The extent of contamination of soils with soil transmitted helminthes (STH) eggs, particularly Toxocara, was determined in selected urban and rural towns of Laguna, Philippines. Soil samples were collected from public schools, house yards, and empty lots. Results revealed that, of the 1480 soil samples collected, 460 (31%) were positive for STH eggs. Toxocara sp. was the most prevalent (77%), followed by Ascaris sp. (11%), hookworms/strongyles/free-living nematodes (7%), and Trichuris sp. (5%). Some soil physicochemical parameters were also determined and associated with Toxocara eggs prevalence and density in soil. Results revealed that Toxocara sp. eggs were most prevalent in less acidic, relatively high temperature and high moisture soil conditions. They were also prevalent in sandy, silty, and loamy soil textures but less prevalent in clayey. No significant differences were found between depth 1 (0–5 cm) and depth 2 (6–10 cm). This study revealed that Toxocara sp. eggs are ubiquitous and the extent of contamination in soils from the selected towns of Laguna is relatively high. Hence, the data generated in this study can be used in promoting public awareness, particularly for pet owners and local health officials, for effective prevention and control of this parasitosis.

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Developmental instability using fluctuating asymmetry is a tool for morphological assessment to reflect the state of species adaptation and individual fitness. This research focused on the conchological analysis of Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774) shells relative to key water parameters in Laguna de Bay, Philippines. Results from the western and eastern regions of the lake, characterized by marked differences in water qualities, indicate that linear shell characteristics are not significantly affected by water quality, in contrast to other geometric parameters. Geometric morphometrics of Malahanobis and Procrustes distances exhibit horizontal elongation in shells from the west, and vertical elongation in those from the east. Generalized linear mixed modelling of shell morphometry with water quality revealed an inverse relationship between NO3- and shell size, and a direct association between shell shape changes and elevated Cr (VI). The combination of NO3-, water pH and total suspended solids were the factors identified to have the most effect on shell size, with Cr (VI), NH4+, and water pressure playing significant roles in affecting shape. Results of this work demonstrate the utility of C. fluminea’s fluctuating asymmetry as influenced by water quality to constitute important baselines for the management of a lake and its biological resources.

Global biodiversity decline is continuing largely unabated. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (hereafter, Red List) provides us with the gold standard for assessments, but taxonomic coverage, especially for invertebrates and fungi, remains very low. Many players contribute to the Red List knowledge base, especially IUCN Red List partners, IUCN-led assessment projects, and the Specialist Groups and Red List Authorities (RLA) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. However, it is vital that we develop the next generation of contributors and bring in new, diverse voices to build capacity and to sustain the huge assessment effort required to fill data gaps. Here, we discuss a recently established partner network to build additional capacity for species assessments, by linking academia directly into the assessment processes run by Specialist Groups and RLAs. We aim to increase Red List “literacy” amongst potential future conservationists and help students to increase publication output, form professional networks, and develop writing and research skills. Professors can build Red List learning into their teaching and offer Red Listing opportunities to students as assignments or research projects that directly contribute to the Red List. We discuss the opportunities presented by the approach, especially for underrepresented species groups, and the challenges that remain.