World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29681 – 29700 of 30315 publications

Field Observations on the Behaviour and Social System of the Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis Desmarest1

Serengeti National Park — 2010 — WHE42D364D26D

Bat-eared foxes (Otocyon megalotis) in the Serengeti National Park exhibit complex social structures, with group dynamics characterized by cooperative behaviors and defined home ranges. This study reveals that these foxes engage in intricate intra- and inter-group interactions, including marking behavior and daily activity patterns that suggest a highly organized social system. Observations also highlight their food habits, which are closely tied to the park's ecosystem. The research employed long-term field observations to document these behaviors, providing insights into the ecological and social adaptations of this unique species within its natural habitat.

Findings of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (Psi) for Vilnius Area, Lithuania

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2010 — WHE8301BB3CFB

A study using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) reveals that the Vilnius Historic Centre, Lithuania, exhibits remarkable ground stability, with annual surface movement velocities ranging from –1.5 to +1.5 mm/year over an 8.5-year observation period. This stability suggests minimal deformation in the city centre, despite challenges in interpreting PSI data due to complex local geology and anthropogenic factors. However, localized areas of downward movement were identified through satellite-based radar observations (SAR), indicating potential subsidence risks. Field reconnaissance confirmed these findings, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between natural ground movements—such as landslides and karst processes—and structural deterioration in urban settings. The research underscores the utility of PSI in monitoring ground conditions for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, supporting efforts to protect cultural heritage from geotechnical hazards.

Fire management and the nesting of Athene cunicularia (Aves, Strigidae) in grasslands in central Cerrado, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2010 — WHE19E40CE53E

Fire management in grasslands of the Cerrado, Brazil, significantly enhances nesting conditions for Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia), with firebreaks supporting 19 burrows compared to just one and two in adjacent and distant unmanaged grasslands, respectively. The study, conducted in Emas National Park from October to November 2009, found that frequent burning in firebreaks likely creates more attractive conditions due to the short herbaceous stratum, facilitating successful reproduction with one to three young reaching adult size by early November. Burrows were predominantly single-entrance and associated with termite or ant nests, while sentinel perches for adults included mounds, termite nests, shrubs, and trees, typically under 2 meters high and within 10 meters of the burrow entrance. These findings suggest that fire management can play a crucial role in supporting the reproduction of this species in tropical grasslands.

Fire regimes, forest change, and self‐organization in an old‐growth mixed‐conifer forest, Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2010 — WHE86F0571E6B

A 2125-hectare old-growth mixed-conifer forest in Yosemite National Park exhibited frequent, low-severity fires with a median return interval of 10 years and an average burn extent of 115 hectares before Euro-American settlement. These fires created small canopy openings (<0.2 ha) and showed self-organizing behavior, with area burned increasing tenfold when an area had not been affected by the previous fire. Post-1905 fire suppression led to a significant increase in forest density, basal area, and a shift toward shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant species. The study suggests that restoring frequent, low-severity burns can mimic historical conditions, reducing surface fuels and creating small canopy openings characteristic of the reference forest.

First Crania and Assessment of Species Boundaries in Nimbadon (Marsupialia: Diprotodontidae) from the Middle Miocene of Australia

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2010 — WHE056F4DC9CC

A comprehensive analysis of fossilized cranial material from Nimbadon lavarackorum, a middle Miocene marsupial, reveals significant intraspecific morphological variation within the species. This challenges previous distinctions between N. lavarackorum and its junior synonym, N. whitelawi, demonstrating that such variations likely fall within natural species boundaries rather than representing distinct taxa. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess cranial and dental dimensions, providing a benchmark for determining species boundaries in extinct marsupials. Findings suggest that N. lavarackorum was a relatively small (75–120 kg), possibly gregarious browsing species adapted to closed-forest habitats, with lower overall morphological variation compared to its contemporary Neohelos stirtoni, reflecting differences in body size, home range, and habitat preference.

First evidence for locomotion in the Ediacara biota from the 565 Ma Mistaken Point Formation, Newfoundland

Mistaken Point — 2010 — WHE0C388F1D1A

Fossil evidence of locomotion from the Ediacara biota, dating back approximately 565 million years, has been discovered in deep-water environments at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland. This finding extends the record of complex trace fossils into the earliest stages of the Avalonian biota, suggesting that some of these early organisms were likely muscular and metazoan-grade. The study describes an assemblage of macroscopic locomotory traces, providing new insights into the behavior and biological affinities of Precambrian organisms. Researchers analyzed these trails to infer the presence of large motile organisms on the seafloor during this time, challenging previous assumptions about the simplicity of Ediacaran trace fossils.

First evidence for locomotion in the Ediacara biota from the 565 Ma Mistaken Point Formation, Newfoundland: COMMENT

Mistaken Point — 2010 — WHE43C525E290

A critical reassessment of claims regarding the first evidence for locomotion in the Ediacara biota challenges the interpretation of putative locomotion traces from the 565 million-year-old Mistaken Point Formation in Newfoundland. The study argues that if these traces are to be considered the earliest geological evidence of animal movement, they must undergo rigorous re-evaluation against established criteria. By analyzing sedimentological and taphonomic contexts, the research aims to determine whether these features genuinely represent locomotion or could stem from other processes such as currents or bioturbation. This commentary underscores the need for cautious interpretation of fossilized traces in the absence of definitive proof, emphasizing the importance of contextual evidence in reconstructing ancient behaviors.

First evidence for locomotion in the Ediacara biota from the 565 Ma Mistaken Point Formation, Newfoundland: REPLY

Mistaken Point — 2010 — WHE5DC5D1E2DB

Researchers at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, have provided definitive evidence that the ancient trace fossil assemblage from the 565-million-year-old Mistaken Point Formation represents locomotion behavior in Ediacara biota. Contrary to earlier shallow marine interpretations, sedimentological studies consistently support a deep-water turbidite or contourite depositional environment, reinforcing the significance of these findings. This conclusion challenges prior assumptions and solidifies Mistaken Point as a key site for understanding early complex biological activity.

First Records, Representing Major Range Extensions, of Three Species of Lepidoptera (Erebidae, Noctuidae, and Lasiocampidae) from New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2010 — WHE29F672F7ED

Research at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, part of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, has uncovered the first records of three moth species (Cisthene perrosea, Schinia intrebilis, and Tolype meyelisae) in the state, significantly extending their known ranges. These discoveries were made possible through systematic black-light trapping efforts initiated by the National Park Service in 2006, which aimed to document the Lepidoptera fauna of the region. The findings highlight the importance of such studies in revealing biodiversity hotspots and range expansions in understudied desert ecosystems.

First Results of Monitoring of Stand Structure Changes in Unmanaged Beech Stands in NP Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2010 — WHE22EBF9F738

A decade-long monitoring of unmanaged beech stands in Plitvice Lakes National Park reveals that, without human intervention, these forests naturally progress toward the 'optimum phase' of secondary virgin forest. The study, conducted on a 100×100m permanent plot, found that structural elements such as diameter distribution, tree density, basal area, and volume align with natural development patterns rather than managed stands. However, it also observed a decline in stand vitality, marked by an increase in dead trees and damaged individuals, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of unprotected forests. The research compared findings from 1998 to 2008, using growth-yield tables for managed beech stands as a benchmark, highlighting discrepancies that suggest natural processes may lead to reduced forest health over time.

Five new species and new records of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) from the Wet Tropics of northeastern Queensland

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2010 — WHE9B6A3776A4

A recent study has uncovered five new species of Hydroptilidae, a family of caddisflies, within the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The newly described species include Orphninotrichia barbarae, O. desleyae, O. alata, Orthotrichia rentzi, and O. andicairnsae. Additionally, the research extends the known distribution of one species from each genus, providing new insights into their biodiversity. The study also offers brief remarks on the probable classification of Orphninotrichia and deduces biological information based on collecting data. This discovery significantly contributes to our understanding of the region's aquatic insect diversity.

Fjords as temporary sediment traps: History of glacial erosion and deposition in Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park, southeastern Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2010 — WHEC31A11CCFE

Fjords act as temporary sediment traps, significantly influencing glacial erosion and deposition patterns. A study of Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park, revealed two prominent glacial erosion surfaces: one from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and another from the Little Ice Age (LIA). The LGM ice sheet, which was 1700 meters thick in Muir Inlet, eroded bedrock extensively, leaving deposits over 300 meters thick beneath the LIA erosion surface. The study used high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles to model sediment flux, ranging from 1.3 × 10^6 m³/yr to 4.6 × 10^7 m³/yr, increasing logarithmically with drainage basin area. This sediment flux includes contributions from bedrock erosion, persistent tributary glaciers, and LGM sediments stored in deeper basins. The research highlights the importance of sediment gravity flows originating from sills and fjord walls in shaping these landscapes.

Floristic composition of wetlands of the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park

Maloti-Drakensberg Park — 2010 — WHE567C95A5D8

A comprehensive survey of wetlands in the South African section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) identified 36 distinct plant communities, categorized into five main types based on altitude and soil conditions. These include high-altitude fens, hygrophilous grasslands, shrubby wetlands, mixed sedgelands, and low-altitude sedge and reedlands. The study found that altitude and soil wetness are the primary factors influencing wetland vegetation composition. Conducted across six catchments along altitudinal gradients, this research provides critical insights into the ecological diversity of MDTP wetlands, contributing to conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fluctuating ungulate density shapes tree recruitment in natural stands of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland

Białowieża Forest — 2010 — WHEB1ECFFECD4

Fluctuations in large herbivore populations, particularly red deer, significantly influence tree recruitment and species composition in the Białowieża National Park. Over 70 years of natural forest dynamics, higher ungulate densities were linked to increased recruitment of preferred forage species like Carpinus betulus, while less preferred species showed negative correlations with herbivore density. Contrary to expectations, rising herbivore numbers did not hinder tree regeneration but instead facilitated the growth of browsing-tolerant species. Climate and forest openness played minimal roles in overall recruitment patterns, except for specific species like Alnus glutinosa and Ulmus glabra. The study suggests that periodic crashes in ungulate populations—whether natural or human-induced—create opportunities for diverse forest regeneration, promoting dynamic and varied tree species development.

Fog-basking behaviour and water collection efficiency in Namib Desert Darkling beetles

Namib Sand Sea — 2010 — WHE91FF4AEA9A

Research on fog-basking behavior in Namib Desert Darkling beetles reveals that the efficiency of water collection from fog is more dependent on behavioral adaptations than structural differences in their elytra. Despite variations in size and elytra surface structure—ranging from smooth to bumpy—beetle species like Onymacris unguicularis, O. laeviceps, Stenocara gracilipes, and Physasterna cribripes showed only minor differences in fog water harvesting efficiency when corrected for body size. The study highlights that the fog-basking stance itself is a critical factor in water acquisition, particularly for species like O. unguicularis, which exhibits a distinct head-standing behavior triggered by fog presence. This finding underscores the importance of behavioral adaptations in survival strategies within extreme desert environments.

Foot-pilgrims and backpackers: contemporary ways of travelling

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2010 — WHE4B7DB0F866

Both foot-pilgrimage along the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela and backpacker’s trails represent modern forms of travel that have boomed over the past 25 years, challenging traditional stereotypes. While pilgrims are often seen as devout individuals with religious motives and backpackers as pleasure-seeking globetrotters, this study reveals significant similarities between these two ways of traveling. Both involve an exterior journey that correlates with an inner transformation, such as increased self-confidence or personal insights, occurring on an individual rather than social level. Unlike traditional rites de passage, these journeys lack fixed starting or ending points and are self-imposed, serving as a means to escape daily routine and societal pressure while seeking personal change or improvement.

Foreground and shadow occlusion handling for outdoor augmented reality

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2010 — WHEA1B4B96D94

A novel approach to handling foreground and shadow occlusion in outdoor augmented reality (AR) has been developed, addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable illumination changes. The method introduces outdoor illumination constraints that improve the segmentation of foreground objects when integrated into a probabilistic model using multiple cues. Additionally, an effective technique for resolving shadow occlusion is presented, utilizing shadow detection and recasting with a spherical vision camera. These advancements were tested in the Virtual Asuka (VA) project, demonstrating their effectiveness in synthesizing virtual objects accurately within real-world scenes.

Former presence of a parakeet (Cyanoramphus sp.) on Campbell Island, New Zealand subantarctic, with notes on the island’s fossil sites and fossil record

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2010 — WHE737E0DBF50

A significant late Holocene deposit of bird fossils on subantarctic Campbell Island, New Zealand, has revealed the first specimen of a Cyanoramphus parakeet from the island. Preliminary ancient DNA analysis confirmed its generic identification, offering potential for re-introduction efforts by identifying a closely related taxon to the extinct population. The study highlights the importance of fossil sites in understanding the island's biodiversity and evolutionary history. The research involved a brief survey of potential fossil sites, with implications for both conservation and scientific inquiry.

Formes, acteurs et enjeux de la participation dans la genèse du Parc national des Cévennes (1950-1970)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2010 — WHEFA460F0847

The creation of the Cévennes National Park (1950–1970) challenges conventional narratives about environmental participation, revealing a complex, locally driven process that predates modern 'ecocitizen' engagement. Unlike the state-centric, authoritarian model often associated with post-war France, this landscape's genesis involved deep collaboration between local actors and policymakers, characterized by strong interpersonal connections and subjective governance dynamics. This study reexamines the period through a historical lens, demonstrating that participatory modes were more nuanced than previously assumed—balancing modernization with grassroots involvement.

Forth Road Bridge main cables: replacement/augmentation study

The Forth Bridge — 2010 — WHEDD86C050D4

A first-of-its-kind internal inspection of the Forth Road Bridge's main cables in 2004 revealed significant wire corrosion, prompting a feasibility study for cable replacement or augmentation. The study, commissioned by FETA, evaluated options to mitigate corrosion progression while balancing structural integrity and operational demands. Findings underscored the necessity of retrofitting dehumidification systems and acoustic monitoring to prevent further deterioration, ensuring the bridge's continued functionality as a critical transport artery carrying over 24 million vehicles annually.