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A New Species of Marsupial Frog (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Río Abiseo National Park in Peru

Río Abiseo National Park — 2011 — WHE11C6C90F3F

Researchers have identified a new species of marsupial frog, Gastrotheca phelloderma, within the Río Abiseo National Park in Peru. This discovery, based on 29 specimens collected between 1989 and 1999, distinguishes the species by its unique dorsal markings—two reddish-brown paravertebral ridges with prominent warts—and granular venter. Unlike other Gastrotheca species, it lacks integumentary-cranial co-ossification and produces tadpoles rather than exhibiting direct development. The study highlights its close resemblance to G. phalarosa but differentiates it through distinct skin texture, coloration, and anatomical features such as a palmar tubercle and inner tarsal fold. This finding contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in the Andes and underscores the importance of protecting such unique species within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A Place of History: Archaeology and Heritage at Cidade Velha, Cape Verde

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande — 2011 — WHE3BC09FE8E0

Cidade Velha, Cape Verde's historic center, stands as a stark reminder of its past as a thriving but slavery-based transshipment hub. Archaeological and social research reveals how the town's fortified architecture, once a symbol of colonial power, reflects the brutal infrastructure sustaining trans-Atlantic trade. Interviews with local residents highlight lingering effects of this history on contemporary attitudes toward heritage. The study combines historical analysis with archaeological findings to shed light on the complex legacy of slavery in Cape Verde.

A Preliminary Report on Archaeological Investigations at Two Western Australian Regional Convict Depots

Australian Convict Sites — 2011 — WHE596D781B39

Archaeological excavations at two Western Australian regional convict depots, York and Toodyay, revealed significant insights into the structural diversity and construction techniques of 19th-century convict-era buildings. The study uncovered four structures in York, including a previously unknown privy, and seven in Toodyay, such as barracks, a hospital, and the Superintendent’s quarters. These findings highlight the variability in construction styles, attributed to limited supervision and fluctuating skill levels among the convict workforce. Despite the challenges in confidently attributing deposits to the convict era—with less than 30% of contexts and only about 10% of deposits definitively linked—the research provides a rare glimpse into the material culture and lifeways of convict depots, offering new perspectives on the regional characteristics of Australia’s convict system.

A Study of the Construction Methods for the Preservation of Important Underground Remains

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara — 2011 — WHED057C41909

A novel approach to preserving underground archaeological remains, dubbed 'Intelligent Construction,' successfully minimized structural damage during excavation at the Asuka-Nara Palace Site, a UNESCO World Heritage component. This method leverages geotechnical modeling—specifically Boussinesq's formula—to predict stress impacts from construction machinery and guide precision execution. By pre-mapping remains with 3D positioning systems and avoiding direct cutting or excessive stress, researchers achieved flawless preservation despite surface-level construction activities. The findings underscore the feasibility of advanced, data-driven techniques for safeguarding fragile historical sites without compromising development needs.

Abandoned villages and related geographic and landscape context: guidelines to natural and cultural heritage conservation and multifunctional valorization

Cultural Landscape of Sintra — 2011 — WHE12053C8F1D

Abandoned villages, particularly those with cultural and natural heritage value, pose significant challenges for conservation and revitalization. This study identifies key factors contributing to rural abandonment in Portugal, such as economic shifts and declining quality of life, while highlighting the potential for multifunctional valorization through agro-reconversion and tourism. The research focuses on Broas, a deserted village near Sintra, analyzing its geographic and landscape context to propose sustainable strategies for heritage conservation. These include developing interpretation centers, eco-museums, or repurposing buildings for tourism, with an emphasis on creating economic opportunities that support new inhabitants while preserving both cultural and natural assets.

Accelerated construction of a regional DNA-barcode reference library: caddisflies (Trichoptera) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHE6383129E18

A regional DNA-barcode reference library for caddisflies (Trichoptera) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) was successfully constructed using a combination of global and local sampling, achieving 91% coverage of the GSMNP fauna. The study leveraged nearly 1000 COI sequences from the global Trichoptera Barcode of Life campaign, supplemented by 645 sequences obtained during a 3-day bioblitz in GSMNP. This approach expedited library construction while maintaining high species differentiation accuracy (93%). The findings highlight the importance of integrating global barcoding projects with local surveys to capture rare or endemic species and ensure barcode quality, offering new insights into caddisfly biodiversity patterns and taxonomic revisions.

Actors and the multiple imaginaries on the tourist sites: a case study of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China

Mogao Caves — 2011 — WHE74A8F15749

Tourism imaginaries at UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not merely individual constructs but are shaped by actors' practices and socially negotiated. A study of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China, reveals three dominant symbolic spaces—art, national, and religious—that each engage distinct tourism imaginaries and practices. The research extends Tim Edensor's framework by integrating 'actors' into the analysis, demonstrating how these imaginaries coexist, compete, or align within a single site. The Dunhuang Academy emerges as an institutional actor whose practices reflect a network of meaning composed of diverse imaginaries, often referencing different imagined geographies. This approach highlights the complexity and dynamism of tourism imaginaries in heritage sites.

Adapting to climate change at Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park — 2011 — WHEF01E487C0C

A collaborative climate change adaptation case study at Olympic National Forest (ONF) and Olympic National Park (ONP), spanning 1.5 years, demonstrated effective strategies for integrating climate resilience into federal land management. The study identified actionable adaptation options across four key focus areas—hydrology and roads, fish, vegetation, and wildlife—by combining science-based vulnerability assessments with stakeholder workshops. This approach highlighted the potential of place-based methods to mitigate climate impacts while providing a replicable model for other protected areas. Key insights include the feasibility of cross-agency collaboration in early-stage adaptation planning, offering scalable solutions for agencies managing diverse ecosystems.

Ancestors and the sun: astronomy, architecture and culture at Chaco Canyon

Chaco Culture — 2011 — WHEA40C941194

Astronomical alignments in Chaco Canyon's Great Houses and Kivas reveal three distinct architectural traditions tied to migration, ancestor veneration, and solstice observations. The study confirms that Bonito Phase structures (AD 1020–1100) predominantly face south-southeast (SSE), likely linking them to ancestral practices, while later Great Houses exhibit cardinal north-south or east-west alignments, possibly serving as solstice calendrical stations for public ceremonies. Ethnographic evidence supports the SSE orientation's connection to migration traditions. One outlier, Bis sa'ani, combines all three traditions. The findings suggest that Chacoan elites used astronomical knowledge to assert ritual power and reinvigorate a declining system, offering insights into ancestral Pueblo social dynamics and power shifts.

Archipelago-Wide Island Restoration in the Galápagos Islands: Reducing Costs of Invasive Mammal Eradication Programs and Reinvasion Risk

Galápagos Islands — 2011 — WHE055D026209

Eradicating invasive species from entire archipelagos, not just individual islands, significantly reduces the risk of reinvasion and lowers costs. This approach is demonstrated by the Galápagos Islands' efforts to remove feral goats, which involved removing over 140,000 goats from more than 500,000 hectares at a cost of US$10.5 million. The study highlights that bureaucratic processes, financing, political will, and stakeholder approval are now the primary challenges rather than island size. Complementing this technical approach with long-term social strategies focused on education and governance can further mitigate reinvasion risks and enhance biodiversity benefits.

Australian Prison Tourism: A Question of Narrative Integrity

Australian Convict Sites — 2011 — WHE8E9449373C

Prison tourism in Australia, rooted in the nation's history as a penal colony, presents unique challenges to narrative integrity at former prison sites. The study reveals that prevailing social attitudes and stakeholder influences skew historical narratives, undermining the sites' authenticity and social significance. This analysis highlights the need for balanced storytelling to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Back to the Roots: The Imperial City of Shenyang as a Symbol of the Manchu Ethnic Identity of the Qing Dynasty

Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang — 2011 — WHE1AB0DEFB70

The Shenyang Imperial City, inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties' alongside Beijing's Forbidden City, stands out for its unique reflection of Manchu culture and identity. Unlike the Forbidden City, which symbolizes centralized power under the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shenyang Palace embodies the origins and evolution of the Manchu ethnic identity, particularly through its pre-1644 architecture and later additions during Qianlong's reign. This study reveals how the palace serves as a tangible symbol of both the Manchus' devotion to their ancestors and their gradual sinicization, merging distinct cultural and institutional systems. The research draws on primary sources such as Qing shilu (清實錄) and Manwen laodang (滿文老檔), providing unprecedented insights into Qing history before Beijing's conquest. By analyzing these architectural and historical layers, the study underscores Shenyang Palace's dual significance: as a testament to Manchu heritage and a bridge between Manchu and Chinese cultures.

Bats of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: Composition, Reproduction, and Roosting Habits

Mesa Verde National Park — 2011 — WHE0D5078ADFE

A comprehensive study of the bat fauna at Mesa Verde National Park revealed that 14 species, representing nearly all known bat species west of the Great Plains in Colorado, inhabit the park. The research found significant variations in reproductive rates linked to spring precipitation, with drought conditions potentially impacting bat populations more severely due to forecasted climate changes. Notably, radiotracking identified rock crevices as the primary roosting habitat for five species, contrasting with their known use of trees in other regions. No drastic shifts in bat community composition were observed following recent stand-replacing fires, suggesting resilience or adaptability.

Biogeochemical responses of two alpine lakes to climate change and atmospheric deposition, Jasper and Banff National parks, Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2011 — WHEA8793AE0CE

Alpine lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks exhibit distinct biogeochemical responses to climate change and atmospheric deposition, revealing varied ecological impacts over the past 500 years. Curator Lake in Jasper shows strong sensitivity to thermal stratification driven by warming, with no significant changes in reactive nitrogen (Nr) cycling. In contrast, McConnell Lake in Banff demonstrates a complex response mediated by glacial activity and Nr inputs, underscoring the diverse limnological effects of abiotic stressors on similar ecosystems. The study combines paleoecological measures—such as primary production and diatom community structure—with geochemical proxies to trace these changes, providing critical insights into the ecological footprint of recent environmental transformations in mountain park environments.

Birds Consumed by the Invasive Burmese Python ( Python molurus bivittatus ) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Everglades National Park — 2011 — WHEDE92326E2B

A study of 85 Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park, Florida, revealed that these invasive snakes prey on at least 25 bird species from nine avian orders. Among the identified prey were four species of special concern in Florida and one federally endangered species, the Wood Stork (Mycteria americana). This research provides the first detailed analysis of the avian component of the Burmese python's diet, underscoring its potential significant impact on native bird populations in the park.

Butrint in the mid-Byzantine period: a new interpretation

Butrint — 2011 — WHE903C55846B

Recent excavations at Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Albania's southwest coast, have uncovered significant evidence that reshapes our understanding of the site during its mid-Byzantine period (8th–15th century). The study, focusing on the Western Defences of the Lower City, reveals new insights into the construction and occupation phases of this fortified area. By analyzing layers of archaeological data, researchers propose a revised chronology for Butrint's Byzantine era, highlighting its strategic importance and adaptive reuse over centuries. This work builds on decades of excavations, including recent collaborations between the Butrint Foundation, the Albanian Institute of Archaeology, and the University of East Anglia.

Chapter 20. Philippi

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2011 — WHEAB5F3F06FF

The archaeological site of Philippi reveals a significant cultural continuity between the Hellenistic and Roman periods, with no traces found of Thasian colonial structures built between 360-356 BC. Leon Heuzey's 1860 expedition marked its first systematic investigation, uncovering evidence that Augustus' Colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis maintained urban organization aligned with its Hellenistic predecessor. This Roman colony thrived as a key administrative and agricultural center, controlling extensive surrounding lands through Neapolis port.

Chemical Characterization and Source Apportionment of Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter Inside the Refectory of Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church, Home of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2011 — WHE77FAB2FF8B

A year-long study at the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan revealed that indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations were significantly lower than outdoor levels, with PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 reduced by 88% and 94%, respectively, primarily due to an effective ventilation system. While gasoline vehicles, urban soil, and wood smoke contributed minimally to indoor organic carbon (OC), fatty acids and squalane showed high indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios, suggesting a dominant indoor source. This research highlights the role of both outdoor pollution infiltration and indoor emissions in affecting cultural heritage, offering insights for conservation strategies.

Collections management at the Joggins Fossils Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site: a new model?

Joggins Fossil Cliffs — 2011 — WHE80FBCB3823

A pioneering collaborative model for managing geological and palaeontological collections at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site has been developed, bridging the efforts of a non-profit organization (Joggins Fossil Institute) and a governmental institution (Nova Scotia Museum). This innovative approach leverages provincial legislation to create a robust data management system (Mini-MIMS) and an accessible public database. The model emphasizes partnership, ensuring sustainable curation while making scientific collections more transparent and available for research and education.

Comment on ‘García‐Santos G, Bruijnzeel LA. 2011. Rainfall, fog and throughfall dynamics in a subtropical ridge top cloud forest, National Park of Garajonay (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain). Hydrological Processes 25: 411–417’

Garajonay National Park — 2011 — WHE754943B051

A critical evaluation of a 2011 study on hydrological dynamics in Garajonay National Park's cloud forest reveals significant discrepancies with prior research at the site. The study, which analyzed rainfall, fog, and throughfall data from an upper watershed plot, was found to have methodological limitations—including large data dispersion and flawed assumptions—that undermined its conclusions. These issues cast doubt on the reported magnitudes of hydrological variables, highlighting the need for rigorous validation in future research. Published as a comment in Hydrological Processes, this analysis underscores the importance of robust methodologies in studying subtropical cloud forests.