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Showing 15581 – 15600 of 15962 publications

New species of mite harvestmen from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia, with commentary on biogeography of the genus Austropurcellia (Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Pettalidae)

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2012 — WHEEEC47FAB09

Researchers have identified four new species of mite harvestmen (Austropurcellia alata, A. culminis, A. despectata, and A. vicina) from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia, significantly expanding the known diversity of this cryptic genus. These narrow-range endemics, each represented by a single collection and few specimens, offer valuable insights into historical forest fragmentation's role in rainforest animal evolution. The study provides the first key to Austropurcellia species, a catalogue of collecting localities, and a distribution map, though it acknowledges that current knowledge remains incomplete. This work highlights the potential of Austropurcellia as a model system for understanding biogeographical patterns in rainforest fauna.

Notes on Food Habits of Armadillos (Cingulata, Dasypodidae) and Anteaters (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) at Serra Da Capivara National Park (PiauÍ State, Brazil)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE5C63F05686

A rare study on the dietary habits of armadillos and anteaters in Brazil's Caatinga biome reveals that invertebrates, particularly termites (Isoptera) and ants/hymenopterans, form the primary food source for six species: nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), seven-banded armadillo (D. septemcinctus), pichiciego (Euphractus sexcinctus), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla), and three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus). Surprisingly, seeds were also a significant component in the diets of most species, including the giant anteater and southern tamandua. Researchers analyzed fecal and stomach samples from individuals at Serra da Capivara National Park to uncover these insights, contributing critical data on the ecological roles of these mammals in the Caatinga ecosystem.

Numerical classification and ordination of forest communities in habitat of Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkey in Hubei Shennongjia National Nature Reserve

Hubei Shennongjia — 2012 — WHE0C90ABF87C

A study on the Hubei Shennongjia National Nature Reserve identified that the forest community dominated by Abies fargesii (Sichuan fir) and Betula utilis (Himalayan birch), along with Acer megalodum (giant maple) and Rosa caudata (trailing rose), provides the optimal habitat for the Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkey. This conclusion was derived from a numerical classification and ordination analysis of 58 forest plots, which revealed that altitude gradient is the most influential environmental factor shaping forest community distribution in this region. The research also highlighted that species richness varies across vegetation types, with shrubs generally exhibiting higher diversity than trees or herbs in coniferous forests and mixed forests. Additionally, lichens, a crucial winter food source for the monkey, were found exclusively in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous broadleaf forests. These findings offer critical insights for the conservation planning of Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkeys, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-altitude, well-developed forest communities.

Observing calving-generated ocean waves with coastal broadband seismometers, Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2012 — WHE6452B7A5C8

A groundbreaking study reveals that icebergs calving from Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland, generate ocean waves detectable up to 150 kilometers away, recorded via coastal broadband seismometers. These waves exhibit distinct spectral peaks, persist for hours without dispersion, and suggest the potential to stimulate seiches in both Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. The research integrates time-lapse photography, MODIS satellite imagery, ocean wave measurements, and seismic data, offering novel insights into the understudied oceanographic impacts of iceberg calving. This approach highlights the utility of land-based seismometers, such as those in the Greenland Ice Sheet Monitoring Network (GLISN), for advancing our understanding of glacial dynamics.

On‐and off‐site Raman study of rock‐shelter paintings at world‐heritage site of Bhimbetka

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka — 2012 — WHEDB33497140

A Raman spectroscopy study of the rock-shelter paintings at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, identified mineral-based pigments used from prehistoric times to the 19th century. The research detected calcite, gypsum, hematite, whewellite, and goethite both on-site with a portable spectrometer and off-site with micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. This non-invasive method allowed for the precise identification of pigments even in tiny fragments (100–200 µm), providing insights into the materials used across different historical periods without damaging the artworks.

Optimizing the habitat of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing the invasive palm Arenga obtusifolia

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2012 — WHE4DA4A4780A

Controlling invasive arenga palm (Arenga obtusifolia) significantly improves habitat quality for the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) by increasing food plant abundance and diversity, leading to greater rhino visitation. Researchers demonstrated this in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing palm dominance across four 1-hectare plots, selected based on ecological criteria such as shading levels and potential for connecting rhino home ranges. The study, conducted in two phases—palm control and monitoring—showed that invasive species management can enhance habitat accessibility and nutritional availability for rhinos, offering a practical conservation strategy to support their survival.

Origin and in situ diversification in Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2012 — WHEDCC570CBC2

Research reveals that the Hemidactylus geckos of Socotra Archipelago, a Gondwanan fragment and biodiversity hotspot, do not form a monophyletic group but instead branch into three independent clades. This suggests their origin involved an Early Miocene vicariance event followed by two Pliocene transoceanic dispersals. Genetic analysis of seven non-introduced species shows high intra-species divergence and complex within-island diversification patterns, indicating a mix of historical and ecological factors drove speciation. Notably, the case of H. forbesii and H. oxyrhinus on Abd al Kuri island may represent an extreme example of intra-island speciation in reptiles.

Ossification sequences and associated ontogenetic changes in the bone histology of pachypleurosaurids from Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland/Italy)

Monte San Giorgio — 2012 — WHEBC86DF4C55

Pachypleurosaurids from Monte San Giorgio exhibit a transition from 'terrestrial' to more 'aquatic' osteogenetic sequences, as evidenced by increasing heterochronic shifts with decreasing stratigraphic age. This study reveals that forelimb ossification precedes hind limb elements in all stages except initiation, while early phase compaction processes align with the hypothesized plesiomorphic eureptilian condition. The research analyzed bone histology and taphonomic patterns in four pachypleurosaurid species, comparing them to extant terrestrial lizards and secondarily aquatic reptiles to determine evolutionary trends in osteogenesis.

Palaeogeographical reconstruction and management challenges of an archaeological site listed by UNESCO: the case of the Letoon shrine in the Xanthos Plain (Turkey)

Xanthos-Letoon — 2012 — WHE67A71F907B

A palaeogeographical reconstruction of the Xanthos Plain, Turkey, reveals that the Letoon shrine was surrounded by a dynamic landscape dominated by lagoons and marshes, shaped by the gradual closure of a marine bay due to coastal spit formation. Sedimentary analysis identified a branch or former channel of the Eşen Çayı river near the shrine, providing new insights into its historical geography. The study integrates geomorphological data with historical, archaeological, and literary sources, addressing long-standing questions about the region's landscape during the first millennium BC. This research underscores the importance of palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a framework to enhance their tourist potential while preserving archaeological integrity.

Persian Gardens and Landscapes

The Persian Garden — 2012 — WHE520ED2F29E

Persian gardens represent a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and cultural ingenuity, showcasing how resourcefulness and advanced water management transformed arid landscapes into lush paradises. The study by Faghih and Sadeghy (2012) reveals the synergy between climate, resources, and place in shaping Persian garden typologies, with a particular focus on the central kiosk—a key architectural element within enclosed gardens. Through historical analysis, the research traces the evolution of these gardens, highlighting their adaptive strategies for water sourcing, irrigation, and environmental integration. This work underscores the enduring legacy of Persian gardens as both practical solutions to harsh conditions and symbols of cultural sophistication.

Phoenix Islands Protected Area Conservation Trust Act 2009 Explanatory Memorandum

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2012 — WHEBE1A59F89A

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area Conservation Trust Act 2009 establishes a legal framework to safeguard one of the world's largest and most remote marine protected areas, spanning over 400,000 square kilometers in the central Pacific. This act emphasizes the importance of integrating conservation with sustainable development, particularly for island communities dependent on marine resources. The explanatory memorandum outlines mechanisms for governance, including the creation of a trust to manage the area's ecological integrity while supporting local livelihoods. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation science, this approach sets a precedent for balancing biodiversity protection and human well-being in remote, vulnerable ecosystems.

Polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) of Cocos Island National Park, Pacific Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2012 — WHEC1430982B1

A comprehensive survey of Cocos Island National Park, Pacific Costa Rica, identified 106 polychaete species, with 103 being new records for the site. This highlights the island's rich but understudied biodiversity, particularly in comparison to the Galápagos Islands. The study suggests limited isolation between Cocos Island and mainland populations, likely due to larval or adult transport mechanisms such as rafting. Only two species had not been previously recorded along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Chile, underscoring the island's unique but connected fauna.

Pragmatic Runic Literacy in Scandinavia c. 800-1300: With a Particular Focus on the Bryggen Material

Bryggen — 2012 — WHEEE78A260C2

Scandinavian rune stones and ephemeral inscriptions reveal the pragmatic role of runic literacy during the transition from paganism to Christianity (c. 800–1300). Unlike traditional studies focused on monumental inscriptions or manuscript culture, this research highlights the intersection of Christian identity with everyday epigraphic practices—such as rune sticks and church graffiti—showing how literacy was embedded in vernacular cultures. By analyzing both durable rune stones and transient materials (e.g., birchbark documents), the study demonstrates that epigraphic literacy was not confined to clerical or monumental contexts but thrived in diverse, pragmatic settings, including Bryggen's historical material.

Predicting Visitor Satisfaction in Parks: Comparing the Value of Personal Benefit Attainment and Service Levels in Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2012 — WHE100B46CB62

A key insight from this study is that the benefits visitors attain during their experience—such as those derived from nature and relaxation—are stronger predictors of overall satisfaction with Kakadu National Park than traditional measures of service quality. The research compares two approaches: assessing visitor service quality and measuring the attainment of perceived benefits, revealing that the latter has a more significant impact on positive responses to park visits. Factor analysis identified distinct types of benefits, which showed varying correlations with satisfaction based on visitors' proximity to the park. This finding suggests that park managers should prioritize creating experiences that facilitate the attainment of desired benefits, rather than solely focusing on service quality improvements.

Preliminary Report of 16th Season of Excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh; Hamedan

Hegmataneh — 2012 — WHE7AD6EC3A81

New archaeological evidence from Tepe Hegmataneh challenges long-held assumptions about its historical attribution. Excavations in the 16th season uncovered architectural structures that, based on thermoluminescence dating, are unlikely to belong to the Medes and require reconsideration of their Parthian affiliation. The study explored four 100 m² squares (AJ45, AJ46, AK45, AK46), revealing a suite of spaces—including passages and complete rooms—consistent with earlier plans but distinct in depth and structure. This finding sheds light on the site's complex history and its significance within Hamedan's archaeological landscape.

Quantification and Visualization ofIn SituDegradation at the World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway

Bryggen — 2012 — WHE459D61E47D

A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway, reveals that decay rates of archaeological deposits are intricately linked to groundwater flow conditions, oxygen levels, and soil moisture content. Researchers have successfully quantified these degradation processes using advanced monitoring techniques, including piezometric head measurements, oxygen analysis, and geochemical investigations. The findings underscore the critical role of hydrogeological factors in preserving organic archaeological materials in situ. Additionally, the study introduces 3D geo-archaeological modeling as a powerful tool for integrating geological, archaeological, geochemical, and hydrological data, offering a multidisciplinary approach to enhance preservation management and protect these irreplaceable cultural heritage resources.

Quaternary deposits in the Serra da Capivara National Park and surrounding area, Southeastern Piauí state, Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE23672DBC56

Research on Quaternary deposits in Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals that the landscape evolution began around 436,515 years ago with clayey sediment deposition by the Piau River. The study identified colluvial and alluvial deposits indicating a semiarid climate, with fluvial channels likely exhibiting a braided pattern between 296,550 and 116,300 years ago. Depositional processes intensified during the last glacial maximum in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring between 15,800 and 10,350 years ago, marking the transition from Pleistocene to Holocene. The study used morphostratigraphical, sedimentological, and geochronological methods, including luminescence dating (thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence), to interpret paleoenvironmental events.

Ravenna

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2012 — WHE5F47E0E833

Ravenna, located on the southern branch of the Po River in northeast Italy, stands as a pivotal site for understanding Late Antique art and architecture. This city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 to 476 AD and remained a significant political center under Germanic, Ostrogothic, Byzantine, and Lombard rule until 751 AD. Its rich collection of well-preserved churches, mosaics, and sarcophagi provides invaluable evidence for artistic production during this historically underrepresented period, which was marked by iconoclastic destructions in the Byzantine East. These monuments offer a unique window into the transition between early Christian and medieval art, bridging gaps left by the loss of many contemporary works.

Reconnection and reconciliation in Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks: Jasper National Park, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE7C28D2DEBB

Jasper National Park, part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, stands out for its vast expanse (11,228 km²) and its role as a critical habitat for Rocky Mountain mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It also safeguards the headwaters of major rivers like the Athabasca, contributing to Canada's ecological and hydrological heritage. The park exemplifies the unique physical and biological features of the Rocky Mountain Biogeographical Province, while adjacent fossil sites in Yoho and Mount Robson Provincial Parks provide invaluable insights into Earth's evolutionary history. Additionally, its glacial geological processes, including ice fields and remnant valley glaciers, offer exceptional examples of erosion and deposition, underscoring its significance as a natural laboratory for studying both biodiversity and geological dynamics.

Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Epitaphs , and: Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Essays , and: Creole Jews: Negotiating Community in Colonial Suriname (review)

Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery — 2012 — WHE9C87536D81

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Suriname's Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, particularly those in Jodensavanne, serve as 'open air archives' offering profound insights into the religious life, social dynamics, and racial identity of early American Jewish communities. The study challenges traditional historiography by integrating material culture and iconography alongside textual evidence, uncovering a rich visual vocabulary used by Surinamese Jews to convey beliefs, life stories, and status. Through meticulous transcriptions and translations of 1,700 epitaphs spanning six languages (1666–1904) and detailed architectural analysis of four cemeteries and the Kahal Kados Beraha VeSalom synagogue (1685), researchers demonstrate the central role of these sites in shaping early American notions of race, gender, and sexuality. The findings underscore Suriname's significance as a hub for Jewish history, with its community peaking at 1,500 residents—far surpassing North America in the late 18th century.