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Two new endemic species of Gorgoniidae (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Octocorallia) from Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2018 — WHE798325ADC5

Researchers have identified two new endemic species of sea fans (Gorgoniidae) in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico: Eugorgia wilkiei and Leptogorgia waltonae. These discoveries highlight the archipelago's high endemism, likely driven by its isolation and unique environmental conditions. E. wilkiei exhibits distinct chromotypes (yellow or red) and irregular branching patterns, while L. waltonae is characterized by wart-like terminal twigs, 90°-angled lateral branching, and a range of vibrant colors. The study, based on morphological analysis and extensive sampling from 1995 to 2016, confirms these species are exclusive to the Revillagigedo Islands, supporting the hypothesis that oligotrophic waters, strong currents, and hurricane perturbations contribute to the archipelago's low-species diversity but high endemism.

Two new species of Aphanodactylidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands, Japan, with the establishment of a new genus

Ogasawara Islands — 2018 — WHE3693818D2A

Researchers have identified two new species of Aphanodactylidae crabs from the Ogasawara and Ryukyu Islands, Japan. One, Takedactylus compressus n. sp., is distinguished by unique carapace shape, third maxilliped, and ambulatory legs, while the other, Lichtylus kaisha n. gen., n. sp., introduces a new genus characterized by its elongated palp of the third maxilliped, slender ambulatory legs, and distinct morphological traits. These discoveries bring the total number of Aphanodactylidae taxa to 7 genera and 15 species, expanding our understanding of crab diversity in these regions.

Two-decadal trends in aboveground litterfall and net primary production in self-thinning Pinus banksiana stands in Wood Buffalo National Park, NWT, Canada

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2018 — WHE0D4A57C69E

A two-decade study in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, revealed that aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in self-thinning jack pine stands peaks at around 500 grams per square meter annually in stands aged 30–50 years. The research found a declining trend in ANPP after 50 years, with older stands exhibiting lower biomass turnover rates compared to younger ones. The study employed long-term litterfall collection and biomass estimation using allometric relationships, providing insights into the carbon dynamics of jack pine stands at different stages of self-thinning.

UAS imagery reveals new survey opportunities for counting hippos

Garamba National Park — 2018 — WHEF56064B6EB

A study using unmanned aerial system (UAS) imagery demonstrates that drone technology can provide accurate and efficient population estimates for the vulnerable common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), offering a promising alternative to traditional survey methods. The research identifies optimal flight parameters, such as an altitude of 150 meters, and highlights the importance of environmental conditions like low sun reflection and minimal cloud cover for improved detection rates. Experienced observers achieved higher detection accuracy (86.5%) compared to inexperienced ones, with a correction factor (Factor 2) aligning well with previous studies using traditional aerial counts (1.22 vs 1.25). This approach not only enhances monitoring efficiency but also addresses the challenges of surveying species often overlooked in wildlife conservation efforts.

Ueber den Park in Muskau in der Königlich Preussischen Ober Lausitz

Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski — 2018 — WHE1419378F0D

The Muskauer Park, designed by Prince Pückler-Muskau and executed with the help of gardener Reder, stands as a masterful fusion of poetry and painting, transforming an ordinary landscape into a sublime natural artwork. This 19th-century creation exemplifies how poetic and pictorial arts can collaborate to shape nature into a harmonious composition, requiring not only imaginative genius but also a deep understanding of landscape painting principles. The park's design involved strategic removal of excess elements, integration of found features, and coaxing nature to fulfill missing components, all while balancing light, shadow, and perspective. Such an approach underscores the interplay between human creativity and natural beauty, setting a precedent for landscape architecture that blends artistic vision with environmental harmony.

Új irányok a khmer településtörténeti hálózatok kutatásában (Koh Ker, Kambodzsa)

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2018 — WHE94B773286A

New LIDAR surveys of Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveal the site as a complex network of habitation, significantly altering our understanding of its settlement history. Previous research focused on isolated temples and visible structures, but these findings highlight the importance of exploring communication channels like streets and hydraulic systems, as well as surrounding settlements and industries. This approach provides critical insights into human environmental intervention and the development of Koh Ker, a former royal center, offering a more comprehensive framework for interpreting its past occupation.

Umm Ar-Rasas: The Application of Integrated Methodologies for the Valorization of a Unesco Site

Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) — 2018 — WHE3AD22C9FFE

A groundbreaking approach to the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been demonstrated at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) in Jordan. The research, led by CNR-ITABC, successfully integrated advanced techniques such as laser scanning and photogrammetry to create detailed geometric models of two Byzantine churches and their mosaic floors. These models not only enabled precise documentation of the archaeological area but also provided critical data for interpreting the masonry and mosaics' conditions. The study's innovative methodology offers a blueprint for planning restoration projects, focusing on arresting the decay of mosaics by identifying key conservation challenges and designing sustainable tourist pathways. This work underscores the potential of integrated digital techniques to enhance the protection and valorization of culturally significant sites.

Un Approccio Integrato per la Misurazione dei Valori e Delle Pressioni dei Paesaggi Vitivinicoli del Piemonte

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2018 — WHE355EDB386F

An integrated evaluation methodology has been developed to measure the values and pressures within the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, specifically the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions. This approach assesses both the economic value of the territory and the pressures exerted on its components through a system of indicators. The methodology provides a reliable tool for decision-making in defining territorial transformation scenarios, offering a comprehensive framework to balance economic and environmental considerations in this culturally significant landscape.

Un Estudio sobre Vulnerabilidad y Resiliencia Social en Poblaciones de Alto Riesgo a Inundaciones en el Estado de Veracruz

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2018 — WHEC50955711B

A study on the Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan reveals that young students, particularly those with natural leadership qualities, can serve as effective agents for promoting flood resilience and protection civil practices within their communities. The research, conducted in Tlacotalpan, La Antigua, and Cotaxtla—municipalities frequently affected by hydrometeorological phenomena in Veracruz—highlights the potential of youth to drive community-level changes through education and proactive engagement. By analyzing survey responses from bachillerato students and interviews with key stakeholders, including local authorities and protection civil personnel, the study identifies practices that enhance social resilience while reducing vulnerability to climate-induced flooding. The findings suggest that fostering intergenerational and cross-community collaboration can strengthen solidarity and reciprocity, offering a model for similar at-risk populations.

Un viaggio attraverso la Costiera Amalfitana

Costiera Amalfitana — 2018 — WHEF75B3A9AA7

A strong sense of identity and pride among residents of the Amalfi Coast, reinforced by UNESCO recognition, plays a pivotal role in sustaining cultural heritage and driving tourism growth. This study highlights how local communities actively promote their region despite economic disparities, such as the North-South divide, to attract visitors. The research confirms that foreign tourists prioritize the region's natural beauty and cultural appeal over socio-economic challenges, contributing to its rise in global recognition—Positano, for instance, earned a spot in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. Statistical data on tourism trends further validate this upward trajectory, underscoring the interplay between heritage preservation, local initiative, and international appeal.

Una institución española en el Nuevo Mundo: el cabildo de Cuzco en el siglo XVI

City of Cuzco — 2018 — WHED80CBF9573

The Spanish Crown's establishment of cabildos, or city councils, in the New World during the 16th century provided a unique opportunity to study the transplantation and adaptation of political institutions. In Cuzco, Peru, Francisco Pizarro installed one such cabildo in 1534, staffed by members of Spain's urban elite who had previously held government positions in Castile. This institution served as both a representation of Spanish power and a model for local governance in America. The study reveals how these cabildos were instrumental in maintaining political and administrative continuity from the Iberian Peninsula to the colonies, allowing Spain to exert greater control over its new territories without facing resistance from established local powers. By analyzing archival records and historical documents, researchers Domínguez-Guerrero and López Villalba examine the influence of Spanish traditions on American governance and trace the evolution of early local governments in the region.

Underground Wilderness? Mammoth Cave National Park, the Wilderness Act of 1964, and the Limits of Preservation

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2018 — WHEE5E276B5E7

In September 1972, a team of cave explorers successfully linked the Flint Ridge Cave System to Mammoth Cave, creating the world's longest known cave system. This discovery occurred during a pivotal period for Mammoth Cave National Park, as it grappled with the implications of the 1964 Wilderness Act, which aimed to protect 'untrammeled' natural areas while balancing increased visitation and local development demands. The study explores the unique challenge of designating underground wilderness within national parks, contrasting it with surface-focused preservation efforts nationwide. It also examines the park's historical context, including its role in the War on Poverty through the Job Corps program and the tension between preservationists and local communities over park development.

Une architecture sous influence - Malte et les architectes et ingénieurs militaires français pendant le règne de Louis XIV (1643-1715) : les choix politiques de l'ordre de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem

Fortifications of Vauban — 2018 — WHE6BB34BD374

A pivotal shift in architectural influence occurred at Malte's Fortifications of Vauban during the 17th century, marking the transition from Spanish to French dominance. This study reveals that the arrival of prominent French military engineers in 1645 catalyzed this change, significantly shaping Malta's strategic and architectural landscape. The research highlights the role of Médéric Blondel, the first resident French engineer, whose influence introduced classical elements into Malta's baroque architecture, aligning with Louis XIV's preferred French school of architecture. By analyzing political, strategic, social, and aesthetic factors, as well as the careers of key figures, the study demonstrates how French military expertise, particularly Vauban's innovations, became central to Malta's fortifications under the Order of Saint John.

Une exposition à la Bibliothèque universitaire Moretus-Plantin de Namur

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2018 — WHE5EA34922DE

An exhibition at the Moretus-Plantin University Library in Namur, Belgium, showcased the historical significance of the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex. The display highlighted the library's rare collection of 16th to 18th-century books and manuscripts, providing insights into the cultural and intellectual legacy of the Plantin family, renowned for their contributions to printing, publishing, and pharmacology. The exhibition underscored the site's dual role as both a preserved industrial heritage and a repository of scientific and literary history, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of commerce, innovation, and knowledge dissemination during the early modern period.

Unearthing the Wilderness: Studies on the History and Archaeology of the Negev and Edom in the Iron Age

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2018 — WHEEADE2D9425

A comprehensive study challenges long-held assumptions about the static nature of tribes and chiefdoms in the Negev, Edom, and northern Hejaz during the Iron Age. By integrating socio-economic analysis with archaeological data, including ceramics, metals, inscriptions, and radiocarbon dating, the research demonstrates that these polities evolved dynamically in response to changing imperial administrations and economic policies, particularly those linked to copper mining and incense trade. The study also revisits the significance of Timna as a key mining site, suggesting a longer usage period than previously thought and questioning the role of Egyptian administration in its development. Additionally, it provides new insights into the production and distribution of Edomite pottery, indicating local manufacturing rather than imports from Transjordan, which necessitates a reassessment of assumptions about ethnicity and trade networks.

UNESCO and World Heritage Management in Jelling – Opportunities and Challenges

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church — 2018 — WHE0E5AAA5DE8

Recent excavations at Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994—revealed significant new structures that have transformed the understanding of this historic Danish site. Discoveries included a large palisade encircling the area, three Trelleborg-type houses, and the largest Viking Age ship setting in the Nordic region. These findings led to a boundary modification of the original inscription in 2018, highlighting their archaeological significance. The study also explores the challenges and opportunities of managing cultural heritage outside major urban centers, drawing on insights from a 2017 conference in Poland. Jelling's status as one of Denmark's most visited historical sites underscores its importance in both research and heritage preservation.

UNESCO World Karst Natural Heritage Sites: Geographical and Geological Review

Lena Pillars Nature Park — 2018 — WHED90C23EFFE

Lena Pillars Nature Park, the only Russian karst area nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, stands out due to its unique 'ground frozen karst' formation. This study reviews 37 global World Karst Natural Heritage sites, analyzing their distribution and significance, with a focus on extreme climate conditions like cold or arid environments. It highlights the need for recognizing new properties that represent sulfate and salt rock karst development. The research employs geographical and geological analysis to emphasize the outstanding universal value of Lena Pillars Nature Park, while also considering broader implications for karst heritage conservation.

Unexpected terrestrial hand posture diversity in wild mountain gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2018 — WHE6D7776D5AC

Research at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park reveals that wild mountain gorillas exhibit a previously unrecognized diversity of terrestrial hand postures, challenging the long-held assumption that they are exclusively 'knuckle-walkers.' High-speed video analysis of 77 habituated gorillas—representing 8% of the global population—showed that nearly 40% used non-knuckle-walking (KW) hand postures, accounting for 15% of all hand contacts. Some of these postures have never been documented in gorillas but resemble those seen in orangutans, suggesting a broader versatility in African ape locomotion. This finding implies that the ability to adopt multiple hand postures may be a shared trait among great apes and humans, rather than knuckle-walking alone, potentially reshaping our understanding of hominin locomotor evolution.

Universal Access in Heritage Site: A Case Study on Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, India

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2018 — WHE3E1422A2B4

A key insight from the study on Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, is that universal design interventions can significantly enhance accessibility and appreciation of heritage sites for diverse users. The research demonstrates how integrating principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and designing for diversity can improve physical and intellectual access to such sites. Conducted as part of a Master's in Architectural Conservation Design Studio at Jantar Mantar, the study involved diverse stakeholders and proposed practical solutions. It highlights the role of architects and education in fostering accessibility awareness, emphasizing the need to incorporate universal design teaching in architecture schools. This approach aims to create more inclusive heritage sites that cater to varied needs while preserving cultural significance.

Unknown Copies of the Lost Charters of Le Mont Saint-Michel (11th-13th C.). The Henry Chanteux Collection at the Archives Départementales du Calvados

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2018 — WHEA23B43AE52

A previously unknown collection of lost charters from the abbey of Le Mont Saint-Michel, preserved by historian Henry Chanteux, has been identified. This collection includes transcripts of nearly 80 charters destroyed during World War II, offering critical insights into the abbey's estate management and pilgrimage efforts. The study provides a comprehensive listing of these acts and presents an edited dossier of ten charters related to the church of Argouges, which were often contested between Le Mont and the abbey of Marmoutier. This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of medieval monastic life and administrative practices at one of Europe's most renowned World Heritage Sites.