International Journal of Ethology - Call for Papers
Advancing animal behavior science through open access publishing
Priority Topics and Scope
The International Journal of Ethology invites submissions that advance understanding of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary drivers of behavior across taxa.
We welcome field, laboratory, and theoretical studies that improve knowledge of social behavior, communication, foraging strategies, mating systems, and parental care.
Interdisciplinary research connecting ethology with ecology, cognition, neurobiology, and conservation is strongly encouraged.
Studies with clear methodology, reproducible data practices, and ecological relevance receive priority for efficient review.
Manuscripts that address animal welfare, behavioral indicators of stress, and human wildlife interactions are especially valued.
We encourage research on migration, navigation, habitat selection, and behavioral responses to environmental change.
Submissions exploring cognition, learning, tool use, and problem solving are welcome when methods are rigorous and comparative.
We value studies that integrate observational data with experimental or modeling approaches to explain behavioral mechanisms.
Reports that clarify genetic, ecological, or environmental influences on behavior are highly relevant to the journal scope.
Population level analyses that improve conservation outcomes and management strategies are encouraged.
Negative or replication studies that refine behavioral theories are considered when methods are rigorous.
All submissions should include clear reporting of study species, sampling design, and observation protocols for reproducibility.
We welcome submissions on foraging ecology, habitat selection, and risk sensitive decision making.
Research on social behavior, dominance hierarchies, and cooperation is encouraged when methods are rigorous.
Studies using observational or experimental ethograms should clearly define behavioral codes and sampling rules.
We value datasets that combine field observations with modeling or experimental validation.
Submissions should include clear data availability statements and animal ethics approvals where applicable.
Behavioral ecology manuscripts should report sampling design, observation duration, and replication strategy.
We encourage conservation behavior studies that inform management or welfare outcomes.
High quality review articles synthesizing evidence across taxa are a priority.
We invite work on communication systems including acoustic, visual, and chemical signaling.
Manuscripts on migration, navigation, and spatial memory are within scope.
Studies of behavioral responses to climate change, urbanization, and habitat fragmentation are welcomed.
Submissions on cognition, learning, and problem solving are encouraged when experimental design is robust.
We encourage method papers that introduce validated behavioral coding workflows or field protocols.
Call for Papers Quick View
- Scope: ethology and animal behavior science
- Article types: research, reviews, brief reports
- Animal ethics approvals and permits required when applicable
- Data availability statement required
- Use study reporting guidelines
- Two submission routes available
- Open access visibility and global reach
- Rapid editorial screening for scope fit
Why Publish with International Journal of Ethology
We provide a trusted platform for animal behavior science with global visibility.
Specialist Review
Peer review by ethologists and behavioral ecologists with domain expertise.
Open Access Visibility
Immediate access improves readership across academic and clinical communities.
Rapid Editorial Decisions
Clear workflows reduce delays and support timely dissemination.
Metadata Quality
Structured metadata improves indexing and citation tracking across systems.
Submission Categories
All categories receive full peer review and open access publication upon acceptance.
Original Research
PrimaryFull length studies presenting new findings in ethology and behavioral ecology.
- Field, laboratory, or mixed methods
- Clear methods and statistical reporting
- Behavioral or ecological relevance
- Data availability statements required
Review Articles
SynthesisComprehensive reviews summarizing emerging evidence and guiding future research.
- Systematic or narrative reviews
- Clear search strategies
- Consensus building across the field
- High impact topics prioritized
Brief Reports
ConciseShorter manuscripts reporting rapid findings or preliminary data with clear value.
- Focused methods and results
- Strong reproducibility signals
- Rapid publication workflows
- Appropriate for timely data
Submission Snapshot
Match your manuscript to the most suitable article type.
| Article Type | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Original Research | Mechanistic or clinical studies | Full data sets |
| Review Articles | Evidence synthesis | Field overviews |
| Brief Reports | Focused findings | Timely results |
Call for Papers Callouts
Critical reminders that help submissions move quickly.
Scope Fit
Prioritize manuscripts that advance ethology, behavioral ecology, conservation behavior, or comparative cognition.
Ethics and Data
Include ethics approvals, consent statements, and data availability information at submission.
Submission Routes
Submit via ManuscriptZone or the simple submission form to match your workflow.
Submission Pathway
Use these steps to prepare and submit your manuscript.
Confirm Scope
Ensure the manuscript aligns with ethology, behavioral ecology, or comparative cognition themes.
Prepare Files
Follow author guidelines for formatting, animal ethics statements, and data availability.
Submit Online
Submit via ManuscriptZone or the simple submission form for editorial screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Points
- Use reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, PRISMA, or STROBE when appropriate.
- Provide animal ethics approvals and field permits where applicable.
- Use two submission methods: ManuscriptZone and the simple submission form.
Submit Your Manuscript
Share ethology research with a global audience of animal behavior scientists.
For assistance, contact us at [email protected]
