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Showing 361 – 380 of 15962 publications

Drought and Freezing Compromise Woody‐Plant Functioning in High Mountain Ecosystems Under Mediterranean Climate: The Case of Bencomia exstipulata

Teide National Park — 2026 — WHED028BAFCF7

Bencomia exstipulata, an endemic shrub in Teide National Park, exhibits limited adaptations to drought and freezing, despite its high-altitude montane habitat. Research reveals that while it maintains fast leaf turnover with high photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance, its xylem is vulnerable to embolism under severe drought, and leaves lack robust photoprotective mechanisms against freezing temperatures. The study combines ecophysiological characterization, drought tolerance evaluation at leaf and xylem levels, and freezing stress analysis at biophysical and photochemical levels. Findings suggest that extreme climate events, such as prolonged drought or severe freezing, could pose lethal risks to this species in the long term, highlighting its fragile ecological balance in Mediterranean-type climates.

Dune Sediments

Namib Sand Sea — 2026 — WHE934FA47B75

The Namib Sand Sea, characterized by its yellowish brown to yellowish red quartz sand, offers critical insights into the sedimentary processes shaping one of Earth's largest dune fields. This study reveals that the sediments within and between dunes are a direct product of ongoing accumulation, providing a geological record of the sand sea's development. By analyzing these sediments, researchers can reconstruct the dynamic interactions between wind, sand transport, and deposition over time. The research employs a combination of field observations, sediment analysis, and geomorphological mapping to unravel the complex history of this unique desert landscape.

Durham Castle North Terrace, Durham City: archaeological watching brief

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2026 — WHE70C84BE027

An archaeological watching brief at Durham Castle's North Terrace uncovered significant medieval and post-medieval deposits, including well-preserved pottery dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. The excavation revealed previously unknown structural details, such as a stone arched aperture in the castle wall and the buttressing of the central chapel buttress against the castle wall. Faunal remains indicated a high standard of living, with evidence of a diverse diet including beef, mutton, pork, fish, and domestic fowl, suggesting continuity from medieval to post-medieval periods. The study also identified ground-raising work attributed to Bishop Cosin (1660-1672) but found no archaeological features in the Principal's Garden or lower terrace.

Đặc Điểm Trường Dòng Chảy trong Mùa Gió Tây Nam một Số Bãi Cát Khu Vực Quần Đảo Cát Bà (Characteristics of Hydrodynamic Current Fields during the Southwest Monsoon Season at Selected Sandy Beaches in the Cat Ba Archipelago)

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2026 — WHE9341239337

Under extreme weather conditions, sandy beaches in the Cat Ba Archipelago—including Cat Co I, Cat Co III, and Tung Thu—experience hazardous rip currents exceeding 50 cm/s, posing significant risks to swimmers and contributing to shoreline erosion. During the Southwest monsoon season, such currents are generally absent under spring tide conditions, but strong alongshore flows persist due to coastal morphology. The study used the MIKE21 hydrodynamic model to analyze current fields, revealing that while rip currents and nearshore eddies are rare during typical monsoon periods, extreme events trigger unstable beach dynamics. This research highlights the vulnerability of these UNESCO-recognized beaches to erosion and safety hazards under changing environmental conditions.

Early Placer Mining in Saxony. Part 2: Archaeological Investigations at the Sauschwemme – New Evidence for Tin Placer Mining during the Bronze Age, Hallstatt Period, and High Middle Ages

Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region — 2026 — WHE02E4F3EA05

Archaeological investigations at the Sauschwemme streamwork in the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region reveal early tin placer mining dating back to the Bronze Age, with continuity extending into the Hallstatt Period and High Middle Ages. Using high-resolution digital terrain models (DTM) derived from LIDAR data, researchers identified stratigraphically oldest work areas, providing new evidence for the strategic significance of tin deposits in Europe during these periods. The study also highlights the miners' advanced knowledge of extraction techniques and the enduring relevance of these deposits, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Earthen Pyramids of Assam: Seven Hundred Years of Construction Legacy of Charaideo Moidams as a Unesco World Heritage Site

Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — 2026 — WHEDE87F5FD35

The Charaideo Moidams, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites on 26 July 2024, stand as the most enduring physical remnants of the Ahom dynasty (1228–1826 CE), embodying a 700-year legacy of earthen pyramid construction. These funerary mounds, or 'moidams,' showcase distinctive architecture and engineering with exceptional durability, preserving Ahom mortuary traditions and cultural heritage. The study highlights their significance as both spiritual and historical landmarks for the Tai-Ahom community in Northeast India, offering unique insights into ancient socio-cultural structures across South and Southeast Asia.

Eating on the Rock Paintings: Diet Composition of Leptodactylus syphax Bokermann, 1969 in the Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2026 — WHEEF7F9A320A

A new study reveals that the frog species Leptodactylus syphax in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park is a generalist and opportunistic predator, with no significant dietary differences between males and females. Researchers analyzed stomach contents of 16 individuals during the rainy season (January–May 2024), identifying 212 prey items across 16 categories, including Blattaria, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera (Formicidae) as dominant. Plant fragments were also detected in nine individuals, suggesting a varied diet. The study highlights this species' active foraging strategy and contributes to the limited knowledge of leptodactylid feeding habits.

Ecological Foundations of Indigenous Pastoral Innovations for Climate Resilience: Evidence from the Succulent Karoo Rangeland, Richtersveld National Park, South Africa

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2026 — WHE6E206DF02C

Indigenous pastoral practices in the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape demonstrate remarkable ecological resilience, challenging long-held assumptions about dryland systems. Research shows that the Nama people's annual transhumance between the Succulent Karoo uplands and the Orange River riparian zone sustains year-round forage availability, with shrub biomass peaking at 962.8 g/m² in the Succulent Karoo—nearly twelve times higher than in desert biomes—and riparian grasses reaching 600–700 g/m² during upland dormancy. Rainfall was the strongest predictor of plant biomass (R² = 0.69), while grazing pressure and landform had minimal impact, providing quantitative evidence that traditional management is ecologically adaptive rather than merely 'traditional.' The study, combining vegetation surveys, satellite data, and soil analysis from 2006–2008, offers a robust ecological rationale for policies that have historically undervalued indigenous knowledge.

Ecological Security Under the SPMOR Paradigm: Spatiotemporal Assessment of Fanjingshan Region (2002–2022)

Fanjingshan — 2026 — WHE5446B8BDDD

A spatiotemporal analysis of Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest China, reveals fluctuating ecological security trends from 2002 to 2022. The study introduces an extended SPMOR framework (State–Pressure–Modelling–Optimization–Response) to assess ecological security dynamically, using multi-source datasets and the CRITIC method to construct a grid-based Ecological Security Index (ESI). Findings indicate that while ESI peaked in 2012, it declined slightly by 2022, with persistent spatial clustering patterns. High-security zones remained concentrated in the core reserve, while low-security areas aligned with human activity corridors, suggesting both ecological restoration progress and rising development pressures. This approach offers a structured method for evaluating and managing mountainous protected regions sustainably.

Ecotourism Potential of the World Heritage Site “Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments”

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2026 — WHEEFA099B487

Saint Petersburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its cultural significance, also harbors substantial ecotourism potential due to its rich biodiversity. Research confirms that the city's historic center and related monuments support diverse wildlife, including large bird congregations near monuments, wintering bats in fortifications, and seal haul-out sites on nearby islands. These natural features persist despite centuries of development, thanks to the original selection criteria for palace construction—dry, scenic areas with fertile soils and proximity to water, which also favor biodiversity. The study combines field observations and literature reviews to highlight the site's dual value: as a cultural landmark and an ecological treasure, offering opportunities for environmental education and nature conservation.

Edible insects and their host plants: ethnobotanical insights from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2026 — WHE324D8384C4

Research in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC, reveals that 12 species of edible insects are consumed by local communities, with Imbrasia obscura, Imbrasia epimethea, and Epidonta brunneomixta being the most cited. The study also identifies 29 host plants, including 10 with timber value, suggesting potential for regulated insect harvesting within the park or promoting their abundance in agroforestry systems outside. Focus-group discussions with village elders across 27 villages provided insights into species distribution and cultural practices, highlighting the importance of edible insects as a food and income source in Central Africa's mountain regions.

eDNA reveals extraordinary fish diversity in the Urauchi River, Iriomote Island, Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2026 — WHE93A15B188B

A groundbreaking study using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has uncovered extraordinary fish diversity in the Urauchi River, Iriomote Island, Japan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research identified 254 fish species across 10–11 sampling sites along an 18.8 km stretch, with species richness peaking in mangrove zones of the mid-to-lower estuary. Notably, eDNA detected 16 conservation-priority taxa listed on Japan's Red List and six IUCN Red List species, including critically endangered Anguilla japonica and Cheilinus undulatus. The study also revealed unexpected detections of deep-sea taxa, likely due to tidal transport or diel migrations. Using high-throughput sequencing and advanced biodiversity analyses, the research demonstrated that fish biodiversity in this system remains incompletely characterized, underscoring the importance of integrating eDNA with conventional surveys for comprehensive assessments. This first molecular baseline provides a practical early warning system for detecting ecological shifts and guiding targeted conservation efforts in this globally significant watershed.

Educación Religiosa Femenina en Asentamientos Internacionales Chinos (1850–1940)

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2026 — WHE3EB66B668C

Christian missions in late 19th and early 20th century China used female education as both evangelization tools and social intervention instruments. A comparative study of Xiamen-Kulangsu and Shanghai international settlements revealed that while schools in Xiamen-Kulangsu provided refuge, literacy, and protection for abandoned girls, those in Shanghai integrated science, languages, and religious training, fostering public visibility for female students. The research, based on archival analysis, highlights a dual impact: the integration of these institutions into colonial agendas alongside their role in expanding educational access and mobility opportunities for young women.

Educational motivations and their influence on religious tourism among young tourists

Studenica Monastery — 2026 — WHE5E19BC55BB

Religious consciousness emerges as the primary driver for young tourists visiting Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve. This study reveals that educational motivations significantly shape the tourist experience, alongside ecological, rural, and cultural interests. Using randomized questionnaires and mixed data collection methods, researchers analyzed responses from individuals under 35 to assess motivational factors influencing religious tourism. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) 4.0 was employed for statistical analysis, highlighting the complex interplay between personal beliefs, educational engagement, and sustainable heritage appreciation in modern tourism.

Effectiveness of Protected Areas in Limiting Agricultural Encroachment and Conserving Herbivores in West‐Central African Savannahs

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — 2026 — WHEC65873F65E

Protected areas (PAs) in West and Central African savannahs, particularly those within connected networks like the W-Arly-Pendjari complex, significantly resist agricultural encroachment and support higher herbivore biomass compared to unprotected buffer zones. A study analyzing Landsat imagery (1973–2018) and wildlife census data for four focal species—African buffalo, roan antelope, hartebeest, and savannah elephant—revealed that core PAs largely preserved natural vegetation while surrounding landscapes saw substantial agricultural expansion. However, wildlife population trends did not always correlate with landscape integrity, highlighting the critical role of PA size, governance, and ecological connectivity in conservation outcomes. The research identifies three distinct PA typologies, each requiring tailored strategic approaches to enhance effectiveness beyond legal designation.

Effects of Altitude, Slope Aspect, and Soil Depth on Soil Properties and Herbaceous Root Distribution in Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2026 — WHEB9952D9C9C

Research reveals that soil physical properties and nutrient contents in the Yuanyang Hani Terrace system exhibit distinct patterns influenced by altitude, slope aspect, and soil depth. Soil bulk density follows a unimodal trend along elevation gradients, with mid-elevations showing optimal conditions for porosity and infiltration rates, while high elevations present the poorest conditions. Shady slopes generally outperform sunny slopes, particularly at mid-elevations, where aspect-induced differences in bulk density are most pronounced. An unusual combination of high bulk density with peak porosity and infiltration rates was observed in the 20–40 cm soil layer, attributed to compaction-induced pore configuration changes that preserve preferential flow pathways. Nutrient levels vary significantly, with total potassium and available phosphorus peaking at low elevations due to chemical weathering intensity and plant uptake competition. Root systems are predominantly concentrated in the surface layer (0–20 cm), showing strong positive correlations with soil moisture and porosity, and negative correlations with bulk density. Principal component analysis indicates that physical hydrological processes are the primary drivers of environmental differentiation, explaining 73.4% of the variance. These findings provide a theoretical basis for sustainable management of terrace agroecosystems.

Effects of habitat fragmentation on species richness and community composition of medium- and large-sized mammals in sugarcane-dominated Cerrado landscapes, southwestern Goiás, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2026 — WHE941EFDF49A

Mammal species richness and community composition in the Cerrado Protected Areas of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, Brazil, are highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation caused by sugarcane expansion. The study found that landscape metrics—such as native habitat area, fragment isolation, and proximity to protected areas—explained 90.1% of species richness variation and 85.5% of compositional changes. Species diversity increased with more native habitat but declined with greater fragment isolation, while community structure was primarily shaped by inter-fragment distances and protection status. These findings highlight the profound impact of agricultural landscapes on mammal assemblages, favoring generalist and disturbance-tolerant species while reshaping ecological dynamics.

Egyptian blue in Etruscan funerary wall paintings: A multi-analytical study from the Monterozzi necropolis (Tarquinia)

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2026 — WHE58A1CF772E

A groundbreaking multi-analytical study of the Monterozzi Necropolis in Tarquinia, Italyreveals the extensive use of Egyptian blue in Etruscan funerary wall paintings from the 7th to 3rd century BCE. The research, part of the ARANTH campaign, identified this pigment not only as a primary color but also in combination with others across green, red, blue, and whitish areas. A novel application of micro-fluorescence in near-infrared imaging enabled rapid localization of luminescent grains, later confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, providing unprecedented insights into the spatial distribution of Egyptian blue within pictorial layers. Additionally, azurite was identified for the first time in Etruscan mural painting, offering new evidence on pigment use and painting technology. The study integrated advanced techniques such as VIS–NIR hyperspectral analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and FT-IR spectroscopy to map and analyze five painted tombs, contributing significantly to our understanding of Etruscan funerary art.

Eighty Years Later–Persistence of World War II ‘Conflict Sands’ in the Beaches of Normandy, France

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2026 — WHED20AB894AE

Eighty years after the D-Day Landings, the beaches of Normandy, France, still retain a significant amount of anthropogenic metal introduced during Operation Overlord. A systematic study across all five Allied landing beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword) found that metallic grains, predominantly iron-rich, comprise an average of 0.4% of the sediment. These grains exhibit morphologies indicative of human activity, such as angular fragments and metallic spherules, supporting their anthropogenic origin. The study, which analyzed 460 samples collected in 2024 and 2025, also revealed non-uniform distribution of these metals along the beach profile, with enrichment in the swash zone and persistence to depths exceeding 1 meter. This finding provides a temporally constrained stratigraphic tracer, offering insights into sediment redistribution, coastal processes, and beach aggradation rates on decadal timescales.

El chatbot Realengo: Un recurso interactivo con enfoque comunitario para dar a conocer el reparto de los bienes de paz en Santa María, Armadillo y Río Verde

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2026 — WHEA325C88939

A novel chatbot, Realengo, has been developed to restore and reinterpret community historical narratives along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (CRTA). The tool leverages interactive storytelling to challenge traditional historiographic perspectives on peace, justice, and territorial resilience in Santa María del Río, Mexico. By integrating semantic analysis of heritage concepts—such as access to justice and 'possible futures'—Realengo fosters collective memory and citizen engagement, disrupting classical narratives rooted in conflict. The study demonstrates how digital humanities tools can reframe historical discourse, promoting a culture of peace through community-driven fiction and imaginative reconstruction.