UPLB Environmental Biology Division

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

A recent study co-authored by Prof. Ireneo L. Lit, Jr. of the Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS, CAS, UPLB), introduces a data-driven approach to wildlife conservation.

The study utilized a spatial modeling framework (using the MaxEnt algorithm) to map the habitats of 13 threatened species within the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL) in Bohol, Philippines. With a high predictive accuracy (mean AUC = 0.905), the research successfully mapped species richness across the landscape—uncovering critical biodiversity hotspots in the northern and northwestern sectors while exposing habitat degradation in the south. By evaluating multiple zoning thresholds, the team identified the Cumulative Richness Frequency Distribution (CRFD) inflection point (~6 species) as the optimal baseline, effectively capturing 90% of documented species occurrences while maintaining vital ecological corridors. Ultimately, this framework provides an objective, data-driven decision-support tool to transition protected area management from arbitrary boundaries to targeted habitat restoration and strategic resource allocation.

Link here: https://oneecosystem.pensoft.net/article/184595/

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SDGs: SDG 15, SDG 13 , SDG 6

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT! 🚨

A recent study co-authored by Assist. Prof. Mario A. Cudiamat of the Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS, CAS, UPLB), provides critical insights into the ecological value of Manila's urban canopy.

The Arroceros Forest Park in Manila is regarded as the “last lung” of Metro Manila and plays a vital role in urban carbon storage. Researchers recorded 264 trees from 19 species, with Swietenia macrophylla emerging as the most dominant contributor to biomass and carbon stock. Other large-diameter species like Acacia auriculiformis and Pterocarpus indicus also significantly influenced carbon dynamics. The study found a total biomass of 1,127.20 Mg/ha and a carbon stock of 507.24 Mg C/ha, equivalent to 1,861.56 Mg CO2, with a mitigation potential of 4,095.42 Mg. These findings emphasize the importance of protecting mature trees and maintaining biodiversity to support climate-resilient urban forest conservation strategies.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land"

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

Unveiling the Ecological Health of Seven Lakes of San Pablo: A Multi-metric Approach to Water Quality Assessment Researchers from the Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños and University of the Philippines Diliman have conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Seven Maar Lakes of San Pablo, Philippines. By utilizing two distinct water quality index (WQI) methods—the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and the Modified CCME-WQI (MCWQI)—the study transforms complex data into clear dimensionless ratings to evaluate ecosystem health.

Key findings reveal a stark contrast in water quality: ecotourism lakes (Mohicap, Pandin, and Yambo) were classified as having good to very good conditions, while aquaculture lakes (Bunot, Calibato, Palakpakin, and Sampaloc) ranged from fair to poor. High phosphorus levels and biological oxygen demand (BOD) were identified as primary drivers of pollution, particularly in lakes with intensive aquaculture. The study highlights the WAWQI as a more responsive and effective tool for local management, providing the strict classification necessary to guide conservation and policy decisions for these vital freshwater resources. Authors: Assist. Prof. John Vincent R. Pleto, Prof. Mayzonee V. Ligaray, and Prof. Francis S. Magbanua.

Read the full study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10201-026-00837-9

This research advances: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 15: Life on Land

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT! 🚨

Effectiveness of a Novel Modified Light Trap toward Enhanced Cave Arthropod Biodiversity Sampling

Researchers from the Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños and the Museum of Natural History, UPLB have developed a portable light trap specifically designed for the logistical challenges of subterranean environments. This novel tool outperformed standard methods by capturing up to 85.71% unique morphospecies and effectively sampling flying insects, such as Diptera, which are typically missed by traditional traps. The study advocates for integrating this trap into standard cave protocols to better document cave biodiversity.

Authors: Ms. Marnelli S. Alviola, Mr. Cristian C. Lucañas, Ms. Camille Faith D. Duran, Ms. Maria Niña Rica T. Cantalejo, Mr. Orlando L. Eusebio, Prof. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, Assist. Prof. Kristine O. Abenis, and Prof. Ireneo L. Lit Jr.

🔗 Read the full study: philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph

This research advances SDG 15: Life on Land.

🌿 UPLB Professorial Chair Presentation

The Environmental Biology Division of the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños , cordially invites you to a technical seminar focusing on the vital signs of our freshwater resources.

Join Asst. Prof. John Vincent R. Pleto as he presents his latest research on aquatic ecosystem assessment:

Evaluating Lake Health: Multi-Metric Indices (MMIs) as Indicators of Ecological Change

As our inland waters face increasing anthropogenic pressures, the development of precise, multi-dimensional tools is essential for effective management and restoration. This talk will delve into how MMIs provide a comprehensive "health check" for lake ecosystems, allowing scientists and policymakers to track environmental shifts with greater accuracy.

📍 Event Details:

Date: 27 April 2026

Time: 09:30 AM

Venue: IBS Lecture Hall Main, UPLB

Come and be part of the discussion on how we can better protect and manage our natural heritage through rigorous biological research.

To BS Biology students who will take BIO 198 this Midyear 2026:

The Internship Seminar will be held on 14 May 2026, 1-4 PM at the IBS Main Lecture Hall.

Attendance is strictly required. Please be guided accordingly.

The College of Arts and Sciences warmly invites everyone to attend LaCAS ng Kababaihan: A Webinar with Women Leaders on Monday, 23 March, 1-3 PM via Zoom.

This event gathers women in different fields who will share their experiences and insights on the varied forms a woman's enduring strength takes. It is organized by the CAS Gender and Development Committee in celebration of the National Women's Month.

Register through the QR code on the poster or through this link:
https://up-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/kvRXI1xOQy2BfDy0DvUAsQ