ABRIDGED CURRICULUM VITAE - Edward Charles Netherlands, PhD

Department of Zoology and Entomology, PO Box 339, University of the Free State, 9300, South Africa

PROFILE

Tel. (w) +27 (0) 51 401 7585

Email: NetherlandsEC@ufs.ac.za

Date of birth:  1989-05-15

Nationality:     South African

Languages:     English (Native), Afrikaans (Fluent), Sesotho (Limited)

WEB LINKS:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Edward-Netherlands

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1856-0586

EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION

CURRENT:

Senior lecturer: Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State (UFS), RSA

TERTIARY EDUCATION:

PhD - Biology: KU Leuven & NWU (2015-2019)

MSc - Environmental Sciences (2013-2014)

BSc Honours - Environmental Sciences (2012)

BSc - Zoology, Botany & Tourism (2009 -2011)

SECONDARY EDUCATION:

Ficksburg High School: Matriculated – 2007

SPECIAL AWARDS & HONOURS:

2023: Finalist - TW Kambule-NSTF Award in the Emerging Researchers category by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)

2019: Parasitological Society of Southern Africa: Winner of the Senior WO Neitz Medal (Best PhD)

2018: Nation Research Foundation: Research Excellence for Next Generation Researchers Award (Best PhD)

2015: North-West University – Faculty Natural Sciences (2015): Winner of the S2A3 Medal (Best NWU MSc)

2015: Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (2015): Winner of the Junior WO Neitz Medal (Best MSc)

EDITORIAL ACTIVITIES:

Editorial board - African Journal of Herpetology - Print ISSN: 2156-4574 (2019 – current)

GUEST EDITOR:

African Journal of Wildlife Research - Print ISSN: 2410-7220; Online ISSN: 2410-8200 (2023)

African Zoology - Print ISSN: 1562-7020; Online ISSN: 2224-073X (2023)

LECTURING:

UFS: ZLGY3724: Life history strategies in arid environments - Third year (2022  – current)

UFS: ZLGY6844: Capita selecta – Herpetology – Honours (2022 – current)

UFS: BLGY1663: Introduction to Zoology & Entomology – First year (2024 - current)

SUPERVISION:

Doctoral: 3 Current, 1 graduated

Masters: 4 current, 7 graduated

Honours: 8 graduated

PUBLISHED RESEARCH 

1. Phaka, F., Netherlands, E.C., Du Preez, L. (2024). Leapfrogs in species discovery and socially inclusive herpetology. African Journal of Wildlife Research 54: 000–000. https://doi.org/10.3957/056.054.0000
2. Megía-Palma, R., Sánchez-Montes, G., Netherlands, E.C., Palomar, G., Martínez-Solano, I. (2024). High prevalence of Trypanosoma infection in Iberian green frogs (Pelophylax perezi) and evidence of a negative relationship between blood parasites and two indices of frog body condition. Basic and Applied Herpetology. 38, 91–110. http://dx.doi.org/10.11160/bah.294
3. Jordaan, B.J., du Preez, L.H., Netherlands, E.C. (2024). Revisiting the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma) infecting pelomedusid (Pelomedusidae) freshwater turtles in Southern Africa. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202, zlae107. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae107
4. Truong, T.N., Dutton, H.R., Netherlands, E.C., Du Preez, L.H., Jacobs, F.J., Bullard, S.A. (2024). First Azygiid Reported from Africa or a Characiform Fish: Plenivitellinum kifi n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae) Infecting the Gut of African Tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861 (Characiformes: Alestidae) from the Kavango River. Acta Parasitologica. 69, 1403–1410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-024-00872-5
5. Mofokeng, L.S., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J., Cook, C.A. (2024). Developmental stages and molecular phylogeny of Hepatozoon fitzsimonsi (Dias 1953) (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) in tortoises Stigmochelys pardalis (Cryptodira: Testudinidae) and ticks of the genus Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) from South Africa.  Parasites & Vectors. 17, 314. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06398-z
6. Du Preez, L.H., Lumpkin, S.K., Netherlands, E., Channing, A. (2024). Unique breeding biology of the recently described Beytell`s bullfrog Pyxicephalus beytelli. African Journal of Ecology. 62, e13311. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13311  
7. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., Viana, A.L., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2024). Unoculubranchiobdella sp. (Hirudinea: Ozobranchidae) as a vector for Haemogregarina spp. in freshwater turtles from Brazil. Parasitology Research. 84, e282989 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08271-5
8. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., Viana, A.L., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2024). Is there only one species of Hepatozoon infecting Brazilian caimans? Integrative taxonomy unveiling the parasite’s diversity. Brazilian Journal of Biology. 123:249. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.282989
9. Dutton, H.R., Du Preez, L.H., Netherlands, E.C., Jordaan, B.J., Bullard, S.A. (2024). Description of female Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta (Braun, 1901) Skrjabin, 1924 from two new avian hosts in Namibia with phylogenetic analyses and comments on several taxonomically uncertain avian schistosome sequences. Journal of Parasitology. 110(2), 170–178. https://doi.org/10.1645/23-44
10. Du Preez, L.H., Netherlands, E.C., Rödel, M.O., Channing, A. (2024). A new bullfrog from southern Africa (Pyxicephalidae, Pyxicephalus Tschudi, 1838) African Journal of Herpetology. 73, 61–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2023.2296654
11. Warren, M.B., Jacobs, F., Dutton, H.R., Netherlands, E.C., Du Preez, L.H., Bullard, S.A. (2024). First report of a fish blood fluke from sub-Saharan Africa: Nomasanguinicola dentata (Paperna, 1964) Warren and Bullard, 2023 infecting African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Teugles, 1982 in the Kavango River, Namibia, and a revised phylogeny for Sanguinicolidae Poche, 1926. Parasitology International. 100, 102862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2024.102862
12. Phaka F., Netherlands E.C., Van Steenberge M., Verheyen E., Sonet G., Hugé J., Du Preez L.H., Vanhove M. (2023). Barcoding and traditional health practitioner perspectives are informative to monitor and conserve frogs and reptiles traded for traditional medicine in urban South Africa. Molecular Ecology Resources. 00:1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13873
13. Du Preez, G.C., Souza Silva, M., Fourie, H., Girgan, C., Netherlands, E.C., Swart, A., Ferreira, R.L. (2023). Nematode dynamics in an African dolomite cave: What is the role of environmental filtering in spatial and temporal distribution? Basic and Applied Ecology. 71, 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2023.05.002
14. Jordaan, B.J., du Preez, L.H., Netherlands, E.C. (2023). Taxonomic re-evaluation of African anuran trypanosomes with the redescription and molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma) nelspruitense Laveran, 1904 and Trypanosoma (Haematomonas) grandicolor Pienaar, 1962. Parasitology. 150, 477–487. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182023000203
15. Jordaan, B.J., van As, J., Netherlands, E.C. (2023). Morphological and molecular diagnosis of two new species of Trypanosoma Gruby, 1843 infecting South African cordylid lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae: Cordylinae), Trypanosoma (Squamatrypanum) ndumoensis n. sp. and Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma) tokoloshi n. sp. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology. 70, e12970. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.12970
16. De Lange, F., Netherlands, E.C., du Preez, L.H. (2023). Call repertoire of Ptychadena uzungwensis (Anura: Ptychadenidae) to complement molecular and morphological identification of the species from the Soutpansberg, South Africa. African Journal of Herpetology. 72, 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/21564574.2022.2161015
17. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., de Alcantara, E.P., Emmerich, E., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2022). Diversity of haemogregarine parasites infecting Brazilian anurans, with a description of new species of Dactylosoma (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Dactylosomatidae). Acta Parasitologica. 67, 1740–1755.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-022-00624-3
18. Majdi, N., de Necker, L., Fourie, H., Loggenberg, A., Netherlands, E.C., Bunte-Tschikin, J., Traunspurger, W., du Preez, G.C. (2022). Diversity and distribution of benthic invertebrates dwelling rivers of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Koedoe 64, a1702. https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v64i1.1702
19. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., de Alcantara, E.P., Emmerich, E., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2022). Diversity of haemogregarine parasites infecting Brazilian snakes from the Midwest and Southeast regions with a description of two new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae). Parasitology International 89, 102587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2022.102587
20. Svitin, R., Bullard, S.A., Dutton, H., Netherlands, E.C., Syrota, Y., Verneau, O., du Preez, L.H. (2021). Pseudocapillaria (Ichthyocapillaria) bumpi n. sp. (Nematoda: Capillariidae) parasitising West African lungfish Protopterus annectens (Owen, 1839) (Lepidosireniformes: Protopteridae) in Mozambique and its phylogenetic position within capillariid nematodes. Acta Parasitologica 66, 1204–1211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-021-00389-1
21. Netherlands, E.C., Stroebel, C., du Preez, L.H., Shabangu, N., Matjila, P.T., van Schalkwyk, O.L., Penzhorn, B.L. (2021). Molecular confirmation of high prevalence of species of Hepatozoon infection in free-ranging African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 14, 335–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.002
22. Kuzmin, Y., Netherlands, E.C., du Preez, L., Svitin, R. (2021). Two new species of Neofoleyellides (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) parasitising anuran amphibians in South Africa. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 14, 298–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.02.018
23. Nel, T., du Preez, L., Netherlands, E.C., Syrota, Y., Svitin, R. (2021). Spiroxys ankarafantsika Roca et Garcia, 2008 (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) and Other Nematodes Parasitising Pelusios spp. (Testudines: Pelomedusidae) from South Africa and Mozambique. Acta Parasitologica 66, 954–961. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-021-00352-0
24. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., de Alcantara, E.P., Emmerich, E., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2021). Description of a new species Hepatozoon quagliattus sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), infecting the sleep snake, Dipsas mikanii (Squamata: Colubridae: Dipsadinae) from Goiás State, Brazil. Acta Parasitologica 66, 871–880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-021-00355-x
25. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., de Alcantara, E.P., Emmerich, E., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2021). New insights on the diversity of Brazilian anuran blood parasites: With the description of three new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) from Leptodactylidae anurans. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 14, 190–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.02.009
26. Úngari, L.P., Netherlands, E.C., Santos, A.L.Q., de Alcantara, E.P., Emmerich, E., da Silva, R.J., O’Dwyer, L.H. (2020). A new species, Dactylosoma piperis n. sp. (Apicomplexa, Dactylosomatidae), from the pepper frog Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Parasite, 27: 73. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2020070
27. Edgecombe, G.D., Akkari, N., Netherlands, E.C., Du Preez, G. (2020). A troglobitic species of the centipede Cryptops (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha) from northwestern Botswana. ZooKeys, 977: 25–40. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.977.57088
28. Fan, L., Xu, W., Jia, T., Netherlands, E.C., du Preez, L.H. (2020). Polystoma luohetong n. sp. (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) from Rana chaochiaoensis Liu (Amphibia: Ranidae) in China. Systematic Parasitology, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-020-09937-1
29. Van As, M., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J. (2020). Molecular characterisation and morphological description of two new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) infecting leukocytes of African leopards Panthera pardus pardus (L.). Parasites & Vectors, 13, 222. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-3933-6
30. Netherlands, E.C., Svitin, R., Cook, C.A., Smit, N.J., Brendonck, L., Vanhove, M.P.M., du Preez, L.H. (2020). Neofoleyellides boerewors n. gen. n. sp. (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) parasitising common toads and mosquito vectors: morphology, life history, experimental transmission and host-vector interaction in situ. International Journal for Parasitology, 50, 177–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.11.009
31. Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., du Preez, L.H., Vanhove, M.P.M., Brendonck, L., Smit, N.J. (2020). An overview of the Dactylosomatidae (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Dactylosomatidae), with the description of Dactylosoma kermiti n. sp. parasitising Ptychadena anchietae and Sclerophrys gutturalis from South Africa. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 11, 246–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.12.006
32. Vamberger, M., Hofmeyr, M.D., Cook, C.A., Netherlands, E.C., Fritz, U. (2019). Phylogeography of the East African serrated hinged terrapin Pelusios sinuatus (Smith, 1838) and resurrection of Sternothaerus bottegi Boulenger, 1895 as a subspecies of P. sinuatus. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 13 (2). http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_13_no_2/ARC_13_2_[Special_Section]_42-56_e184.pdf
33. Phaka, F.M., Netherlands, E.C., Kruger, D.J., du Preez, L.H. (2019). Folk taxonomy and indigenous names for frogs in Zululand, South Africa. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 15, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0294-3
34. Penzhorn, B.L., Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., Smit, N.J., Vorster, I., Harrison-White, R.F., Oosthuizen, M.C. (2018). Occurrence of Hepatozoon canis (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) and Anaplasma spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) in South Africa. Parasites & Vectors, 11 (1), 158. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2714-y 
35. Cook, C.A., Netherlands, E.C., Van As, J., Smit, N.J. (2018). Two new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) parasitising species of Philothamnus (Ophidia: Colubridae) from South Africa. Folia Parasitologica, 65(1), 04. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2018.004
36. Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., du Preez, L.H., Vanhove, M.P.M., Brendonck, L., Smit, N.J. (2018). Monophyly of the species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) parasitising (African) anurans, with the description of three new species from hyperoliid frogs in South Africa. Parasitology, 145 (8), 1039–1050. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003118201700213X 
37. Minter, L.R., Netherlands, E.C., du Preez, L.H. (2017). Uncovering a hidden diversity: two new species of Breviceps (Anura: Brevicipitidae) from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Zootaxa, 4300 (2), 195–216. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4300.2.3
38. Welicky, R., De Swart, J., Gerber, R., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J. (2017). Drought-associated absence of alien invasive anchorworm, Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Lernaeidae), is related to changes in fish health. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 6, 430–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.01.004
39. Conradie, R., Cook, C.A., du Preez, L.H., Jordaan, A., Netherlands, E.C. (2017). Ultrastructural comparison of Hepatozoon ixoxo and Hepatozoon theileri (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), parasitising South African anurans. Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 64, 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeu.12351
40. Van As, J., Cook, C.A., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J. (2016). A new lizard malaria parasite Plasmodium intabazwe n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemospororida: Plasmodiidae) in the Afromontane Pseudocordylus melanotus (Sauria: Cordylidae) with a review of African saurian malaria parasites. Parasites & Vectors 9(1), 437. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1702-3
41. Cook, C.A., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J. (2016). Redescription, molecular characterization and taxonomic re-evaluation of a unique African monitor lizard haemogregarine Karyolysus paradoxa (Dias, 1954) n. comb. (Karyolysidae). Parasites & Vectors, 9, 347. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1600-8
42. Cook, C.A., Netherlands, E.C., Smit, N.J. (2015). First Hemolivia from southern Africa: reassigning chelonian Haemogregarina parvula Dias, 1953 (Adeleorina: Haemogregarinidae) to Hemolivia (Adeleorina: Karyolysidae). African Zoology, 50(2), 165–173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2015.1044467
43. Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., Kruger, D.J., du Preez, L.H., Smit, N.J. (2015). Biodiversity of frog haemoparasites from sub-tropical northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 4(1), 135–141. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.01.003
44. Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., Smit, N.J. (2014). Hepatozoon species (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) of African bufonids, with morphological description and molecular diagnosis of Hepatozoon ixoxo sp. nov. parasitising three Amietophrynus species (Anura: Bufonidae). Parasites & Vectors, 7(1), 552. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-014-0552-0
45. Netherlands, E.C., Cook, C.A., Smit, N.J., du Preez, L.H. (2014). Redescription and molecular diagnosis of Hepatozoon theileri (Laveran, 1905) (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), infecting Amietia quecketti (Anura: Pyxicephalidae). Folia Parasitologica, 61(4), 293–300. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2014.046

BOOKS & BOOK CHAPTERS

1. Vanhove, M.P.M., Kmentová, N., Luus-Powell, W.J., Netherlands, E.C., de Buron, I., Barger, M.A. (2022): A snapshot of parasites in tropical and subtropical freshwater wetlands: modest attention for major players. In: Dalu T, & Wasserman RJ, (eds). Fundamentals of Tropical Freshwater Wetlands: From Ecology to Conservation Management. Academic Press, London. Chennai: Elsevier, 417–485. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822362-8.00020-7
2. Acosta, A.A., Netherlands, E.C., Retief, F., de Necker, L., du Preez, L., Truter, M., Alberts, R., Gerber, R., Wepener, V., Malherbe, W., Smit, N.J. (2020). Conserving Freshwater Biodiversity in an African Subtropical Wetland: South Africa’s Lower Phongolo River and Floodplain. In Managing Wildlife in a Changing World. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93752
3. Phaka, F.M., Netherlands, E.C., Kruger, D.J., du Preez, L.H. (2017): A Bilingual Field Guide to the Frogs of Zululand. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. 978-1-928224-19-8

CONFERENCES; SYMPOSIA; & WORKSHOPS

1. Netherlands EC*. The biology of blood parasites in amphibians and reptiles: Insights into host-parasite interactions and ecology. VI International Conference on Malaria and Other Blood Parasites of Wildlife & III International Symposium of the Wildlife Diseases Research Network 26–29 November 2024, Medellín, Colombia. (Keynote speaker).
2. Netherlands EC*, Jordaan BJ, Du Preez LH & Van As J. Exploring the diversity of haemoparasites in Smaug depressus (flat dragon lizard), an endemic from the Soutpansberg mountain range in South Africa. 10th World Congress of Herpetology 5–9 August 2024, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
3. Du Bussion J, Du Preez LH & Netherlands EC*. Diversity and distribution of anuran blood parasites within the Vhembe Biosphere. 10th World Congress of Herpetology 5–9 August 2024, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
4. Jordaan BJ*, Du Preez LH, Van As J & Netherlands EC. Investigating trypanosomes of herpetofauna in Southern Africa. 10th World Congress of Herpetology 5–9 August 2024, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
5. Picelli AM*, Ceríaco LM, Pacheco AM, Netherlands EC, Heinicke M, Escalante AA & Bauer AM. Hemoparasites in Herpetofauna: revealing hidden components of Southern Africa biodiversity. 10th World Congress of Herpetology 5–9 August 2024, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
6. Du Bussion J*, Du Preez LH & Netherlands EC. Frogs and their blood parasites: A biodiversity survey of the Soutpansberg mountain range. 51^st Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA), 17–20 September 2023, Muldersdrift.
7. Haarhof T*, Venter M, Du Preez, LH & Netherlands EC. The complete mitochondrial genomes of species of Haemogregarina (Adeleorina: Haemogregarinidae), parasitising the Serrated hinged terrapin Pelusios sinuatus. 51^st Annual Congress of PARSA, 17–20 September 2023, Muldersdrift.
8. Netherlands EC*, Jordaan BJ, Du Buisson J, Haarhof T & Du Preez LH. Under the Dragon`s Veil: investigating the diversity of blood parasites in the Flat dragon lizard (Smaug depressus) from the Soutpansberg mountain range. 51^st Annual Congress of PARSA, 17–20 September 2023, Muldersdrift.
9. Jordaan BJ*, Du Preez LH & Netherlands EC. Revisiting the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma) infecting pelomedusid (Pelomedusidae) freshwater turtles in Southern Africa. 51^st Annual Congress of PARSA, 17–20 September 2023, Muldersdrift
10. Le Roux C*, Cook, C, Netherlands EC, Truter M & Smit NJ. Molecular and morphological characterisation of four species of fish parasitic Trypanosoma Gruby, 1843 from the South Coast of South Africa. 51^st Annual Congress of PARSA, 17–20 September 2023, Muldersdrift.
11. Netherlands EC*, Jordaan BJ, Du Buisson J, Haarhof T & Du Preez LH. Small dragons, big surprises: exploring the diversity of blood parasites in Smaug depressus (flat dragon lizard) from the Soutpansberg mountain range. Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA), 25–29 September 2023, Central Drakensberg.
12. Netherlands EC*. (Workshop). Blood parasites of aquatic ectotherms. 2^nd Annual Summit and Workshop on Aquatic Pathogens and Parasites of the Southeastern United States, 27–29 May 2023.
13. Jordaan BJ, van As J, Netherlands EC*. (Poster) Morphological and molecular diagnosis of two species of Trypanosoma Gruby, 1843 infecting South African cordylids (Squamata: Cordylidae: Cordylinae). 15^th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Hoedspruit, South Africa, 16–19 January 2023.
14. Du Buisson J, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC*. (Best Poster) Anuran blood parasite fauna of the Soutpansberg mountain range. 15^th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Hoedspruit, South Africa, 16–19 January 2023.
15. Phaka FM*, Netherlands EC, Van Steenberge M, Verheyen E, Sonet G, Hugé J, du Preez LH, Vanhove MPM. Herpetofauna in South Africa’s urban traditional medicine markets: DNA barcoding and cultural perspectives inform monitoring and conservation. 15^th symposium of the HAA. Hoedspruit, South Africa, 16–19 January 2023.
16. Netherlands EC*, du Preez LH. Haemoparasites found parasitizing species of Leptopelis (Arthroleptidae) from southern Africa. 19^th meeting of the African Amphibian Working Group (AAWG). Windhoek, Namibia, 22–23 November 2022.
17. Netherlands EC*, du Preez LH. Xenopus laevis still full of surprises: The first report of a species of Babesiosoma Jakowska and Nigrelli, 1956 (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) from an African anuran. 4^th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 50^th Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Kruger National Park, South Africa, 11–15 September 2022.
18. Jordaan BJ*, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. Taxonomic re-evaluation of African anuran trypanosomes with the redescription and molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma nelspruitense Laveran, 1904 and Trypanosoma grandicolor Pienaar, 1962. 4^th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 50^th Annual Congress of PARSA. Kruger National Park, South Africa, 11–15 September 2022.
19. Du Buisson J*, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. The biodiversity of frog blood parasites from the Vhembe Biosphere, Limpopo, South Africa. 4^th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 50^th Annual Congress of PARSA. Kruger National Park, South Africa, 11–15 September 2022.
20. Haarhoff T*, du Preez LH, Pretorius M, Netherlands EC. The complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Hepatozoon theileri and Hepatozoon ixoxo (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) parasitising frogs from South Africa. 4^th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 50^th Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Kruger National Park, South Africa, 11–15 September 2022.
21. Úngari LP*, Netherlands EC, Santos ALQ, de Alcantara EP, Emmerich E, da Silva RJ, O`Dwyer de Oliveira LH. Diversity of Haemogregarines species (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) species infecting Brazilian aquatic turtles. 15th International Congress of Parasitology. Copenhagen, Denmark, 21–26 August 2022.
22. du Buisson J*, Pretorius M, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. Preliminary results on the biodiversity of blood parasites infecting South African frogs. FBIP Postgrad Student Forum. Virtual Conference, 21 October 2021.
23. Netherlands EC*, du Preez LH. Hiding out in trees won’t keep you safe: Blood parasites of southern African tree frogs. 49^th Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Virtual Conference, 14-16 September 2021.
24. Jordaan BJ*, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. Taxonomic re-evaluation of African anuran trypanosomes with the redescription and molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma nelspruitense Laveran, 1904. 49^th Annual Congress of PARSA. Virtual Conference, 14-16 September 2021.
25. du Buisson J*, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. Diversity and distribution of anuran blood parasites from the Vhembe Biosphere. 49^th Annual Congress of PARSA. Virtual Conference, 14-16 September 2021.
26. du Buisson J*, du Preez LH, Netherlands EC. Morphological and molecular data of a species of Schellackia (Apicomplexa: Schellackiidae) parasitizing the common River frog, Amietia delalandii, from the northern parts of South Africa. British Society for Parasitologists (BSP). Virtual Conference, 21-25 June 2021.
27. Netherlands EC*. Links between amphibian blood parasites and those that affect man. Virtual Training Workshop on One Health in Theory. University of Pretoria, RSA 25–28 May 2021. (Invited speaker).
28. Úngari LP*, Netherlands EC, Santos ALQ, de Alcantara EP, Emmerich E, da Silva RJ, O`Dwyer de Oliveira LH. Diversity of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) species infecting Brazilian snakes from Midwest and Southeast regions. XXVII Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Parasitologia. Brazil, 04-06 May 2021 (online).
29. Netherlands EC*. Amphibian filarial nematodes - host, parasite, and vector interaction. Annual Congress of the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists. South Carolina, USA 07 April 2021. (Keynote speaker).
30. Netherlands EC* Svitin R, Smit NJ, Vanhove MPM, Brendonck L, du Preez LH. Host-parasite-vector interactions and elucidation of an amphibian filarial nematode life cycle. Parasitological seminar - Department of Botany and Zoology. Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic 07 April 2021. (Invited speaker).
31. Netherlands EC*, Svitin R, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Host-parasite-vector interactions and elucidation of an amphibian filarial nematode life cycle. 48^th Annual Congress of PARSA. Windhoek, Namibia, 15-17 September 2019. (Best veteran oral presentation).
32. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Vanhove MPM, Brendonck L, Smit NJ. Dactylosomatids of anurans: Past, present, and future. The 94th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists (ASP). Rochester, MN, USA 10–14 July 2019.
33. Netherlands EC*. The blood is the life: Host-parasite-vector interactions through the elucidation of the life history of an amphibian filarial nematode. Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management Prestige PhD Conference 2018. Potchefstroom, South Africa, 30 August 2018. (2^nd Best PhD student oral presentation).
34. Netherlands EC*, Svitin R, du Preez LH, Smit NJ. The blood is the life:
    Host-parasite-vector interactions through the elucidation of the life history of an amphibian filarial nematode. Annual Congress of the Southern African Society of Aquatic Sciences (SASAqS). Cape St Francis, South Africa, 24–28 June 2018. (Best PhD student oral presentation).
35. Cook CA*, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ. Something’s ‘fishy’: African fish haemogregarine blood parasites - the past, present and future. Annual Congress of the SASAqS. Cape St Francis, South Africa, 24–28 June 2018.
36. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Vanhove MPM, Brendonck L, Farquharson C, Lawton SP, Smit NJ. First Report and Characterisation of eimeriid-type Coccidia (Apicomplexa) from the Blood of African Anurans using Morphological and Molecular Techniques. 3^rd International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 46^rd Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Kruger National Park, South Africa, 24–27 September 2017.
37. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, Vanhove MPM, Brendonck L, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Behind enemy lines: Intercellular blood parasites infecting our frogs. 13th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23–27 January 2017. (African Herp News 66, Dec 2017).
38. Cook CA*, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ, Van As J. Reptiles of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a blood parasite’s paradise. 13th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23–27 January 2017. (African Herp News 66, Dec 2017, www.africanherpetology.org).
39. Phaka FM*, Kruger, DJD, Netherlands EC, Du Preez L.H. Amphibian diversity and community-based ecotourism in Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa. 13th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23–27 January 2017. (African Herp News 66, Dec 2017).
40. Reeder JE*, Netherlands EC, Du Preez L.H. Amphibians of northern Kwazulu-Natal: A Phylogenetic Study. 13th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23–27 January 2017. (African Herp News 66, Dec 2017).
41. Conradie R, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Jordaan A, Netherlands EC*. (Poster) Ultrastructural comparison of Hepatozoon ixoxo and Hepatozoon theileri (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), parasitising South African anurans. 13th symposium of the HAA. Bonamanzi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 23–27 January 2017.
42. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Vanhove MPM, Brendonck L, Smit NJ. Haemogregarine parasites parasitizing frogs of the Hyperoliidae (sedge and bush frogs) from South Africa. 45^th Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
43. Cook CA*, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ (2016): Redescription, molecular characterization and taxonomic re-evaluation of a unique African m.onitor lizard haemogregarine Karyolysus paradoxa (Dias, 1954) n. comb. (Karyolysidae). 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
44. van As M*, Netherlands EC, Cook CA, van As J, Thekisoe OMM, Smit NJ.   Hepatozoon species (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) infecting wild and captive leopards Panthera pardus pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa. 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
45. Mofokeng TL*, van As M, Cook CA, Netherlands EC, Taioe MO, van As J. Plasmodiid infections of Afromontane raptors in the eastern Free State, South Africa. 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
46. van As J*, Cook CA, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ. Molecular characterisation, morphological description and life cycle elucidation of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) infections in three African snakes. 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
47. Reeder J*, Netherlands EC, du Preez LH. A comprehensive study of the parasitic mite Xenopacarus africanus (Acari: Ereynetidae) parasitic in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
48. Conradie R*, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Jordaan A, Netherlands EC. (Poster) Ultrastructural comparison of Hepatozoon ixoxo and Hepatozoon theileri (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), parasitising South African anurans. 45^th PARSA. Cape Town, South Africa, 28–31 August 2016.
49. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, Kruger DJD, du Preez LH, Smit NJ. Northern KwaZulu-Natal, a hotspot for frogs and their blood parasites. Annual Congress of the Southern African Society of Aquatic Sciences (SASAqS). Kruger National Park, South Africa, 26–30 June 2016. (Best PhD student oral presentation).
50. Netherlands EC*, Kruger DJD, du Preez LH. Dimorphic Argus reed frog (Hyperolius argus): hybrid or cryptic species? A case study with additional notes on sub-adult calling behaviour. Amphibian Conservation Research Symposium (ACRS). North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa 18-21 January 2016.
51. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, du Preez LH, Smit NJ. The Dactylosomatidae (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) of African amphibians. 44^th Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 20–22 September 2015.
52. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, Smit NJ. The Hepatozoon species (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) of African bufonids. British Society of Parasitology annual Spring meeting. Liverpool, UK, 16-18 April 2015.
53. Netherlands EC*, Kruger DJD, du Preez LH. Passive acoustic monitoring of frogs in the Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa. Amphibian Conservation Research Symposium (ACRS). University of Cambridge, UK, 11-12 April 2015.
54. Netherlands EC*, Kruger DJD, du Preez LH. Passive acoustic monitoring of amphibians in the Ndumo Game Reserve. Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 3-7 November 2014.
55. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Biodiversity of haematozoans parasitising South African frog species, with preliminary morpholgical and molecular data on haemogregarines of the Bufonidae. 1^st International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife & 43^rd Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Kruger National Park, South Africa, 14–18 September 2014.
56. Netherlands EC*, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Preliminary results on the biodiversity of South African amphibian blood parasites. Annual South African Academy for Science and Art – Biological Sciences symposium. University of Pretoria, South Africa, 23 September 2013.
57. Netherlands EC*, Cook CA, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Preliminary results on the biodiversity of South African amphibian blood parasites. Best senior student oral presentation. 42^nd Annual Congress of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA). Parys, South Africa, 22–24 September 2013. (Best senior student oral presentation).
58. Netherlands EC*, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Amphibian blood parasites: host habitat utilization and parasite infection levels in South Africa. 11th symposium of the Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA). NZG, Pretoria, South Africa, 1-2 February 2013.
59. Netherlands EC*, Smit NJ, du Preez LH. Correlation between amphibian habitat utilisation and blood parasite infection levels the Pongola floodplain. Annual South African Academy for Science and Art – Biological Sciences symposium. North-West University, South Africa, 5 October 2012. (Best honours student oral presentation). http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/satnt.v33i1.1245

I received my Bachelor`s degree in Zoology & Botany from North-West University (NWU) before pursuing a PhD in Biology, with my studies split between KU Leuven, Belgium (head institute), and NWN, South Africa (host institute). Following that, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at NWU`s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, where I focused my efforts on studying the relationship between blood parasites of herpetofauna.

At present, I hold the position of Senior Lecturer and researcher in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State. My responsibilities include teaching and conducting research on the diversity, evolution, and ecological implications of blood parasites in herpetofauna. My research findings have found their way into numerous peer-review journals, and I have had the opportunity to present my work at both national and international conferences.

Aside from my research, I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of parasitologists and herpetologists. I have had the privilege of supervising several postgraduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia and industry.

Overall, my research has played a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the biology of blood parasites and their effects on reptile and amphibian hosts. I remain dedicated to contributing to the field and strive to continue my role as a leading figure in this area of study.

LECTURING:

1. UFS: ZLGY3724: Life history strategies in arid environments - Third year (2022  – current)
2. UFS: ZLGY6844: Capita selecta – Herpetology – Honours (2022 – current)
3. UFS: BLGY1663: Introduction to Zoology & Entomology – First year (2024 - current)