Medina of Fez
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2011 —
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Researchers found that Bacillus sp., a bacterium contributing to cedar wood decay in Fez's historic Medina, adheres more effectively to the wood surface (90% coverage) compared to Bacillus subtilis (40% coverage). The study quantified bacterial adhesion using environmental scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. It also revealed distinct physicochemical properties: Bacillus sp. exhibited hydrophilic, electron-donating behavior, while B. subtilis was hydrophobic. Cedar wood, used in Fez's architecture, displayed hydrophobic traits with prevalent electron-donor characteristics (γ– = 6 ± 4 mJ/m²; γ+ = 0 ± 3 mJ/m²). These findings highlight the bacterial interactions influencing wood preservation challenges in UNESCO-listed sites.
Yosemite National Park
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2011 —
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A comprehensive analysis of fire severity distributions across 19 distinct fire-regime types in Yosemite National Park reveals significant variations in burn severity, providing critical insights into current fire dynamics compared to historical patterns. Using Landsat Thematic Mapper data, researchers mapped burn severity for 99 fires spanning 20 years and over 97,000 hectares, classifying these distributions within four vegetation zones: foothill shrub and woodland, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, and subalpine forest. This study establishes a framework to compare contemporary fire regimes with historical conditions, offering valuable data for researchers and land managers to assess changes in fire behavior and inform future management strategies.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2011 —
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Free-ranging reindeer and musk oxen on Wrangel Island exhibit similar nutritional parameters, with daily forage intake varying seasonally. Musk oxen consume 7.8 kg of dry weight forage in summer but reduce this to 6.1 kg during the snow period (March–April), while reindeer intake drops to 3.9 kg in winter. Forage digestibility remains consistent across seasons for both species, ranging from 52% to 57%. Metabolizable energy consumption aligns with maintenance levels in winter but increases for musk oxen in summer to meet energy demands. The study employed field tracking of 24-hour animal movements and fecal analysis to estimate intake and digestibility, providing critical insights into the nutritional ecology of these species in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2011 —
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A tragic event at Syncrude Canada’s Aurora North tar sands mine in Wood Buffalo National Park revealed the lethal consequences of bitumen extraction on migratory birds. On 28 April 2008, approximately 1,600 birds died after landing on a tailings pond, where warm bitumen froth created an attractive but deadly resting spot for exhausted or weather-affected migrants en route to the Peace Athabasca delta. The study highlights the ecological risks posed by industrial activities in critical bird migration pathways, emphasizing the need for mitigating measures to prevent such disasters. The research approach combines field observations with legal analysis, underscoring the intersection of environmental science and regulatory challenges.
Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands
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2011 —
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Colchic rainforests and wetlands, despite not fitting the global temperate rainforest model, exhibit characteristics that qualify them as 'rainforests at the margins.' These regions, including those in the Western Eurasian Caucasus, demonstrate how local climates—particularly fog—create conditions conducive to humidity-dependent vegetation, such as oceanic lichens, even in warmer temperatures typically outside the range of temperate rainforests. The study highlights these areas as outliers, where unique microclimatic factors compensate for broader climatic deviations, challenging conventional definitions and emphasizing the diversity of rainforest ecosystems.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of tardigrade, Ramazzottius belubellus, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This discovery is notable for its unique dorsal spines—long, sharp, and triangular—which distinguish it from all other known Ramazzottius species. Unlike related species that feature small tubercles arranged in bands or a thin reticulum, R. belubellus stands out due to these distinctive spines. While superficially resembling R. baumanni, the new species differs by lacking flat, hemispherical tubercles and instead possessing sharp triangular spines on its dorsal side. The study highlights the biodiversity of microscopic organisms within UNESCO-listed sites like the Great Smoky Mountains, offering insights into tardigrade taxonomy and adaptation in extreme environments.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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Aerial baiting for invasive rabbits on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island triggered rapid recovery of the native tussock grass <em>Poa foliosa</em>, a key component of the island’s ecosystem. Within six months of initiating the eradication program in winter 2010, substantial regrowth was observed, demonstrating the potential for swift ecological restoration following localized removal of invasive herbivores. This finding provides critical insights into monitoring and evaluating the success of vertebrate pest control efforts on fragile island ecosystems.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A notable shift in rare vegetation patterns was detected within the Gobustan Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art engravings. The study employed advanced spatial analysis techniques to identify changes in vegetation distribution over time. This research underscores the ecological dynamics of this semi-desert landscape, which is also significant for its archaeological and historical value. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring such sites not only for their cultural heritage but also for their biodiversity conservation.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
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2011 —
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A study of ancient mortars from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium, reveals that both chalk and 'hard' Tournaisian limestone were used to produce lime during the Imperial Roman, Carolingian, and Romanesque periods (4th–11th century AD). The research, employing mineralogical, chemical, and microscopical techniques, identified these materials as locally sourced and capable of yielding either hydraulic or non-hydraulic lime. Additionally, the low abundance of overburnt particles in Gallo-Roman and Palaeo-Christian mortars suggests that technological knowledge regarding lime burning was present during these periods.
Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A re-assessment of the globally 'Endangered' Yellow-throated Apalis (<i>Apalis flavigularis</i>), the only bird endemic to Malawi, suggests its population on Mount Mulanje may approach or exceed 10,000 individuals—a figure previously considered the most optimistic global estimate. This finding challenges earlier conservation assessments and highlights the species' resilience in fragmented forest patches as small as 0.01 hectares, particularly along forest edges. Researchers surveyed 41 forest patches during the breeding season, noting a positive correlation between the bird's presence and the invasive Himalayan yellow raspberry (<i>Rubus ellipticus</i>), potentially due to its role in structuring canopy architecture and understorey layers. Conservative estimates indicate at least 7,900 individuals inhabit cedar forests alone on Mount Mulanje, with densities in other native forests suggesting an even higher total population. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to address threats from illegal logging and uncontrolled fires, which exacerbate invasive species proliferation.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2011 —
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While the rebuilding of architecturally significant heritage sites often symbolizes cultural resilience, there is no universal approach to addressing their destruction. This study analyzes how political and economic conditions shape decisions on whether and how to rebuild, using case studies from Old Town Warsaw, Stari Most in Mostar, and the former World Trade Center site. By examining local engagement with monuments before, during, and after destruction, it highlights that rebuilding processes are deeply influenced by context, embracing selectively chosen memories while navigating UNESCO guidelines on authenticity and preservation.
Site of Palmyra
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2011 —
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Research at Palmyra Atoll, a remote and quasi-pristine reef system in the central Pacific, has identified five non-indigenous marine species, including two sponges, one bryozoan, one hydroid, and one macroalga. These introductions likely originated from the Hawaiian Archipelago, potentially via shipping or yachting activity. The study highlights the susceptibility of even remote islands to invasive species, particularly those with a history of human modifications like Palmyra Atoll's military past. While the ecological impacts remain unknown, ongoing monitoring aims to assess their influence on this fragile reef ecosystem.
Archaeological Site of Carthage
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2011 —
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Recent archaeological research has significantly advanced our understanding of ancient Carthage, revealing it as a vibrant cultural and economic hub within the trans-Mediterranean context. Contrary to traditional narratives, Carthage was not merely a maritime power but a complex society that interacted extensively with diverse Mediterranean cultures, including Etruscans, Samnites, Iberians, Syrians, and others. This shift in perspective, supported by extensive excavations from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s, sheds light on Carthage's religious, social, and economic structures. Notably, Rome's rise as a naval power during the Punic Wars was achieved through innovative tactics like the use of the 'corvus,' a device that allowed Roman marines to board enemy ships, ultimately leading to Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean.
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
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2011 —
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A shift in the perception of Gothic ruins is highlighted by contrasting objections to William Aislabie's 1768 reorganization of Fountains Abbey. Initially, critics like William Gilpin in the 1770s focused on the ruin's Picturesque qualities and its evocation of mood, aligning with late-eighteenth-century aesthetic ideals. By the 1840s, John Walbran's criticism pivoted toward valuing the original fabric as documentary evidence, reflecting a new antiquarian approach that emphasized empirical examination and moral principles. This evolution underscores how cultural attitudes toward ruins transitioned from private, fashionable aesthetics to public, principled styles, illustrating broader changes in the interpretation of Gothic architecture.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2011 —
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A new analysis of Cahokia's Central Palisade reveals that its construction became significantly more efficient over time, with each reconstruction requiring up to 27.5% fewer posts and person-hours than previous ones. This efficiency likely resulted from architectural redesigns, including changes in bastions, which may have been a deliberate strategy by the Cahokians to conserve wood resources. The study recalculated post counts using precise measurements of postholes, bastion structures, and perimeter adjustments across multiple construction phases.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2011 —
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A comprehensive conservation assessment of 200 vascular plant species from Costa Rica and Panama, with 52 receiving global assessments and 148 regional ones, reveals critical insights into the biodiversity of the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park. These species, identified as keystone for the reserve, include detailed taxonomic information, local names, uses, and maps illustrating their distribution. The study highlights significant threats to these species, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. By combining regional and global assessments, this research offers a nuanced understanding of plant biodiversity and the urgent need for protective measures in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2011 —
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A study of the Hyrcanian Forests, one of Eurasia's last temperate old-growth forests, reveals that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity declines monotonically with altitude. This pattern mirrors broader trends seen in macroorganisms and is influenced by environmental energy limitations, which reduce competitive ability for rare species. The research combined morphological and molecular identification methods to analyze 367 fungal species across three altitudinal transects, finding that host species and altitude were the primary drivers of community composition at both local and regional scales. Climatic variables like mean annual temperature and precipitation, strongly correlated with altitude, also played a significant role in shaping these patterns. The study suggests further investigation into direct effects of climatic variables and their seasonality, particularly at larger spatial scales.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2011 —
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A detailed isotopic analysis of the Upper Triassic flora from Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina, reveals a mean carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of -25.4‰, consistent with C3 plants and indicating minimal diagenetic alteration. This value is enriched by ~3‰ compared to Middle Triassic plants, suggesting a disturbance in the global carbon cycle during the Early Mesozoic. The study also estimates a paleo-atmospheric isotopic composition of -6.1‰, differing slightly from marine carbonate proxies, possibly due to atmospheric CO2/O2 ratios or hydric stress. The research provides critical data for chemostratigraphic correlation and offers insights into paleoatmospheric conditions during the Carnian period (~225 Ma).
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2011 —
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A reinterpretation of the Plaza de los Glifos at Teotihuacan's La Ventilla residential area (ca. 300–450 CE) challenges prior assumptions about its glyphs, suggesting they primarily depict disease-causing entities and curing rituals rather than toponyms or titles. Central to this proposal is the identification of two 'deer-snake' glyphs—a supernatural creature linked to ailments across Mesoamerica—alongside other signs that align with historical concepts of illness and healing. The study combines a meticulous review of existing interpretations, glyphic writing systems, and linguistic hypotheses about Teotihuacan, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic significance of this unique archaeological site.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2011 —
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Research on <em>Loricariichthys platymetopon</em> at Saraiva Lagoon, Ilha Grande National Park, Brazil, revealed distinct seasonal and spatial patterns in abundance and reproduction. The species exhibited peak relative abundance in February within the middle lagoon section, with reproductive activity concentrated from September to February, ceasing during autumn and winter. High fecundity was observed, averaging 962 oocytes per female (SD ± 382), with notable variation across lagoon sections. These findings suggest adaptive reproductive tactics linked to habitat settlement in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, providing insights into the species' ecological dynamics within a UNESCO-listed site.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
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2011 —
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This study reveals that the transition from paganism to Christianity at Jelling Mounds, Denmark, during the Late Viking Age was not conflict-free but involved distinct religious modalities. Using Harvey Whitehouse’s theory of divergent modes of religiosity (DMR), it shows that pre-Christian rituals were primarily imagistic—characterized by low-frequency, high-arousal events with spontaneous meaning-making—while Christian adoption among nobility reflected doctrinal traits, such as narrative-driven, high-frequency rituals with centralized leadership. Archaeological evidence, including burials, cult sites, and monumental ship graves, supports this duality: hierarchical grave goods suggest doctrinal influence, while exclusive burial practices and violent rituals align with imagistic modality. The study concludes that the peaceful shift to Christianity was facilitated by the nobility’s familiarity with controlled religious narratives, bridging the gap between pagan and Christian structures.
Blenheim Palace
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2011 —
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Country-house tourism in England saw a surge between 1770 and 1815, with estates like Blenheim Palace becoming both historical sites and tourist attractions. This study reveals how guidebooks emerged as a means to formalize public access, reshaping the presentation of these properties. Initially, housekeepers guided visitors, but as popularity grew, owners published guidebooks to control narratives, highlight key features, and inform tourists about interiors and contents. The research examines methodologies behind this re-presentation, showing how country houses were metaphorically 'remade' to function as both residences and tourist destinations—a practice still observable today.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2011 —
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Post-war Japan's collective memory of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been significantly shaped by government-led narratives, reinforcing victim consciousness over reconciliation. This study reveals how Tokyo strategically integrated A-bomb memories into national identity through symbolic means, analyzing peace parks, memorials, and news coverage from two major daily newspapers on memorial days. The findings demonstrate that the nation's memory is guided predominantly by state-driven efforts rather than collective reflection or overcoming the past.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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2011 —
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Despite declining air pollution levels in Estonia, research indicates no significant reduction in the corrosion of limestone materials, including those found in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Tallinn's Old Town. A study analyzing data from 2005–2006 and comparing it to earlier periods (1987–2003) revealed that limestone corrosion loss actually increased during this time. This unexpected finding suggests that factors beyond air pollution, such as changing environmental conditions or variations in material quality—like the use of Portland limestone—may play a significant role in material degradation. The research, part of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects on Materials (ICP Materials), employed long-term monitoring techniques to assess the impact of climate change and air pollution on historical and cultural monuments.
Chitwan National Park
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2011 —
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A citizen-initiated resettlement program in Padampur, Nepal, within the Royal Chitwan National Park, has shown promising results for resident well-being. Unlike traditional forced resettlements, which often lead to negative socioeconomic outcomes, this study found that most respondents reported being socially and economically better off in their new location. While voluntary and forced resettlement groups differed in overall satisfaction and perceptions of land quality and employment, they shared positive evaluations of land ownership, housing, physical infrastructure, health, social ties, and support services. The findings suggest that future conservation-related resettlements could benefit from adopting elements of the Padampur model, with potential improvements focusing on economic status, food and nutrition, and reducing marginalization.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2011 —
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A critical insight from this study is that Emas National Park, despite its small size, provides rare and essential resource conditions for giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) and jaguars (Panthera onca), making these species highly sensitive to landscape changes caused by agricultural development outside the park. The research used noninvasive methods, including scat detection dogs, to survey five large mammals of conservation concern across 1,572 scat locations and 434 giant armadillo burrow sites. By estimating resource selection probability functions, the study revealed that while natural habitats are crucial for these species, remnants of woodland and forest vegetation enable other wide-ranging mammals like maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), pumas (Puma concolor), and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) to utilize agricultural landscapes. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted conservation approach that extends beyond park boundaries to protect these species effectively.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2011 —
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Civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led to a near 50% decline in elephant populations within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, primarily due to increased poaching for ivory during the war. Using distance sampling surveys and Generalized Additive Models, researchers found that human activity—rather than habitat factors—dominated elephant distribution both before and after the conflict, with post-war models explaining more variation. Elephant densities were higher in the park's central, better-protected areas, suggesting these zones acted as refuges. However, persistent threats like weakened institutions, illegal trade, and growing human populations continue to endanger remaining populations. Strengthening conservation efforts and curbing illegal wildlife trade are critical for recovery.
Península Valdés
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2011 —
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Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in Península Valdés, Argentina, showed a three-fold increase in abundance within three years following the removal of sheep from a private wildlife reserve. This rapid response suggests that guanacos, even at high densities, are less damaging to vegetation than sheep. The study compared guanaco populations and plant cover inside and outside the reserve, revealing higher guanaco numbers and greater grassland coverage in areas where sheep were excluded. While management changes led to significant local increases in guanaco populations, the researchers emphasize that large-scale protection is necessary for the long-term persistence of wild guanaco populations. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable coexistence between livestock production and wildlife conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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A 15-year gill-netting program targeting non-native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Yellowstone Lake, USA, failed to achieve population suppression or eradication despite removing nearly 450,000 individuals. While the lake trout population's growth rate remains positive but reduced compared to pre-harvest levels, current fishing efforts are insufficient to curb reproduction and ensure long-term decline. The study highlights that increasing mortality of sexually mature lake trout could enhance suppression effectiveness, underscoring the challenges of restoring a large, remote ecosystem with a simple fish assemblage through targeted apex predator removal.
Macquarie Island
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2011 —
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A significant decline in stream invertebrate taxa and abundance on Macquarie Island, attributed to vegetation damage from overgrazing by exotic rabbits, was documented between 1992 and 2010. Taxa richness dropped by 25–36%, and ordination analysis revealed marked compositional shifts, particularly at sites with moderate or severe grazing impacts. The study suggests that altered organic material input into streams, due to vegetation damage, may have driven these changes. If such degradation persists without refuges, stream invertebrate communities could undergo permanent alteration, posing risks to the island's delicate ecosystem.
Longmen Grottoes
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2011 —
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Heritage governance in urban China operates as a dynamic, interactive process that derives legitimacy from multiple sources without systematic bias against any social group. This insight emerges from an empirical evaluation of the Longmen Grottoes' nomination and preservation, required for its UNESCO World Heritage status. The study examines four varied approaches to state-society relations, applying them to the case of Luoyang's local political system. It reveals that governance in this context is resourceful and adaptive, contrasting with traditional models that assume systematic bias or top-down control.
Ephesus
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2011 —
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Ancient Ephesus, once a bustling coastal city, faced insurmountable challenges from natural sediment deposition that ultimately led to the abandonment of its harbours. Despite repeated human interventions—such as the construction of moles to prevent siltation—the Küçük Menderes River's sediment load inexorably filled the Gulf of Ephesus, forcing inhabitants to relocate harbours westward over centuries. This study reveals that natural processes consistently outpaced human efforts, using a combination of geomorphological data, subsurface geological analysis, archaeological excavations, and ancient texts. Sediment coring and palaeogeographical studies traced shifting river courses, floodplain changes, and anthropogenic deposits, demonstrating the futility of large-scale engineering in combating estuarine infilling. The findings underscore the vulnerability of coastal settlements to long-term natural dynamics, even with advanced intervention strategies.
Aachen Cathedral
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking method for retrofitting historic structures using flexible textile-reinforced mortar bandages has been successfully applied to Aachen Cathedral. This innovative approach demonstrates significant potential for strengthening masonry while preserving its aesthetic and structural integrity. The study involved the application of a lightweight, flexible reinforcement system that effectively bridges cracks and enhances load-bearing capacity without altering the monument's visual character. By combining modern materials with traditional conservation techniques, this method offers a sustainable solution for the long-term preservation of cultural heritage sites facing structural deterioration.
Mount Etna
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2011 —
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A retrospective validation method for long-term lava-flow hazard maps at Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, demonstrates that such maps can accurately predict areas at risk of destructive volcanic processes. The study divided the volcano into ten probability classes based on simulated lava-flow paths and found strong agreement between predicted and actual lava-flow coverage post-1981 using two fitting scores. The approach involved identifying high-probability vent regions, characterizing eruption types for numerical simulations with the MAGFLOW model, and computing eruptive probabilities to construct the hazard map.
Curonian Spit
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2011 —
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A comprehensive review identifies 24 species of Nepticulidae (leaf-mining moths) from the Curonian Spit, Lithuania, associated with host plants across eight families. Notably, over half of these species are linked to Betulaceae and Rosaceae plants, reflecting their ecological significance. The study categorizes their distribution into nine chorological groups, revealing a mix of broad Palaearctic and European ranges alongside more restricted Sub-Baltic distributions. Rare species, such as <em>Stigmella zelleriella</em>, were documented in sand dunes, with illustrations provided for adults and male genitalia. This taxonomic list, supplemented by host-plant data and leaf-mine photographs, advances our understanding of nepticulid biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed coastal ecosystem.
The Persian Garden
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2011 —
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Persian gardens, rooted in Iran's cultural imagination of paradise, exemplify ingenious landscaping adapted to arid climates. A study analyzing Mahan Prince Garden reveals that elements like soil, water, plants, and layout coalesce into a distinct Persian garden style. The research employs descriptive analysis, drawing from examples, documents, and library studies, to highlight how these gardens balance aesthetic beauty with practical sustainability in water-scarce regions. This approach underscores the significance of Persian horticultural artistry in transforming harsh environments into lush, symbolic landscapes.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
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2011 —
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Jordan's lizard fauna is highly diverse, representing 55.5% of the country's terrestrial herpetofauna, with Arabian species dominating (43%). The study reveals that Wadi Rum and the Badia region in southern Jordan serve as a biogeographical filter, hosting species primarily of Arabian affinities that do not extend westward. These areas are part of the Levantine land bridge, facilitating isolation among congeneric species like Ptyodactylus, which may have driven evolutionary divergence. Additionally, Jordan marks the southern limit for some Palaearctic lizard species, such as Lacerta media and Pseudopus apodus, highlighting its role in connecting Mediterranean and Arabian ecosystems. The research synthesizes distributional data to elucidate biogeographical patterns and evolutionary dynamics in this ecologically significant region.
Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
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2011 —
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Richard Wagner's influence on opera, theater, and art theory remains profound, with his original Bayreuth Festival Theatre serving as a foundational model for modern productions. Designed by Otto Brückwald (exterior) and Karl Brandt (interior), the theatre embodied Wagner’s vision of the <em>Gesamtkunstwerk</em> (total work of art), drawing from Gottfried Semper’s architectural principles. Juliet Koss’s <em>Modernism after Wagner</em> explores how this integration of arts—first theorized by Wagner but rooted in Semper’s ideas—shaped modernist movements, particularly in German culture. The book analyzes the enduring legacy of Bayreuth’s design and its impact on subsequent theatrical and artistic innovations.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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2011 —
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Finbarr B. Flood's 'Objects of Translation' offers a groundbreaking analysis of the material culture and architectural history of medieval Hindu-Muslim encounters, particularly focusing on the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi. The study challenges traditional narratives by examining objects such as coins, ivories, and robes of honor, revealing their roles in cultural dynamics and political economies across the Indus basin from the 8th to 13th centuries. Flood's rigorous art historical analysis is enriched by contemporary theoretical frameworks, providing a nuanced understanding of how these artifacts shaped Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The work stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending historical geography, cultural dynamics, and architectural studies to illuminate the complexities of medieval encounters in South Asia.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2011 —
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A critical population assessment of the Endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin (<em>Eudyptes moseleyi</em>) at Tristan da Cunha reveals that over 65% of the global population resides in this remote South Atlantic archipelago, with breeding numbers estimated at 168,700 pairs across four islands. The study, the first to update counts since 1973 for Middle Island, found stable populations over three decades, contrasting with broader declines observed elsewhere. Researchers employed comprehensive aerial and ground surveys in 2009, providing a baseline for conservation efforts at this UNESCO-listed site, which is vital for the species' survival.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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A revision of the genus Coprosma (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands reveals three newly described species: <em>Coprosma fatuhivaensis</em>, <em>C. meyeri</em>, and <em>C. temetiuensis</em>. These additions bring the total number of Coprosma species in the region to six, making it the sixth largest lineage after genera like Psychotria, Cyrtandra, and Bidens. Four of these species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), while two are Endangered (EN). The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, conservation assessments, and a key for identification. It builds upon earlier work during the preparation of the <em>Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands</em>, offering critical insights into the biodiversity and conservation status of this remote Polynesian archipelago.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2011 —
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A revision of the genus Kadua (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, reveals three newly described species: Coprosma fatuhivaensis, Coprosma meyeri, and Coprosma temetiuensis. This expansion brings the total number of Coprosma species in the archipelago to six, making it the sixth largest lineage after Psychotria (9 spp.), Cyrtandra (8 spp.), Bidens (8 spp.), Melicope (7 spp.), and Ixora (7 spp.). The study provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, conservation assessments, and specimen citations for these species. Notably, four of the Coprosma species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), while two are Endangered (EN). Amended descriptions and a key to the species are also included, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Marquesas Islands' vascular flora.
Anticosti
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2011 —
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A significant revision of the Ordovician–Silurian boundary position is proposed based on δ13C chemostratigraphy from southern Ontario, suggesting the Manitoulin Formation is latest Ordovician (Hirnantian) rather than earliest Silurian. The study identified a Hirnantian isotope carbon excursion (HICE) in the upper Queenston Formation to lower-middle Manitoulin Formation, supporting this conclusion and aligning with biostratigraphic data from conodonts and brachiopods. Notably, the HICE is absent on Manitoulin Island but present in the Bruce Peninsula and adjacent regions, indicating age variations across the area. This challenges the traditional boundary placement at the base of the Manitoulin Formation, instead suggesting it lies near the base of the overlying Cabot Head Formation. These findings have major implications for interpreting the geologic history and marine depositional patterns of the latest Ordovician in North America.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2011 —
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New radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis of the Neolithic chamber tomb at Quanterness, Orkney, reveals that burial activity likely spanned from 3510 to 2790 cal BC, with a peak period between 3450 and 2850–2790 cal BC. This tighter chronological framework challenges previous assumptions about the site's stratigraphy, indicating extensive mixing of deposits. Osteological evidence suggests that the human remains were not subjected to excarnation or significant sub-aerial weathering, implying local burial practices rather than secondary deposition from elsewhere. Stable isotope data (δ13C: –20.5 ± 0.4‰; δ15N: 11.1 ± 0.6‰) indicate minimal marine protein consumption despite the site's coastal proximity, with potential diachronic trends hinting at evolving farming practices. These findings contextualize Quanterness within Middle/Late Neolithic Orkney, supporting theories on the emergence of Grooved Ware pottery and the origin of Maes Howe-type passage tombs.
Pitons Management Area
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2011 —
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A detailed analysis of the Piton de La Fournaise, a basaltic shield volcano on Réunion Island, reveals that while its overall dangerosity is relatively low, historical activity patterns demonstrate phases with potentially destructive eruptions. The study characterizes distinct eruption processes and assesses associated risks to human lives and infrastructure on the volcano's slopes. By synthesizing recent research, it provides insights into the volcanic dynamics that could inform risk management strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kairouan
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of the Ribāṭ (monastic community) and the ideal of sainthood in Kairouan and the Ifrīqiyen coast reveals how these institutions evolved from the 2nd/8th to the 4th/10th century, with significant implications for understanding Islamic spiritual practices and political dynamics during this period. The study leverages the Riyāḍ al-Nufūs, a biographical dictionary compiled by Abū Bakr al-Mālikī around 1072, which provides rare insights into the social and religious transformations of the time. This work sheds light on the interplay between saintly figures, monastic life, and broader historical events such as the Hilaliene invasion, Zīrīdo-ḥammādide rivalries, and Almoravid expansion, offering a nuanced perspective on the Islamization and Arabization of medieval North Africa.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)-induced mortality of eastern hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has triggered significant ecological shifts in riparian ecosystems. Impacted streams exhibit reduced canopy coverage, increased light availability, and altered vegetative composition, with red maple, yellow birch, sweet birch, and rosebay rhododendron dominating post-mortality landscapes. Aquatic systems show cooler temperatures during colder months, higher concentrations of nutrients like silicon, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, and copper, as well as increased acid neutralization capacity and pH. While macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance remain largely unaffected, shifts in functional feeding groups (from collector/filter to scraper) and reductions in specific taxa, such as Chironomidae, Ephemeroptera, and Pleuroceridae snails, highlight the ecological disruption caused by hemlock mortality. The study employed a comparative approach, assessing riparian and aquatic impacts across reference sites with initial HWA presence and impacted sites with over 90% hemlock mortality, revealing both short-term and long-term consequences of invasive species on stream ecosystems.
City of Cuzco
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2011 —
WHE7C356991FC
A study of medicinal plants sold in nine markets—five major and four smaller zonal ones—in the city of Cusco, Peru, revealed a rich diversity of 152 species across 45 families. The most abundant were Asteraceae (36 species) and Lamiaceae (12), with Muehlenbeckia volcanica ('Mullaca'), Perezia virens ('Valeriana'), Matricaria recutita ('Manzanilla'), and Hypochaeris taraxacoides ('Pilli pilli') being the most frequently traded. The findings indicate that 75% of these plants are herbaceous, with 81% using the entire plant part, primarily prepared as infusions or 'mates calientes.' The study also identified that 83% of the species are native, predominantly from the Andean region surrounding Cusco, highlighting a strong connection to ancient Quechua knowledge. This research underscores the significant role of traditional medicinal practices in contemporary markets, mirroring patterns observed in other Andean regions like Bolivia and Ecuador.
Dazu Rock Carvings
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2011 —
WHEEB1CC146B1
A quantitative risk assessment of disease affecting the eaves of niches in the Dazu Rock Carvings reveals critical vulnerabilities that threaten their preservation. By integrating geographic information system (GIS) technology with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), researchers identified key factors contributing to disease risk and assigned them weights. Spatial analysis and an integrated assessment model then mapped these risks, enabling targeted conservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven method for prioritizing interventions in heritage site management, balancing scientific rigor with practical application.
Tsodilo
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2011 —
WHEA73CC6A47D
A recent study at Rhino Cave, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tsodilo Hills in Botswana, reveals compelling evidence of ritualized behavior during the Middle Stone Age (MSA). The research uncovered a unique assemblage of MSA artifacts, including intricately crafted points made from non-local raw materials, which were deliberately burned or smashed and never left the cave. These artifacts, found alongside grinding slabs and specularite pigment, suggest a specialized behavioral pattern distinct from typical subsistence activities. The discovery also includes a section of a carved rock face with numerous cupules, further indicating ritualistic practices. This study employed a chaîneopératoire analysis to interpret the behavioral patterns, providing new insights into the cognitive and social complexities of MSA societies in southern Africa.
