Two Convenient Ways to Submit Your Zoological Research

We offer flexible submission options designed to accommodate your workflow. Choose the method that works best for your manuscript submission needs.

Article Types We Publish in Zoological Research

We welcome diverse contributions to zoological science, from field studies and experimental research to theoretical frameworks and conservation applications. Each manuscript type undergoes rigorous peer review by experts in animal ecology, behavior, and conservation biology.

Pre-Submission Checklist for Zoological Manuscripts

Ensure your manuscript is complete and properly formatted before submission. Following these guidelines will expedite the review process and increase your chances of acceptance.

Peer Review Timeline: From Submission to Publication

We are committed to transparent, efficient peer review. Our average time to first decision is 21 days, with manuscripts typically published within 45 days of submission and accepted papers published within 4 days.

Why Zoologists Choose Our Journal

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

Structure Your Zoological Research Manuscript

Title: Concise and informative. Include species names (common and scientific), study location, and key finding. Example: "Population Decline of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Serengeti National Park: A 15-Year Monitoring Study"

Abstract: 250-300 words structured as Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions. Include key species studied, methodology, main findings, and conservation implications.

Keywords: 5-8 terms including species names, study system, methodology, and key concepts. Use terms from established taxonomies and ecological databases.

Introduction: Establish ecological context, review relevant literature, state research questions or hypotheses. Clearly articulate knowledge gaps your study addresses.

Methods: Detailed description of study site, species studied, sampling design, data collection procedures, and statistical analyses. Include GPS coordinates, habitat descriptions, and sample sizes. Follow ARRIVE guidelines for animal studies.

Results: Present findings logically with appropriate statistics. Use tables for numerical data, figures for patterns and relationships. Report effect sizes and confidence intervals.

Discussion: Interpret findings in context of existing zoological knowledge. Address limitations, discuss conservation implications, suggest future research directions.

Data Availability: Deposit raw data in recognized repositories (Dryad, Movebank, GenBank). Provide accession numbers. Archive specimen vouchers in recognized collections.

Figures and Tables

Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (minimum 300 DPI). Use TIFF or EPS format for line drawings, TIFF or PNG for photographs. Include scale bars on all images. Provide detailed figure legends that allow figures to stand alone. Tables should be editable (Word or Excel format), not images.

References

Follow journal citation style. Include DOIs for all references where available. Cite primary literature rather than reviews when possible. Ensure all citations in text appear in reference list and vice versa.

Ethical Considerations for Zoological Research

Animal Welfare: All research involving live animals must have prior approval from an institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) or equivalent ethics board. Include approval number and date in Methods section. Follow ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal research.

Field Permits: Provide documentation of permits for wildlife research, specimen collection, or work in protected areas. Include permit numbers and issuing authorities.

Endangered Species: Research on threatened or endangered species requires additional justification and ethical review. Demonstrate that research benefits outweigh potential risks to populations.

Data Sharing: We encourage open data practices. Deposit ecological data in public repositories. For sensitive data (e.g., endangered species locations), provide data upon reasonable request with appropriate safeguards.

Authorship: All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the research. Follow ICMJE authorship criteria. Acknowledge contributors who do not meet authorship criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your acceptance rate?

Our acceptance rate is 59%. We maintain rigorous peer review standards while supporting authors through the revision process. Manuscripts rejected after peer review often have fundamental methodological issues or fall outside journal scope.

Do you charge article processing charges (APCs)?

Yes, as an open access journal, we charge APCs to cover publication costs. However, we offer waivers for researchers from low-income countries and for unfunded research. Financial constraints should never prevent publication of quality zoological research.

Can I suggest reviewers?

Yes, you may suggest up to 3 potential reviewers during submission. Provide their names, affiliations, and email addresses. Editors consider suggestions but are not obligated to use suggested reviewers. You may also request exclusion of specific reviewers.

What if my manuscript is rejected?

Rejection decisions include detailed feedback from reviewers and editors. Use this feedback to improve your manuscript for submission elsewhere. We provide constructive criticism to help advance your research even when we cannot publish it.

How do I track my submission?

Log into ManuscriptZone portal to view real-time status updates. You will receive email notifications at key stages: submission received, editor assigned, sent for review, decision made, accepted for publication.

Can I submit a manuscript currently under review elsewhere?

No. We only consider manuscripts not under consideration by another journal. Simultaneous submission violates publication ethics. Withdraw your manuscript from other journals before submitting to us.