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On the Dimensional Plan in Prasat Sambor Monuments in Sambor Prei Kuk Monuments

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura — 2019 — WHE7FA398FE39

A novel method for planning brick structures in the Sambor Prei Kuk Monuments, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been revealed. This study builds on recent advancements in understanding the dimensional planning of Khmer temple complexes, particularly focusing on the Prasat Sambor monuments from the Pre-Angkor and Angkor periods. The research sheds light on the architectural techniques used in these significant historical sites, which were previously understudied despite their registration as a World Heritage Site in 2015 for their historical importance. By analyzing the planning methods of brick structures, this study contributes to the ongoing restoration efforts and deepens our understanding of ancient Khmer urban planning.

Paisagem da cultura da vinha da Ilha do Pico : quinze anos Património Mundial da UNESCO. III Workshop Douro e Pico 2019

Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture — 2019 — WHE911BFE5CD5

The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, stands out as a model for sustainable development strategies in the Azores. This protected landscape, integrated into Pico Natural Park and the region's Protected Areas Network, has been celebrated for its cultural significance and environmental conservation efforts. In 2018, it received the National Landscape Award, further solidifying its status as a symbol of excellence in landscape preservation. The study highlights the site's role in promoting sustainable practices and its potential to inspire similar initiatives globally.

Parthian Burials in the Hamedan City, Western Iran

Hegmataneh — 2019 — WHE9C71BAD102

Archaeological excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh in Hamedan, western Iran, have uncovered 14 Parthian burial sites, revealing diverse burial practices. These include both coffin and non-coffin burials, with the latter being simple dug graves or pits, often associated with the Stone Lion cemetery. Coffin burials feature clay caskets shaped like boats, humanoid forms, or rectangular stone coffins, most of which are empty. Burials are oriented northeast-southwest, with skeletons positioned in open arched postures facing right, left, or straight, covered by thin stone slabs. Notably, many of these burials were discovered accidentally during construction, highlighting the potential for further archaeological insights in Hamedan's historical landscape.

Partnerships and understanding between Kazakh pastoralists and golden eagles of the Altai mountains : a multi-species ethnography

Golden Mountains of Altai — 2019 — WHE3002FB3DE7

A unique interspecies partnership between Kazakh pastoralists and golden eagles in the Altai Mountains reveals a model of co-domesticity, where eagles are temporarily integrated into human domestic life without hierarchical dominance. This study demonstrates that deep ethno-ornithological knowledge and mutual agency enable Kazakhs to cultivate relationships with eagles, mirroring their interactions with other livestock. The research highlights parallels in migration patterns and landscape use between eagles and pastoralists, challenging human exceptionalism by emphasizing interspecies communication as a means of understanding the world. The study employs multi-species ethnography to explore apprenticeship dynamics, where both humans and eagles engage in reciprocal learning, offering insights into non-dominant human-animal relationships.

Patterns of Diversity and Distribution of Arboreal Social Bees’ Beehives within Chimpanzees’ Home Range in a Forest-Savanna Mosaic (Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire)

Comoé National Park — 2019 — WHE548AB8F2DF

Research in Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that chimpanzees frequently exploit the honey of stingless bees, particularly Meliponula ferruginea, within a forest-savanna mosaic. The study identified five bee species across 16 one-hectare plots in three habitat types: mature forest island (4.2 beehives/ha), secondary forest island (1.9 beehives/ha), and gallery forest (1.1 beehives/ha). Bees nested primarily in Dialium guineense trees, with no significant influence of tree diameter or beehive height on chimpanzee exploitation. These findings suggest that bee species diversity may play a critical role in the survival of chimpanzees in such landscapes.

Pilgrimage Church Of Saint John Of Nepomuk Within Religious Tourism

Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora — 2019 — WHE3839E210F9

A case study reveals that while awareness of Christian pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic is low, nearly half of respondents expressed interest in participating in such journeys. The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora could attract more visitors through targeted promotion emphasizing its role as a pilgrimage destination and by enhancing services for pilgrims. The research, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and data analysis, also found that the church's return to the Roman Catholic Church in 2014 has reignited interest in restoring it as a significant pilgrimage site.

Places and Spaces of the Others. A German Reception Centre in Public Discourse and Individual Perception

Town of Bamberg — 2019 — WHE7DD426FC47

Refugee reception centers, often seen as transient 'non-places,' play a significant role in both public discourse and individual perception of migrants. A study focusing on the Bamberg Reception Centre in Germany, which opened in 2015 during a political crisis over asylum policies, reveals that these centers are not just spaces of transit but also dynamic sites where diverse perceptions, coping strategies, and spatial behaviors emerge. Initially housing predominantly Western Balkan asylum seekers, the center's resident composition became more heterogeneous from 2016 onward. The research highlights the fluid nature of such centers, shaped by legal treatment, discrimination, medical care, schooling, and the short duration of stay, reflecting broader social and individual challenges faced by migrants in receiving countries.

Population structure and spatial ecology of Kordofan giraffe in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Garamba National Park — 2019 — WHE9107C5978A

Garamba National Park harbors one of the last isolated populations of Kordofan giraffe, with urgent conservation action needed to protect its remaining 45 individuals. This study reveals that the population is female-dominated and adult-heavy, with a limited distribution concentrated in the park's south-central sector. Surprisingly large home ranges, averaging 934.3 km² using autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) and 268.8 km² using traditional kernel density estimation (KDE), were observed despite the park's high humidity. The research employed GPS satellite collars and direct observations from September 2016 to August 2017, utilizing Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) to analyze distribution patterns and movement dynamics. These findings highlight critical insights for informed conservation strategies.

Possible or Not: Parietal in the Swabian Jura?

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2019 — WHEF9B2A2B965

Despite the Swabian Jura's rich archaeological record, including Aurignacian ivory carvings and flutes, no Pleistocene parietal art has been documented there. While ochre traces on mobile artifacts suggest pigment use, their absence on cave walls raises questions about preservation or human activity. Geological processes like karstification may hinder paint longevity, and prolonged cave use could have destroyed any existing artwork, though remnants should persist if this were the case. A research gap persists due to the lack of systematic cave wall analysis. Current efforts leverage 3D cave recordings and advanced imaging techniques to systematically search for parietal art in known and potential new caves within the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

Preliminary research on potential raw material sources for dolomitic lime mortars at St. John's convent at Müstair, Switzerland

Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair — 2019 — WHED73FF0A638

Research on the Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair reveals that while dolomitic rocks were likely the primary raw material for historic lime mortars, their high variability in crystal size and fabric makes them unreliable as direct indicators for provenance studies. However, the presence of silicate phases in underburnt relics may serve as potential proxies. The study combined Polarizing Light Microscopy (PLM) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis to investigate textural features and mineralogical composition, providing new insights into the historical construction practices of the Val Müstair region.

Pressione turistica sul Centro Storico di Firenze - sito UNESCO

Historic Centre of Florence — 2019 — WHEF827B79CDB

Tourist pressure on Florence's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, can be effectively managed through participatory mapping and stakeholder engagement. This study introduces an innovative decision-making model that integrates local community perceptions with data on tourist pressure, site status, and impacts. By using web-based mapping tools, the research aims to support controlled and shared management strategies, enhance dialogue among stakeholders, and mitigate negative effects of tourism. The approach is designed to be incorporated into Florence's existing Management Plan, offering a practical solution for decentralizing tourist flows and preserving the site's integrity.

Prevalence and Parasite Composition of Gastrointestinal Parasites in the Endangered Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops Hodgsonii) from the Calving Ground of Hoh Xil Nature World Heritage Site, Qinghai, China

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2019 — WHEFC024956CA

A comprehensive survey of gastrointestinal parasites in the endangered Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) on its calving grounds at Qinghai Hoh Xil revealed widespread and diverse parasite infections. The study found that 93% of fecal samples tested positive for nematodes, 36% for cestodes, and an astonishing 99% for coccidian oocysts, with an average of 3.4 parasite species per individual. Coinfections involving five parasite genera were detected in 19% of samples, highlighting the complex parasitic burden faced by this vulnerable species. The high prevalence of Trichostrongylus, Marshallagia, and Eimeria infections suggests these parasites pose significant long-term risks, particularly as climate change increases warmth and moisture in the region. Researchers analyzed 238 fecal samples collected in July 2018 using flotation techniques to identify eggs, oocysts, and nematode larvae, providing critical baseline data for monitoring future health trends.

Pruskie echa koncepcji artystycznych Mikołaja z Lejdy

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2019 — WHE32025B563D

This study reveals that the artistic innovations of Nicolaus Gerhaert von Leyden, a key 15th-century Netherlandish sculptor, significantly influenced Prussian sculpture, more extensively than previously recognized. The research identifies parallels in sculptural techniques, poses (e.g., walking figures, dynamic Christ Child), and motifs (e.g., layered drapery structures, chapel-shaped retable interiors) across works from regions like Toruń, Gdańsk, and Elbląg. It demonstrates that Prussian artists adapted Gerhaert’s style—such as the 'gestreckter Kruzifixtypus' crucifixion type—without direct influence, suggesting a broader, indirect reception of his artistic legacy. The study also traces specific motifs (e.g., raised coattails in Passion groups) and retable designs (e.g., niche-like bust figures) to Gerhaert’s circle, highlighting the enduring impact of his concepts on late medieval Prussian art.

Pursuit of a sustainable tourism policy by connecting historical sites and ancient conventions in Seoul

Jongmyo Shrine — 2019 — WHE14A00CFC41

A sustainable tourism model for Seoul's historical sites, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Sajikdan Altar, was proposed by integrating the king of Joseon's ceremonial walk with jikso activities—a direct appeal system. This approach aims to bridge gaps in historical narrative, enhancing visitor engagement while preserving cultural heritage. The study utilized the Smart Seoul Map to analyze site distribution and influence, identifying key areas for recreating historical scenes that link the palace, shrine, altar, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. By connecting these elements, the research suggests a framework for developing large-scale historical content that fosters urban culture while sustaining Seoul's historical integrity.

Rapid wound healing in a reef manta ray masks the extent of vessel strike

Ningaloo Coast — 2019 — WHEDFBC809E6A

A reef manta ray's rapid wound healing, documented over nearly three years, reveals that lacerations from vessel strikes can close to 95% within 295 days, leaving distinctive scars. This finding challenges prior assumptions about the cause of such scars, which were often attributed to failed predation attempts. Researchers analyzed an extensive photo-identification catalogue from the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, demonstrating that propeller-induced scarring is more common than previously recognized. The study provides critical baseline data on wound healing rates in manta rays and suggests increased vessel strikes in this region, with implications for spatial and behavioral management strategies to mitigate future conflicts.

Recalibration of the insect evolutionary time scale using Monte San Giorgio fossils suggests survival of key lineages through the End-Permian Extinction

Monte San Giorgio — 2019 — WHEBD016C986F

A groundbreaking recalibration of the insect evolutionary time scale, using exceptionally preserved 240-million-year-old fossils from Monte San Giorgio, reveals that key insect lineages survived the catastrophic End-Permian Extinction. These findings, derived from phylogenomic dating analysis, push back the origins of major groups like Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Hemiptera: Heteroptera (true bugs), and Diptera (flies) by up to 200 million years. The study suggests that critical evolutionary innovations, such as flight and metamorphosis, emerged much earlier than previously thought, challenging long-held assumptions about insect resilience during mass extinction events.

Recent Forest Cover Loss in the Core Zones of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHE06B95C2242

A dramatic 98% reduction in large-scale illegal logging has occurred in the core zones of Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) between 2012 and 2018, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed aerial ortho-photographs and satellite images, validated with fieldwork, to quantify forest cover loss—totaling 163.44 hectares—with climate-related factors (rain and wind) accounting for the majority (125.44 ha), while illegal logging (both large-scale and small-scale) contributed significantly less (38.0 ha and 12.14 ha, respectively). The findings suggest that despite ongoing threats, forest loss in the monarch's winter habitat is not the primary driver of their population decline since 2010, which has been far more severe than expected.

Reconstrucción virtual del Presidio de San Pedro del Gallo en el Camino Real de Tierra Adentro en México

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2019 — WHE9959F9FA51

A virtual reconstruction of the Presidio de San Pedro del Gallo, a historic military fortification along Mexico's Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, reveals key architectural and functional details lost to time. This study bridges historical documentation with modern digital techniques—such as architectural surveys—to reconstruct the presidio’s layout and daily activities, providing insights into its role in colonial defense. The findings highlight the potential for such reconstructions to support future heritage recognition, particularly under military or fortified patrimony categories. By combining historical analysis with virtual modeling, this work offers a method to preserve and interpret vanished fortifications, contributing to broader efforts in cultural preservation.

Rediscovering Community Participation in Persian Qanats: An Actor-Network Framework

The Persian Qanat — 2019 — WHE9718A49841

A critical shift is needed in Iran's water management, moving from centralized bureaucratic approaches to community-driven governance. This study highlights the effectiveness of traditional Persian qanats—a centuries-old system of groundwater exploitation—as a model for sustainable water management in arid regions. By applying Actor-Network Theory, it reveals how socio-economic networks within qanat-dependent communities foster civic participation and collective problem-solving, offering a viable alternative to modern, top-down infrastructure. This framework challenges the dominance of large-scale dams and centralized systems, advocating instead for decentralized governance that leverages local knowledge and collaboration.

Regional Conflict and Demographic Patterns on the Jesuit Missions among the Guaraní in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2019 — WHE757FD25447

Conflict between Spain and Portugal in the Rio de la Plata region during the 17th and 18th centuries had significant demographic impacts on the Jesuit missions among the Guaraní, including the spread of contagious diseases due to military mobilization. The study reveals that these missions served as both a source of manpower for campaigns and supplies, while also experiencing population decline and health challenges as a result of regional conflicts. By analyzing historical records, the research documents the militarization of the missions and its consequences on mission populations, providing insights into the complex interplay between colonial conflict and demographic patterns in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.