings imply that the TWWHA’s inaccessible nature and lack of Bd could make disease control feasible, given that Tasmanian frogs reproduce in ponds rather than streams.

Diversité botanique dans le sud du parc national de Taï, Côte d’Ivoirean

Taï National Park — 2010 — WHE39CC6913C1

Taï National Park (TNP) in Côte d’Ivoire, a critical remnant of West African primary forest, harbors remarkable botanical diversity, particularly in its understudied southern region. A recent inventory identified 900 plant species across 116 families, with Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Caesalpiniaceae dominating. Among these, 175 are endemic to West African forests, 11 to Ivorian forests, and 61 are 'sassandrian'—a rare subset of species found in the region's dry forests. The study highlights that tree species with diameters ≥10 cm, such as Hymenostegia afzelii and Strombosia pustulata, exhibit high importance value indices (IVI) and frequency of individual values (FIV), underscoring their ecological significance. These findings confirm TNP's status as a biodiversity hotspot within the Guinean Forests of West Africa, emphasizing its conservation priority due to the presence of endemic, rare, and threatened species.

Diversity and taxonomic review of Leptusa Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A., with descriptions of four new species

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHE02A298896D

A taxonomic review of the beetle genus Leptusa in Great Smoky Mountains National Park identifies ten species, including four newly described: L. (Adoxopisalia) pseudosmokyiensis, L. (A.) stocksi, L. (Dysleptusa) gimmeli, and L. (Eucryptusa) ferroi. The study also documents the previously unknown female of L. (D.) pusio, providing detailed illustrations and diagnostic keys for 16 of the 18 eastern U.S. species. This research highlights the 'Overlooked Syndrome,' where undescribed species persist in well-studied regions, emphasizing the need for continued taxonomic exploration even in extensively documented areas.

Diversity of Bats in Two Protected Limestone Areas in Sarawak, Malaysia

The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex — 2010 — WHE0794E305DD

A comprehensive assessment of bat diversity in two protected limestone areas in Sarawak, Malaysia—Niah National Park and Wind Cave Nature Reserve—revealed 36 species across 10 families, with nine species recorded for the first time. The study, conducted from November 2007 to April 2009 using mist nets and harp traps (572 trap-nights), identified Penthetor lucasi, Hipposideros cervinus, and Cynopterus brachyotis as the most abundant species. Notably, seven of the nine new records were from Niah National Park, including Hipposideros ater and Kerivoula hardwickii. This research provides critical baseline data for the conservation and management of cave ecosystems in Sarawak, highlighting the importance of these areas for bat biodiversity.

Diversity, Threats and Conservation of Herpetofauna in and around the Eastern Sinharaja

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2010 — WHE166C7EBF7E

Eastern Sinharaja, a 30km² moist montane tropical forest within the Rakwana mountain range, faces severe threats to its critically endangered endemic herpetofauna, including seven anuran amphibians and four reptiles. Human disturbances such as deforestation for cardamom and tea cultivation, illegal gem mining, timber felling, and pesticide use have drastically reduced their populations. Immediate conservation actions are critical, emphasizing habitat restoration with native species, establishment of buffer zones, and promoting agro-forestry practices to mitigate human impacts and sustain viable herpetofauna populations.

DNA barcoding reveals multiple overlooked Australian species of the red algal order Rhodymeniales (Florideophyceae), with resurrection of Halopeltis J. Agardh and description of Pseudohalopeltis gen. nov.

Lord Howe Island Group — 2010 — WHEC7CAC2EAA0

A groundbreaking study using DNA barcoding has unveiled approximately 20 cryptic species of red algae within the order Rhodymeniales, significantly surpassing the previously recognized eight species. This research, conducted on southern Australian samples including those from Lord Howe Island Group, identified multiple new genera and species, such as Pseudohalopeltis tasmanensis and Microphyllum robustum, while also resurrecting the genus Halopeltis J.G. Agardh with six newly assigned species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis to assign genetic species groups to their respective genera based on molecular and anatomical signatures. Notably, samples from Lord Howe Island, initially field-identified as Rhodymenia or Fauchea spp., were reclassified, highlighting the importance of DNA barcoding in uncovering hidden biodiversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lord Howe Island Group.

Do changes in berry crops drive population fluctuations in small rodents in the southwestern Yukon?

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2010 — WHEEF852C1F8C

A significant portion of population fluctuations in small rodents within boreal forest ecosystems can be attributed to variations in berry crops, mushrooms, and tree seeds. This study, conducted over 13 years (1997–2009) in the Kluane Lake region of southwestern Yukon, Canada, found that 78–98% of the variation in the abundance of red-backed voles, deer mice, and field voles could be explained by indices of berry crops and mushrooms from the previous summer. Specifically, berries of Empetrum nigrum were critical for red-backed vole populations, while Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, A. rubra, and mushrooms were key predictors for deer mice. Spruce seed crops did not significantly correlate with rodent densities or changes in density. The study supports the bottom-up hypothesis, suggesting that overwinter survival of rodents is closely tied to the availability of food resources from the previous year.

Does reintroduction stabilize the population of the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus, Gavialidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal?

Chitwan National Park — 2010 — WHEE40D882051

A population of critically endangered gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, has been stabilized through a long-term reintroduction program initiated in 1981. Despite fluctuations between 34 and 38 individuals over two years (2003–2004), the program has prevented further decline. Gharials prefer large sand banks for basking, which are threatened by dams, sand mining, grazing, fishing, drift nets, and water pollution. The study highlights the need for stricter protection of basking sites, prohibition of fishing in key zones, and long-term community involvement to ensure survival. These findings underscore the importance of targeted conservation measures to mitigate threats and sustain gharial populations.

Doses from External Irradiation to Marshall Islanders from Bikini and Enewetak Nuclear Weapons Tests

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2010 — WHE7876F4531E

A groundbreaking study quantifies the annual external radiation doses received by Marshall Islanders from fallout of 65 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1946 and 1958. For the first time, researchers estimated doses for inhabitants across all 23 populated atolls, using test-specific survey data, cesium-137 deposition models, and fallout timing records. These findings, combined with internal irradiation estimates from companion studies, provide critical data to assess cancer risks in the Marshallese population due to nuclear testing exposure.

Double Trauma and Manifold Narratives: Jews' and Muslims' Representations of the Departure of Moroccan Jews in the 1950s and 1960s

Historic City of Meknes — 2010 — WHE306F8EE083

A study of the departure of Moroccan Jews in the 1950s and 1960s reveals that both Jewish and Muslim narratives reflect deep, unresolved trauma. While Muslims often depicted Jews as 'fearful' or 'weak,' this perception shifted dramatically during the Six-Day War, when Jews were seen as 'courageous' and 'strong.' This transformation disrupted Muslim societal norms, which associated emigration with a lack of virility. The research, based on oral histories from both communities, shows that the memory of these events remains fragmented and sensitive, with Muslims suppressing recollections of two young Jews murdered in 1967 in Meknes. The study argues that the departure of a historic component of Moroccan society has left an enduring emotional wound, with Jewish narratives oscillating between fear and nostalgia.

Dubrovnik’s Artistic Patrimony, and its Role in War Reporting (1991)

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2010 — WHE486568D610

Journalistic reports during the 1991 siege of Dubrovnik by the Yugoslav National Army often exaggerated the extent of damage to the Old City, aiming to provoke international intervention for cultural protection. This study reveals how British correspondents and editors framed these narratives, using rhetorical analysis to assess their impact on public memory and historical accounts. By combining interview data from key figures like Alex Russell and Max Hastings with documentary press analysis, the research sheds light on Western media's role in shaping perceptions of the Yugoslav wars and humanitarian intervention.

Dynamics of Sundarban estuarine ecosystem: eutrophication induced threat to mangroves

The Sundarbans — 2010 — WHEFCD768192F

Eutrophication poses a significant threat to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and only tiger habitat. A 2010 study revealed that high nutrient levels, particularly during winter, led to eutrophic conditions (Chlorophyll-a ≥10 μg/L), which negatively impacted phytoplankton biomass and species diversity. The research identified diatoms as the dominant phytoplankton group, with 46 taxa recorded across six groups. Key findings included the presence of bio-indicator species such as Polykrikos schwartzil and Dinophysis norvegica, signaling moderately polluted water quality. The study also highlighted that high salinity levels (21.2PSU) in May favored more resilient phytoplankton species. These insights underscore the deteriorating marine status of the Sundarban estuary, which threatens the ecology of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and raises concerns about the sustainability of its mangroves.

Early and Middle Woodland Earthwork Enclosures in Iowa

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks — 2010 — WHE5002002785

Research reveals that earthen enclosures, typically associated with the Early Woodland Adena complex and Middle Woodland Hopewell Interaction Sphere in the eastern U.S., also extend westward to Iowa. At least five such enclosures in eastern Iowa exhibit characteristics akin to those of Adena and Hopewell, including size, non-defensive function, and association with ritual areas like burial mounds. This suggests that while the Mississippi River valley may have marked the western limit of these ceremonial structures, their cultural significance likely extended more broadly across the region.

Early maize pollen from Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, USA

Chaco Culture — 2010 — WHE05DF5A6D46

A groundbreaking discovery at Chaco Culture National Historical Park reveals the presence of early maize cultivation dating back to 3940–2450 years ago, predating previously documented Puebloan agricultural practices. Analysis of prehistoric woodrat middens in sandstone cliff fractures uncovered abundant Zea mays pollen grains, significantly larger than modern varieties, suggesting multiple maize varieties were cultivated. The study also highlights a discrepancy between the radiocarbon ages of pollen and plant macrofossils within the same middens, emphasizing the need for independent dating of pollen assemblages to accurately reconstruct ancient agricultural landscapes.

Early Modern South Asia

Agra Fort — 2010 — WHEFB6FC6F201

Early modern South Asia witnessed significant urban transformation under the rule of Mughal emperors Akbar and Shah Jahan, marking the third great Islamic dynasty. Shah Jahan, renowned as a patron of the arts, commissioned iconic structures including the Red Forts in Agra, Lahore, and Delhi, as well as the Taj Mahal—a masterpiece built between 1632 and 1643 to honor his wife Mumtaz Mahal. These architectural marvels, alongside the first mosque in northern India, reflect the cultural and artistic flourishing of the period. The study highlights how these dynasties reshaped South Asian cities, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to define their heritage.