International Journal of Ethology - Data Archiving Permissions
Responsible data sharing that protects participants and strengthens science
Data Availability Requirements
International Journal of Ethology supports open science and encourages authors to share data that improve reproducibility and enable secondary analyses in animal behavior research.
Field and animal datasets may be sensitive. Our policies balance accessibility with welfare, consent, and legal requirements.
All submissions must include a Data Availability Statement describing where underlying data can be accessed and any restrictions that apply.
Acceptable options include public repositories, controlled access, availability upon reasonable request, or restricted availability due to consent or legal limitations.
Authors are encouraged to share code, protocols, and analysis scripts when possible. Clear documentation improves reproducibility.
Where possible, assign DOIs to datasets so they can be cited and tracked alongside the article.
If embargoes apply, specify the timeline and rationale. Data statements should clarify licensing terms and restrictions.
For proprietary datasets, describe access criteria and expected response timelines for requests.
Data availability statements should align with funder requirements and institutional policies when applicable.
When controlled access is required, provide repository names, access criteria, and expected review timelines for requests.
For imaging or video data, share acquisition parameters, resolution, and processing workflows to enable comparison across studies.
Genomic or bioacoustic datasets should include accession numbers and metadata sufficient for reuse.
If data cannot be shared, explain why and consider providing aggregated or anonymized results to support verification.
Data citation improves recognition for shared resources and strengthens reuse tracking across platforms.
Provide clear data access instructions to reduce delays for readers and reviewers.
Use controlled access repositories when privacy concerns limit open sharing.
Include codebooks and variable definitions to support secondary analysis.
Data Sharing Quick View
- Data availability statement required
- Repository with DOI preferred
- Controlled access for sensitive data
- Include code and protocols when possible
- Provide accession numbers for datasets
- State embargoes or restrictions clearly
- Use standard file formats
- Cite datasets in references
Data Integrity Notes
Strong data practices improve trust and support reuse.
De Identification
Remove direct identifiers and reduce indirect identifiers to protect participants and sites.
Consent Alignment
Ensure data sharing aligns with animal ethics approvals and permits.
Documentation
Provide codebooks, variable definitions, and processing notes.
Preservation
Use repositories that commit to long term access and version control.
Study Type Expectations
Data sharing expectations vary by study design.
Field and Wildlife Studies
Field StudiesShare behavioral datasets in line with permits, welfare, and habitat protections.
- Deposit de identified datasets when feasible
- Use controlled access for sensitive locations
- Provide data access instructions
- Report ethics approvals and permits
Laboratory and Captive Studies
LaboratoryShare protocols, code, and key datasets that enable replication across species and settings.
- Provide observation protocols
- Share behavioral coding schemes
- Include equipment details
- Document analysis pipelines
Data Sharing Expectations
Use this quick table to align data type and access level.
| Data Type | Expectation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical data | Controlled access | Protect privacy and consent |
| Imaging data | Share parameters | Include resolution and metadata |
| Genomic data | Deposit with accession | Provide repository links |
Data Callouts
These statements are checked early in editorial screening.
Sensitive Data Handling
Use controlled access repositories when privacy, consent, or legal limits apply.
Reproducibility Support
Share code, protocols, and metadata to enable validation and reuse when possible.
Archiving Workflow
Use these steps to prepare data for sharing.
Select Repository
Choose established repositories such as Dryad, Figshare, Zenodo, or domain specific archives.
Prepare Documentation
Include codebooks, metadata, and processing notes for reuse.
Write Data Statement
Describe access conditions, licensing terms, and any embargo timelines in the manuscript.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Points
- Include data availability statements in every manuscript.
- Align data sharing with funder and institutional policies.
- Data citation improves recognition and reuse tracking.
Submit Your Manuscript
Publish with transparent data policies and open access visibility.
For assistance, contact us at [email protected]
