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Showing 12941 – 12960 of 15962 publications

Pigment Use at Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2020 — WHEDB14C1DC19

A rich palette of pigments, used for objects, architectural paintings, and burial treatments, was identified at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük. This discovery, based on 25 years of research led by Ian Hodder (1993–2017), reveals the diverse applications and cultural significance of pigments spanning over a thousand years of the settlement's existence.

Pilgrimage Circuit of Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and Shrine, Osun State, Nigeria

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2020 — WHE6ECFC2BE2D

Improving access routes and facilities at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove could significantly boost the livelihoods of local communities and create job opportunities, according to a study on pilgrimage circuits in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research, conducted using ethnographic methods, highlights that enhanced infrastructure would not only facilitate better access but also mitigate challenges affecting the sacred grove's preservation. Located along the Osun River in Oshogbo, Nigeria, the site is a notable religious tourism destination, inscribed by UNESCO in 2005 for its cultural and spiritual significance.

Pilgrimages in times of trial

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park — 2020 — WHEF48D446DA1

During Poland's 19th-century partition, sanctuaries dedicated to Christ and the Virgin Mary emerged as pivotal sites for preserving national identity. A study highlights how Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, along with Łąki Bratiańskie and Jasna Góra, became focal points of mass pilgrimage movements that intertwined religious devotion with patriotism. These sanctuaries acted as cultural and spiritual strongholds, shielding Poles from the erosion of their national identity during a period of foreign domination. The research underscores how pilgrimage practices in these sites fused Polish identity with Catholicism, serving as both a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for the nation's eventual path to independence.

Placodont remains (Sauropsida, Sauropterygia) from the Triassic of Hungary (Transdanubian Range and Villány Mountains)

Monte San Giorgio — 2020 — WHEDC9AA7A643

New placodont fossils from the Triassic of Hungary reveal significant insights into the distribution and diversity of these marine reptiles. The study describes remains from two tectonic units: the Transdanubian Range, including a maxilla fragment identified as Paraplacodus broilii from the Anisian stage (similar in age to Monte San Giorgio), and a Carnian dentary fragment and teeth assigned to Placochelys placodonta. Additionally, a Rhaetian tooth fragment was found in the Keszthely Mountains. The most notable discovery is a rich Ladinian assemblage from the Villány Mountains, featuring cranial elements and teeth attributed to Cyamodus sp., marking one of the last occurrences of this genus in Europe's Triassic sedimentary basins. This study highlights Hungary as a critical gap locality for understanding placodont evolution during the Late Triassic.

Planning to remove UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sumatra from being ‘In Danger’

Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra — 2020 — WHED4383E137B

A critical analysis of threats to the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS), a UNESCO World Heritage Site 'in danger' since 2011, identifies road infrastructure development as the primary anthropogenic threat. The study proposes three urgent actions: establishing an inter-ministerial body to coordinate conservation efforts and mitigate road impacts; improving Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) through standardized training programs; and elevating existing regulations to a presidential-level policy to ensure consistency across sectors. These measures aim to address the fragmentation of protected areas, which endangers 85% of Sumatran orangutans, 65% of tigers, and other keystone species. The TRHS spans three national parks (Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci Seblat, and Gunung Leuser) covering over 2.5 million hectares, with corrective actions requiring cross-agency collaboration to align subnational developments with central policies.

Plant diversity in Yunnan: Current status and future directions

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2020 — WHE47E1971597

Yunnan, China, is a global hotspot for plant diversity, hosting over 19,000 higher plant species. However, significant threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation persist, leading to the decline or extinction of numerous threatened species despite conservation efforts. Research identifies southern, southeastern, and northwestern Yunnan as critical hotspots for biodiversity, including endemic, new, and threatened species, while highlighting conservation gaps in central, eastern, and northeastern regions. The study underscores the need for modern field investigations, systematic research, comprehensive databases, and government support to strengthen functional protection systems and advance plant conservation in the region.

Plantes vasculaires nouvelles ou rares pour la Tunisie présentes sur les îles (Galite, Zembra, Kuriat, Monastir, Kerkennah, Kneiss, Djerba)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2020 — WHE9044483D23

A groundbreaking study identifies five vascular plant species previously unknown to Tunisia, with two also representing new records for North Africa. These discoveries—Bellis perennis, Carthamus creticus, Moraea mediterranea, Asplenium balearicum, and Galium minutulum—were made on Tunisian islands (Galite, Zembra, Kuriat, Monastir, Kerkennah, Kneiss, Djerba) during field surveys since 2014. Additionally, the research documents 24 rare or poorly known taxa, most of which hold significant biogeographical interest and were predominantly found on eastern coastal islands. The findings underscore the critical role of these islands as biodiversity hotspots, emphasizing their importance for conserving Tunisia’s coastal plant diversity.

Plany rozbudowy dawnej warszawskiej rezydencji króla Zygmunta Augusta około roku 1600

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2020 — WHE56E6C3D746

A newly interpreted architectural project, preserved in the collection of Tylman Gameren at Warsaw University, reveals the likely design of the north wing of Warsaw Castle around 1600. The study suggests that the project features corner pavilions and a grand pillar colonnade facing the collegiate church of St. John and the Old Town, challenging previous assumptions about the castle's expansion under King Sigismund Augustus. This reinterpretation is based on a critical analysis of the preserved architectural drawings, offering fresh insights into the evolution of Warsaw Castle during its early development.

Plio-Pleistocene sedimentation in West Turkana (Turkana Depression, Kenya, East African Rift System): Paleolake fluctuations, paleolandscapes and controlling factors

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2020 — WHEFE51797220

Research reveals that rainfall fluctuations over the Ethiopian Dome primarily controlled high-amplitude lake level changes in Lake Turkana during the Plio-Pleistocene, while tectonism regulated sediment supply from the western rift shoulder. The study identifies seven major transgression-regression cycles between 4.00 and 0.75 million years ago, with lower-amplitude cycles superimposed locally. By analyzing sedimentary facies, sequences, and δ13C values in soil carbonates, the team also reconstructed paleolandscapes and demonstrated distinct vegetation evolution in the Omo Valley and West Turkana. Additionally, two alternating sedimentary systems—wave- or river-dominated—were linked to variations in sediment supply from the Lapurr Range, driven by tectonic activity along the Murua Rith Lapurr Fault.

Plitvice Lakes National park harbors ancient, yet endangered diversity of trout (genusSalmo)

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2020 — WHEFF3931E2AC

Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its unique karstic watersheds and biodiversity, harbors two evolutionary distinct species of trout: Salmo labrax and Salmo trutta. This study, using mitochondrial gene markers from 150 trout samples across 17 localities, reveals low genetic diversity within populations and restricted gene flow, likely due to habitat fragmentation and degradation. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation measures to protect these ancient yet endangered trout species, which coexist in both 'pure' and admixed populations.

Poder, disputa e múltiplas narrativas históricas

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2020 — WHE7DA5C89F8D

Mbanza Kongo, the former capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Bakongo people. A study reveals that local narratives portray Kulumbimbi as a sacred landscape symbolizing prosperity, peace, and sovereignty, contrasting sharply with colonial Portuguese and UNESCO interpretations that emphasize Luso-African presence. The research employs traditional oral histories to uncover these layered historical perspectives, highlighting the tension between indigenous identities and external narratives in shaping heritage significance.

Policy Implementation Halts Deforestation in Winter Habitat of Monarch Butterflies in Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2020 — WHE340DF4C7BC

A recent analysis reveals that deforestation due to logging in the core zones of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) is no longer a significant factor in the decline of overwintering monarch butterfly populations. Despite dramatic population decreases, forest cover loss from logging has drastically reduced since 2011, coinciding with the implementation of strict conservation policies and economic incentives for local communities. The study attributes this success to collaborative efforts involving governmental agencies, NGOs, and academia, which have curbed illegal logging and increased social awareness. However, salvage logging from storms remains a concern, and broader threats such as habitat loss due to agricultural practices, disease, climate change, and pesticide use continue to endanger monarch populations.

Pollen preference of stingless bees ( Melipona rufiventris and M. quadrifasciata anthidioides ) inside an urban tropical forest at Rio de Janeiro city

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2020 — WHE435AE3ACB6

Stingless bees Melipona rufiventris and M. quadrifasciata anthidioides exhibit distinct pollen preferences within Rio de Janeiro's urban tropical forest, the Parque Nacional da Tijuca (PNT), reducing competition for resources. Analysis of pollen pellets revealed dominant plant sources such as Alchornea, Eucalyptus, Mimosa species, and Melastomataceae, with minimal overlap in foraging between the two bee species over a year. This suggests that diverse bee populations are crucial for maintaining pollination and ecosystem resilience in urban forests. The study employed non-destructive pollen collection methods to compare taxon percentages, offering insights into the ecological roles of stingless bees in preserving Atlantic rainforest biodiversity.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban street dust within three land-uses of Babylon governorate, Iraq: Distribution, sources, and health risk assessment

Babylon — 2020 — WHE22A17AA48F

A first-of-its-kind study reveals significant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in urban street dust across residential, industrial, and commercial areas of Babylon governorate, Iraq. Total PAH concentrations averaged 1055 µg/kg, with high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs dominating at 61.7%. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) identified pyrogenic sources—such as vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, and coal/wood burning—as the primary contributors. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) model indicated potential health risks exceeding 10^-4 in all areas, highlighting urgent mitigation needs. This benchmark study provides critical data for future research on PAH pollution in Babylon.

Polyphonic Music of the Fourteenth Century in Aragon: Reassessing a Panorama of Fragmentary Sources

Poblet Monastery — 2020 — WHE2E6D057451

Aragón’s royal court, particularly during the reigns of Kings John I and Martin I (14th century), played a pivotal role in disseminating ars nova polyphony—a groundbreaking musical style—across late medieval Catalonia. This study reveals that most surviving polyphonic fragments, though not definitively linked to royal commissions, align with court itineraries in key cities like Barcelona, Gerona, and Vilafranca del Penedès, as well as parish archives near the Royal Monastery of Poblet and Cervera. By analyzing archival evidence, researchers recalibrate our understanding of how these fragments connect to original manuscripts and institutions, challenging previous assumptions about their provenance and patronage.

Pongamia as a Potential Biofuel Crop: Oil Content of Pongamia pinnata from the Best Provenance in Java, Indonesia

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2020 — WHE034BCDB16F

Research on Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, a fast-growing leguminous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, reveals significant variation in seed oil content—up to 44% when using solvent extraction—markedly higher than the 15–19% obtained via mechanical pressing. The study analyzed seeds from 48 individual trees in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten Province, Indonesia, demonstrating that genetic factors, extraction methods, and machine types influence oil yield. These findings underscore the importance of seed quality and genetic diversity for industrial plantation programs aimed at bioenergy production and land restoration in Indonesia.

Population estimate for yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in the subantarctic Auckland Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2020 — WHE8D85262101

A new population estimate for yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) in the Auckland Islands, New Zealand, suggests that breeding numbers have remained stable over recent years, averaging 577 pairs annually between 2012 and 2017. This finding contradicts earlier estimates based on beach counts, which indicated a potential decline but were deemed less reliable due to uncertainty. The study combined intensive nest-searching with counts of transiting penguins on Enderby Island over three years to establish a relationship between count numbers and breeding birds, then extrapolated these findings to estimate the population for the entire Auckland Island group. The subantarctic populations, particularly in the Auckland Islands, are critical, representing 37–49% of the total breeding population for the species. Researchers recommend ongoing monitoring, including mark-recapture methods, with at least 50% of individuals marked to improve the accuracy and confidence intervals of future estimates.

Population size, group and age structure of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in escarpments of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia: implication for conservation

Simien National Park — 2020 — WHECBE50F84E0

A study conducted in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, revealed a very small gelada (Theropithecus gelada) population size, averaging 105.5 individuals across wet and dry seasons. The research used total count methods to estimate population structure, classifying age and sex categories based on morphological characteristics. Findings indicated no statistically significant differences in age and sex group distribution between seasons, with a sex ratio of adult males to females ranging from 1:2.6 to 1:2.7. Group size variations were also observed seasonally. This is the first report of gelada population data for this region, highlighting the need for further monitoring to assess long-term trends and inform conservation strategies.

Population status and habitat use of southern right whales in the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands of New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2020 — WHE83858A7568

Southern right whales exhibit strong habitat preference and social behavior in the Auckland Islands, indicating their role as a primary wintering ground. Research from 1995 to 1997 revealed high whale density (up to 146 individuals) in shallow nearshore waters, with 12% of the population consisting of cow-calf pairs. Molecular sexing showed no significant female-to-male ratio bias, while social/sexual activity dominated in groups of three or more whales. Photo-identification tracked 217 individuals, with resightings suggesting some seasonal movement to nearby Campbell Island. The study highlights a potential shift in habitat use post-exploitation, contrasting the rarity of these whales on New Zealand's main islands.

Population Structure Analysis of Javan Rhinoceros at Ujung Kulon National Park, West Java

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2020 — WHEB970CCD9D6

A population analysis of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) at Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, reveals a moderate natural increase rate (17.34%) and high birth rate (67.33%), despite a net return rate below 100% due to prolonged breeding cycles. The study, based on data from 2011–2019, also found low inbreeding (0.01), suggesting genetic resilience but highlighting the need for population growth to sustain long-term survival. The research utilized monitoring records to assess demographic parameters, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.