Sites just clinging to existence

The World Monuments Fund, a nonprofit that works to rescue and preserve imperiled places, recently released its global watch list of its 100 most endangered sites. Places were selected by a panel of 10 experts in architecture, archeology, history, anthropology and other fields. Five highlights from the list are below. See www.wmf.org for a complete list.

What’s at risk: Iraq, the whole country. Cultural heritage sites, including temples, public works and towns, some of which date to the beginnings of Western civilization.

Endangered by: Decades of isolation during Saddam Hussein’s regime, a war with Iran and the current war.

What’s at risk: Montrose County, Colo. The Hanging Flume, a 19th century 13-mile pathway built into the walls of the Dolores River Canyon. The flume carried more than 7.8 million gallons of water daily used in hydraulic gold mining.

Endangered by: Erosion and scavengers taking some of its parts.

What’s at risk: Gettysburg, Pa. Cyclorama Center, built in 1963 by architect Richard Neutra, who designed a cylindrical drum to house the 360-degree panoramic painting of Pickett’s Charge.

Endangered by: A National Park Service plan to build a new visitor center. The center is slated for demolition and will be closed in November.

What’s at risk: West Bank of the Nile River, Luxor, Egypt. Archeological sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, burial sites of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers (1540-1075 BC), 40 temples and more.

Endangered by: Rising groundwater, theft, vandalism, uncontrolled tourism and development pressures.

What’s at risk: Ladakh, Western Himalayas, India. Buddhist temples Guru Lhakhang and Sumda Chung, from the 11th to 14th centuries, were instrumental in the evolution of the religion in the western Himalayas. They contain elaborate wall paintings and stucco structures.

Endangered by: Climate changes, including increased rainfall, threaten the mud-brick and timber construction of the temples.