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Showing 1441 – 1460 of 15962 publications

A New Find of Croeseid Coins from Sardis

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2025 — WHE080FE92ED8

A significant archaeological discovery at Sardis reveals nine heavily worn silver croeseid coins dating back to 547 BCE, when Cyrus defeated Croesus. The coins, found alongside human remains in the historic destruction level, provide strong evidence supporting Robert Wallace's revised timeline for Croesus's reign, suggesting it began in the 580s rather than 561 BCE. This finding underscores the groundbreaking impact of Croesus’s monetary reform, which introduced pure silver coinage—a innovation rapidly adopted across the Greek world. Meticulous conservation techniques distinguished use wear from postdeposition corrosion, offering unprecedented insights into the origins and circulation of the world's first silver coins.

A new genus and a new species in the tribe Eryciini (Diptera, Tachinidae) from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in north-western Costa Rica

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2025 — WHE829B017477

Researchers have identified a new genus and species of tachinid flies (Diptera, Tachinidae) within the tribe Eryciini from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. The discovery, Santarosamyia woodorum, was made using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis, life history data, and DNA barcoding. Additionally, two new species combinations were proposed: Santarosamyia erecta and Santarosamyia unipilum. A lectotype was designated for Exorista loxostegae, and an identification key for the new genus was provided. The study contributes to the understanding of tachinid diversity in Costa Rica, highlighting the importance of comprehensive biodiversity inventories in protected areas like ACG.

A new giant species of Acrophylla Gray, 1835 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae: Phasmatini) from the highlands of the Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia.

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2025 — WHEC1EC9CDA55

Researchers have uncovered a new, giant species of phasmid, Acrophylla alta, within the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. This discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity and adds to the diversity of the genus Acrophylla. The study involved targeted field surveys during the wet season to identify suitable habitats for this species, which was described based on female specimens and eggs. A comparative key is also provided to distinguish it from other similar species in the genus. Known food plants and habitat types are documented, contributing to our understanding of this unique phasmid's ecological role.

A New Large Primate for Kenya: Hamadryas Baboon Papio hamadryas (Primates: Cercopithecidae)

Lake Turkana National Parks — 2025 — WHE41EFD03FEE

Researchers have documented the first occurrence of the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) in Kenya, extending its known range into East Africa. Between February 2023 and April 2025, surveys across northern Kenya identified at least four groups of this primate in Malka Mari National Park, approximately 75 km southeast of the previously documented range in southern Ethiopia. This discovery significantly expands the geographic distribution of P. hamadryas, which was hitherto unknown in Kenya. The findings also highlight a complex primate community in the region, with three Papio species and four taxa now recorded in Kenya. The study suggests that the baboon's range may extend further northward into Ethiopia and westward beyond Malka Mari National Park, contributing new insights to the biodiversity of Lake Turkana National Parks.

A new limestone-associated species of wolf snake in the Lycodon fasciatus complex (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from central Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2025 — WHE94DB2F67B0

Researchers have identified a new species of wolf snake, Lycodon calcarophilus sp. nov., within the Lycodon fasciatus complex from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam. This discovery was made through a combination of molecular and morphological analyses, distinguishing it from closely related species such as Lycodon ruhstrati by several key characteristics, including loreal contact with the eye, lower tail-to-total length ratio, fewer subcaudal scales, total body scales, and body cross-bands. The study also provides an updated checklist of 152 amphibian and reptile species documented in the park, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A new mesophotic species Platoma piiahiluum sp. nov . (Schizymeniaceae) from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaiʻi, USA

Papahānaumokuākea — 2025 — WHE704127AA57

Researchers have discovered a new species of red algae, Platoma piiahiluum, endemic to the mesophotic coral ecosystems of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This species, distinguished by its transparent, non-branching thalli and unique mitochondrial genome structure—featuring a stem-loop and inversion—was identified through phylogenetic, genomic, and morphological analyses. The study, utilizing plastid (rbcL) and mitochondrial (COI) markers, along with full-genome sequencing, confirms P. piiahiluum as the second known species of Platoma in Hawaiʻi, with the first, P. ardreanum, inhabiting shallow waters. This finding underscores the high endemic diversity in Hawaiian mesophotic zones and highlights the ecological significance of uninhabited islands within Papahānaumokuākea.

A new methodology to evaluate the competitiveness of rail freight intermodal transport taking into account external costs

Semmering Railway — 2025 — WHE67C06D63FF

New rail infrastructure projects, including base tunnels and lines, significantly boost rail freight competitiveness over road transport, leading to substantial CO₂ emission reductions. A novel methodology—combining a detailed rail cost function, multi-regional demand modeling, time-series forecasting, and mixed logit modal choice analysis—reveals that while the Gotthard line remains dominant among Alpine passes, Brenner and Fréjus lines see marked flow increases under 'project' and 'future' scenarios. This shift underscores rail's potential to mitigate environmental costs in freight logistics.

A new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Iguaçu National Park, Rio Iguaçu basin, Paraná, Brazil

Iguaçu National Park — 2025 — WHE60D7CE7EF5

Researchers have identified a new species of Characidium fish within the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. This discovery was supported by both morphological and molecular analyses, including multiple species delimitation methods, which confirmed its distinctiveness from known congeners. The new species is characterized by the absence of vertical bars or spots along its body, a scaled isthmus and adipose fin, scales below the lateral line, and a thin dark midlateral stripe. While it shares a reticulated color pattern with C. xanthopterum, genetic distance analysis revealed only 4.2% divergence, indicating it is a distinct species. Phylogenetic studies further showed that this new species is closely related to C. itarare from the Paranapanema river basin. Despite being found within a protected area, its limited distribution to just two creeks raises significant concerns for its long-term conservation.

A new species of Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from the Northern part of the Truong Son Mountains, Central Vietnam (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2025 — WHE702183A088

Researchers have identified a new species of snake, Lycodon poyarkovi, within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve in Central Vietnam. This discovery, based on four specimens, distinguishes L. poyarkovi from its closest relative, L. paucifasciatus, through key morphological differences such as higher ventral and subcaudal scale counts, increased crossbands on the body and tail, and fewer scales before the first crossband starts. The species appears endemic to the northern Truong Son Mountains, with the Ben Hai River acting as a biogeographic barrier separating it from L. paucifasciatus. The study suggests that L. poyarkovi should be classified as Least Concern (LC) under IUCN Red List criteria, while also highlighting the need for further taxonomic reassessment of related species like Lycodon anakradaya and L. cardamomensis.

A new species of Myrmeleon from Mozambique (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2025 — WHEB15B96684A

Researchers have identified and described a new species of ant lion, Myrmeleon milibangalala sp. nov., from Maputo National Park in Mozambique. This discovery adds to the diversity of small-sized Myrmeleon species found in southern Africa and provides insights into the genus's distribution and habitat preferences, particularly in coastal zones. The study compares the new species with closely related ones, such as Myrmeleon obscurus, Myrmeleon caliginosus, and Myrmeleon stigmalis, highlighting key morphological differences. Detailed illustrations of the species' characteristics are included to aid in its identification.

A New Species of Rhopalopsole (Plecoptera, Leuctridae) From Hubei Province, China, Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Hubei Shennongjia — 2025 — WHE039F8F3BF9

Researchers have identified a new species of stonefly, Rhopalopsole shennongjia, from the Shennongjia Forestry District in Hubei Province, China. This discovery was achieved by integrating morphological and molecular data, including genetic distance analysis using the COI gene to confirm species boundaries. The study also provides a comprehensive summary of the Leuctridae family in Hubei, including color plates for Rhopalopsole shaanxiensis, a previously unrecorded species in the region. Additionally, it offers an identification key for Rhopalopsole species found in Hubei, contributing significantly to the taxonomic understanding of this area's biodiversity.

A new species of Rimboda Heller (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Conoderinae, Othippiini) reared from Distylium racemosum Siebold & Zucc. in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2025 — WHEA9E1E9ABCE

Researchers have identified a new species of weevil, Rimboda saekii, from the subtropical forests of Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island in Japan. This discovery marks a significant northward expansion of the genus Rimboda's known geographic range, which was previously limited to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The species was reared from Distylium racemosum (Hamamelidaceae), providing new insights into its ecological associations. The study includes detailed habitus photographs, 3D models, and illustrations of male and female genitalia, along with a comprehensive checklist of all known Rimboda species worldwide.

A new species of the genus Chinattus Logunov, 1999 from Wuyi Mountain National Park, China (Araneae, Salticidae)

Mount Wuyi — 2025 — WHE039FB0695D

Researchers have identified a new species of jumping spider, Chinattus huanggangshan, within the genus Chinattus, from Wuyi Mountain National Park in Jiangxi Province, China. This discovery is significant as it represents the first confirmed record of this genus in Jiangxi, expanding its known distribution range. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and photographs, along with a distribution map, to aid in species identification. Notably, the absence of Chinattus records in Jiangxi raises questions about potential sampling gaps or ecological barriers that may limit its presence in the region. This research contributes to our understanding of the genus' geographic range and habitat preferences within China.

A new Xymmer Santschi, 1914 (Formicidae: Amblyoponinae) species from the Congo Basin, with male and female descriptions of X. muticus (Santschi, 1914)

Salonga National Park — 2025 — WHE59D3FC771B

Researchers have identified a new species of ant, Xymmer paniscus, within the Amblyoponinae subfamily, marking the third known species in the genus and the second from the Afrotropical region. This discovery was made during a biodiversity survey in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Additionally, the study provides detailed descriptions of the previously known Xymmer muticus, including its alate gyne and male forms, which were hitherto undescribed. The findings contribute to our understanding of ant diversity in the Congo Basin and offer a dichotomous key for identifying Xymmer species.

A Non-Uniform Processing Method (NUPM) for Large Photogrammetry Datasets: Case Study of Shams-ol-Emareh, Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Iran

Golestan Palace — 2025 — WHECCD3EB27CE

A novel Non-Uniform Processing Method (NUPM) for large photogrammetry datasets enables high-quality 3D reconstruction of cultural heritage sites using consumer-grade computers, significantly reducing computational demands and output file sizes without compromising data quality. Applied to the Shams-ol-Emareh building at Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, NUPM fragmented the object based on importance and roughness, processed segments separately, and then merged them. This approach reduced point cloud points by over 90% and mesh triangles by over 97%, yielding efficient textures and resolutions suitable for virtual reality, augmented reality, and gaming engines while maintaining geometric and aesthetic accuracy.

A normal magnetostratigraphic polarity interval in the Main Ethiopian Rift at 1.6 Ma: Implications for Acheulean and Homo erectus chronology

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2025 — WHE428871BB3A

Research at Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, reveals that the Garba IV Homo erectus and Acheulean tools date to approximately 1.6 million years ago (Ma), challenging earlier estimates of >1.95–2 Ma. The study leverages magnetostratigraphy, argon dating, and tephrostratigraphic correlations to identify a normal polarity interval linked to the Gilsá geomagnetic excursion. This finding refines the chronology of early human evolution in the Main Ethiopian Rift, suggesting that such short-lived magnetic events can be detected with high-resolution sampling in sedimentary sequences.

A novel CRITIC-driven framework for fine-scale urban sprawl typology classification: evidence from Colombo, Kandy, and Hong Kong

Sacred City of Kandy — 2025 — WHE29CFCF71E1

A novel framework for classifying urban sprawl types, combining high-resolution spatial analysis and machine learning, reveals that transport infrastructure—particularly road density and proximity to main roads—is the dominant driver of urban expansion patterns. The study identifies five distinct sprawl typologies (infill, extension, linear, clustered, and leapfrog) across Colombo, Kandy (Sri Lanka), and Hong Kong using a CRITIC-driven approach that prioritizes metrics based on discriminative power and independence. Validated against morphological elements and building density, this method offers precise, locally adaptive classification with robust predictive performance, supporting evidence-based urban planning for sustainable development.

A Novel Invertebrate Predator on an Oceanic Island: Impacts and Invasion Dynamics of Kontikia andersoni on Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2025 — WHEB7B1F1D2E6

Invasive flatworms Kontikia andersoni significantly reduce invertebrate richness at higher elevations on Macquarie Island, threatening native biodiversity. Researchers analyzed species co-occurrence data and community composition across multiple sites, revealing that slope and wind speed are key factors influencing the flatworm's distribution. Habitat suitability modeling identified high-risk areas for invasion, offering critical targets for biosecurity surveillance. This study provides new insights into the ecological impacts of K. andersoni and supports conservation efforts to protect Macquarie Island's fragile ecosystems.

A Novel Optimization Approach for Revolutionizing Architectural Design in Chinese Cultural Heritage

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2025 — WHE92B571B555

A novel approach combining machine learning and augmented reality (AR) significantly enhances the accuracy of defect identification in Chinese cultural heritage architecture, achieving an F1 score of 95.47% and an accuracy of 93.29%. The study leverages an Ensemble Ant Colony Fused Convolutional Capsule Neural Network (EAC-CCNN) to analyze high-resolution images of structures like the Dazu Rock Carvings, Nanchan Temple, and Foguang Temple. By integrating this model with Building Information Modeling (BIM), researchers developed a safety management system that improves defect detection, promotes collaboration, and aids in the preservation of cultural heritage assets. The approach demonstrates potential for training machine learning models to recognize patterns, correct errors, and make informed predictions under varying conditions.

A Pain in the Butt: The Association Between Endo-Parasite Diversity and Horn Growth in Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2025 — WHEF85CAE4B2F

A counterintuitive link between parasite diversity and horn growth in male bighorn sheep challenges established theories of sexual selection. Researchers found that young Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) with higher gastrointestinal and lungworm parasite species richness exhibited faster annual horn growth, contrary to expectations. The study, conducted in Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, analyzed fecal samples from individually marked males over two years, measuring parasite egg and oocyst counts alongside horn growth metrics. While adult and older males showed no significant relationship between parasite diversity and horn growth, young males appeared to prioritize resource allocation toward horn development, potentially at the expense of immune function or parasite resistance. This finding contradicts the traditional 'parasite-mediated sexual selection' hypothesis, which suggests that elaborate traits like horns signal robust health and parasite resistance.