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Cashew Nut Positioning during Stone Tool Use by Wild Bearded Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2017 — WHE6AE7034565

Wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, employ two distinct techniques to position cashew nuts on an anvil before cracking them with stone tools. The arched position, previously undocumented, allows for more efficient nut-cracking by requiring less force than the traditional lateral positioning. This rare behavior was observed in only 6 out of 20 adult monkeys, suggesting it may require significant experience or social learning to master. Additionally, dry cashew nuts often needed preliminary processing to remove one lobe before being placed in an arched position, indicating a complex ontogeny. The study highlights the intricate tool-use behaviors exhibited by these primates and suggests further research is needed to fully understand the role of social learning in this technique.

Caste and capital in the remaking of Ahmedabad

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2017 — WHEDEE33659FA

Ahmadabad's urban transformation, often celebrated for its economic dynamism, actually reinforces caste-based segregation and exclusion. Despite the city's reputation as a space where identities dissolve under capitalism, new Dalit middle-class neighborhoods like Chandkheda have emerged on the periphery, distinct from older industrial-era Dalit settlements. These areas, born of post-liberalization economic mobility, are marked by three exclusionary mechanisms: spatial segregation, caste vigilantism, and intra-Dalit discrimination. The study reveals that caste and capital collude to create 'post-liberalization Dalit ghettos,' where distinctions based on micro-caste identities persist or intensify, often masked by the rhetoric of secular urban development. This ethnographic research highlights how economic progress can paradoxically deepen social divisions in middle-class residential spaces.

Cat-rodent Toxoplasma gondii Type II-variant circulation and limited genetic diversity on the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2017 — WHE42CA00FB4A

Research on the UNESCO-listed Fernando de Noronha Island reveals limited genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii, with strains primarily clustering into Type II, III, and Caribbean 1 groups. Unlike mainland Brazil, where T. gondii strains show high pathogenicity to mice and genetic variability, isolates from Fernando de Noronha—derived from cats and rodents—were non-pathogenic to outbred mice. Genetic analysis suggests recent introduction of a few founding strains, likely via imported cats, with minimal evidence of mainland-derived strain transmission. The study used 11 PCR-RFLP and 15 microsatellite markers to characterize isolates, highlighting the island's unique epidemiological profile.

Çatalhöyük, Archaeology, Violence

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2017 — WHEC8A11D72AE

A comprehensive analysis of skeletal remains from the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük reveals significant evidence of interpersonal violence during this period. The study, conducted by Christopher J. Knüsel and Bonnie Glencross, challenges the conventional view that Neolithic societies were predominantly peaceful. By employing bioarchaeological methods, including the examination of trauma patterns on human bones, researchers identified markers of violent conflict such as blunt force injuries and perimortem fractures. This finding suggests that violence was a structured aspect of social dynamics in early agricultural communities, providing insights into the complexities of Neolithic life.

Cave Temples of Dunhuang, Buddhist Art on China's Silk Road

Mogao Caves — 2017 — WHE6E27734030

The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most remarkable Buddhist cave temple complexes, stand as a testament to the cultural and artistic exchange along China's Silk Road. This book highlights the caves' extraordinary significance, showcasing their intricate artistry, historical depth, and the challenges of preserving such a rare site in an arid desert environment. It delves into the complexities surrounding conservation efforts, balancing the need for scientific preservation with the ethical considerations of protecting a site of immense cultural heritage.

Central nervous system and muscular bundles preserved in a 240 million year old giant bristletail (Archaeognatha: Machilidae)

Monte San Giorgio — 2017 — WHE654545D528

A groundbreaking fossil discovery at Monte San Giorgio reveals the extraordinary preservation of soft tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS) and muscular bundles, in a 240-million-year-old giant bristletail, Gigamachilis triassicus. This specimen, the largest apterygote insect ever recorded at approximately 80 millimeters, showcases four abdominal ganglia, optic lobes with neuropils, and compound retina, providing unprecedented insights into ancient insect anatomy. The study suggests that modern archaeognathan lineages originated in the Middle Triassic, co-occurring with more primitive forms like Dasyleptus triassicus. This comparison offers a new reconstruction of character evolution in apterygote insects, hinting at significant morphological changes during the Permian or Lower Triassic.

Centralidad del Templo 16 durante el Reino de Yax Pasaj en Copán

Maya Site of Copan — 2017 — WHE6DAC3AF77C

Research on Temple 16 at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Copán reveals its central role during the reign of Yax Pasaj, the last ruler of the founder's dynasty. Analysis of architectural sculptures identified 63 distinct motifs, organizing them into three key iconographic themes: the temple as a symbolic mountain representing the dwelling and resurrection of the ancestral founder; the site as a place for rituals commemorating war and human sacrifice; and its representation of the universe. The study highlights how public art, combining local Maya and foreign Teotihuacan imagery, served to legitimize Yax Pasaj's rule while emphasizing large-scale cultural heritage. This approach underscores the temple's significance in political and ritual practices during the Late Classic period (430 A.C.).

Ceramics of the Merv Oasis

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2017 — WHE4210F69766

A comprehensive analysis of Sasanian pottery from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, State Historical and Cultural Park 'Ancient Merv,' reveals significant insights into the social and economic dimensions of the Sasanian Empire (224-651 AD). Puschnigg's study catalogs hundreds of securely excavated ceramic pieces, comparing them with previously inaccessible Russian research to establish a benchmark for future studies. This detailed examination provides a typology of shapes and wares, enhancing our understanding of Merv's role as a critical Silk Road hub and its cultural exchanges between east and west.

Certain Kinds of Dances Used among Them: An Initial Inquiry into Colonial Spanish Encounters with the Areytos of the Taíno in Puerto Rico

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2017 — WHEC2D9B99845

Research challenges the claim that the earliest known European play performance in the Americas occurred in Puerto Rico in 1510, finding it historically implausible. The study instead explores Spanish colonial encounters with the Taíno 'areyto,' a traditional performance practice, revealing attempts by Spanish friars to Christianize this cultural element during evangelistic efforts. Through archival research in Seville's Archivo General de Indias and analysis of chroniclers' accounts—including those by Ramón Pane, Bartolomé de las Casas, Oviedo y Valdes, and Pedro Mártir de Angelería—the study reconstructs the Taíno's cultural landscape under colonial rule. It highlights the 'areyto' as a significant yet understudied aspect of Taíno society, offering insights into the complexities of cultural exchange during early Spanish colonization in Puerto Rico.

Challenges of human settlement on wildlife in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2017 — WHE9A4BBCCC45

Human settlement, agricultural expansion, and livestock grazing pose significant threats to wildlife conservation in Bale Mountains National Park. A 2014/2015 study involving 365 households across 10 villages bordering the park revealed that 78% of respondents relied on farming or livestock as primary socio-economic activities, with forage (52%) and farming (25.6%) being key drivers for settlement near or inside the protected area. These pressures have led to deforestation, habitat loss, and vegetation decline, jeopardizing wildlife management efforts. The research highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation education and active measures to mitigate human impact on the park's biodiversity.

Challenges to the retention of the integrity of World Heritage Sites in Africa: the case of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, Tanzania

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara — 2017 — WHE7163EB88EB

Despite significant financial investments, the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara in Tanzania face persistent threats to their integrity due to insufficient government commitment, lack of local community involvement, and destructive conservation practices that compromise archaeological deposits—key components of their Outstanding Universal Values (OUV). A recent study reveals that while these sites have been removed from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, their long-term preservation remains at risk without adherence to established Management Plans and professional guidance. The research highlights the critical need for multi-focused conservation strategies that balance financial resources with stakeholder engagement and expert oversight to safeguard these cultural landmarks for future generations.

Change detection of exposed sandbars around Kaziranga national park

Kaziranga National Park — 2017 — WHE66F1597BD8

A study reveals that the extent of exposed sandbars in the Brahmaputra River near Kaziranga National Park, India, is inversely related to annual rainfall, suggesting increased erosion risk during wetter years. Researchers applied a spectral signature-based post-classification change detection method using Landsat 5 satellite imagery from 2006 to 2011 to track sandbar dynamics and correlate them with regional precipitation patterns. The findings highlight that higher rainfall correlates with reduced sandbar visibility, likely due to intensified flooding during monsoon seasons. This relationship provides preliminary insights into erosion-prone zones, offering a foundation for further analysis to mitigate flood impacts on the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park.

Changes in ozone and precursors during two aged wildfire smoke events in the Colorado Front Range in summer 2015

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2017 — WHE6C9AFF6FF4

Aged wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest and Canada significantly increased ozone (O3) levels by approximately 10 ppbv during two distinct events in summer 2015 over the Colorado Front Range, including at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory. This enhancement persisted even after accounting for temperature effects, suggesting that wildfire smoke can substantially contribute to O3 abundances across urban-rural gradients. The study analyzed in situ measurements of O3, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and reactive oxidized nitrogen species during smoke-impacted periods, revealing elevated levels of peroxyacyl nitrates, VOCs, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and morning/evening nitrogen dioxide. These findings provide a case study on how aged wildfire smoke influences atmospheric composition, with implications for air quality as anthropogenic emissions decline.

Changes in quantitative parameters of active wind dunes on the south-east Baltic Sea coast during the last decade (Curonian Spit, Lithuania)

Curonian Spit — 2017 — WHE23814E1F55

Over the past decade, active wind dunes on the Curonian Spit, part of the UNESCO-listed Baltic sand belt, have exhibited significant degradation, with the Naglis Dune lowering by 4–6 meters and the Parnidis Dune experiencing a greater sand deficit (~10,000 m³). Unlike other European dune systems, this degradation is pronounced, suggesting complex interactions between natural climate change and anthropogenic factors. The study, conducted from 2003 to 2014 using geodesic levelling, meteorological data, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), found that wind regimes remained near multiannual averages, while sand moisture and groundwater levels varied significantly. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring to disentangle natural processes from human impacts and inform protective measures.

Changes of Abundance of Japanese Macaques in Yakushima over the Past 20 Years

Yakushima — 2017 — WHEABBC38150C

A significant decline in the population of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on Yakushima Island over 20 years, particularly in northern and eastern regions, has been attributed to high hunting pressure for pest control, which exceeded 1,000 individuals annually after 2009. The study, conducted through point observations between 1991-1994 and 2013-2014, found that while hunting pressure was highest in these areas, it was absent in the west and low in the south. Conifer plantations, more prevalent in northern and eastern regions, may also contribute to the population decline. The findings suggest an urgent need for alternative pest control measures, particularly in high-pressure zones.

Changing Cities and Changing Memories: The Case of Taksim Square, Istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2017 — WHE6C966B71B8

Urban memory serves as a critical indicator for preserving the integrity of historic urban landscapes (HUL), bridging the gap between evolving spaces and collective recollections. This study highlights how Taksim Square, Istanbul—a symbol of historical significance—has undergone rapid transformation since 1923, particularly post-1980s, due to planning decisions that alter its physical environment, functions, and cultural references. These changes erode public memory, threatening the continuity of heritage. The research proposes 'urban memory' as a new metric for HUL preservation, emphasizing the need to integrate social elements alongside physical conservation. By analyzing expert meetings (2005–2010) and UNESCO’s HUL framework, it demonstrates that heritage preservation must account for dynamic urban dynamics to sustain both tangible and intangible cultural layers.

Channel mapping river miles 29–62 of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, May 2009

Grand Canyon National Park — 2017 — WHE0D90D0BC96

A comprehensive mapping of the Colorado River's channel from river miles 29 to 62 in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, revealed critical data on bathymetry, topography, and bed-sediment grain size. Conducted in May 2009, this study utilized multibeam and singlebeam echosounders for bathymetric mapping, ground-based total-stations for topographic surveys, and an underwater digital microscope system to collect sediment grain-size data. The findings include high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), spatially variable DEM uncertainty assessments, georeferenced grain-size datasets, and bed-sediment distribution maps. This research is part of a broader initiative to monitor sand storage dynamics along the Colorado River, providing essential insights for understanding river morphology and sediment transport in one of the world's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Chapitre 5. Entre destructions et mises en valeur (XVIe-XXIe siècle)

Fortifications of Vauban — 2017 — WHE7442B85A3A

The fortifications of Vauban in Metz underwent significant transformations from the 16th to the 21st century, marked by phases of destruction and preservation. Initially damaged during a siege in 1552, the city's medieval defenses were partially demolished and integrated into a new bastion system beginning in 1560. Vauban's interventions in the late 17th century standardized this approach, replacing medieval elements with modern fortifications, though some remnants survived. The 19th century saw both further destruction—particularly under German annexation—and a growing romantic interest in medieval architecture. Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, culminating in the 2014 restoration of the Porte des Allemands for cultural use. This study highlights the complex interplay between military necessity, urban development, and heritage preservation over five centuries.

Characterisation of Building Stock and Its PathologiesCase Study of the Historical City Centre of Leiria, Portugal

Historic Centre of Évora — 2017 — WHEB16B791FAD

The historical city centre of Leiria, Portugal, exhibits significant architectural and cultural heritage value despite the absence of an integrated conservation policy. A detailed characterisation of its building stock reveals notable discrepancies in construction materials and techniques, even among similar urban centres like Porto, Lisbon, Guimarães, and Évora. This study highlights the importance of individualised analysis for each historic centre to effectively safeguard their unique heritage. The research employed non-destructive inspection methods to document pathologies and assess preservation needs, underscoring the necessity for tailored conservation strategies to protect these invaluable cultural assets.

Characteristics of meltwater export from Jakobshavn Isbræ and Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2017 — WHECBB2BB1970

A study of Jakobshavn Isbræ, the fastest retreating glacier in Greenland and a significant contributor to ice-sheet mass loss, reveals that its meltwater export forms a buoyant coastal gravity current extending 10 km offshore and reaching depths of 100 meters. The research, conducted using hydrographic observations and inert geochemical tracers, provides the first quantitative description of glacially-modified waters exported from the Jakobshavn/Ilulissat Icefjord system. These waters contain submarine meltwater (up to 2.5 ± 0.12%) and subglacial discharge (up to 6 ± 0.37%), along with entrained ocean waters, suggesting a deep-reaching overturning cell driven by glacial buoyancy forcing. The findings highlight the potential impacts of increased freshwater discharge on ice melt feedbacks, marine ecosystems, and regional ocean circulation.