International Journal of Ethology

International Journal of Ethology

International Journal of Ethology – Submit Paper

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

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Submit Your Multidisciplinary Research to International Journal of Ethology

Join researchers across diverse scientific disciplines publishing groundbreaking work in animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and comparative psychology

70% Acceptance Rate
21 Days Average Review Time
60 Days Submission to Publication
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Why Submit Your Ethology Research Here?

The International Journal of Ethology welcomes rigorous, innovative research across the full spectrum of animal behavior studies. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together researchers from zoology, ecology, evolutionary biology, comparative psychology, neuroscience, and conservation biology to advance our understanding of how and why animals behave.

We are particularly interested in studies that bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries, combining behavioral observations with molecular techniques, ecological modeling, evolutionary theory, or conservation applications. Whether you study invertebrates or primates, wild populations or laboratory models, field observations or experimental manipulations, we provide a platform for your discoveries to reach a global audience of behavioral scientists.

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Quick Submission Form

A streamlined, fast-track submission option for straightforward manuscripts that don't require extensive tracking features.

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Best for: Authors seeking the fastest submission path for straightforward manuscripts, or those submitting short communications and brief reports.

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Article Types We Publish

We welcome diverse manuscript types that advance ethological knowledge through empirical research, theoretical frameworks, methodological innovations, and synthetic reviews.

Original Research Articles

Comprehensive reports of empirical studies investigating animal behavior through field observations, laboratory experiments, or comparative analyses. Include detailed methodology, statistical analyses, and interpretation within theoretical frameworks.

Examples: Social behavior in wild populations, neural mechanisms of decision-making, evolutionary ecology of mating systems, developmental plasticity in behavior

Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses

Comprehensive syntheses of existing literature using systematic search strategies and quantitative meta-analytic techniques to identify patterns, resolve controversies, and guide future research directions in behavioral science.

Examples: Meta-analysis of personality-fitness relationships, systematic review of tool use across taxa, quantitative synthesis of maternal effects on offspring behavior

Short Communications

Concise reports of novel findings, preliminary results, or significant observations that warrant rapid dissemination to the ethological community. Must present complete, interpretable data despite brevity.

Examples: First documentation of behavior in species, novel methodological approaches, unexpected behavioral responses to environmental change

Methods & Protocols

Detailed descriptions of novel behavioral research techniques, analytical approaches, or experimental protocols that advance the methodological toolkit available to ethologists. Must include validation data and practical implementation guidance.

Examples: Automated behavioral tracking systems, non-invasive hormone sampling techniques, novel statistical approaches for behavioral sequences

Theoretical & Perspective Articles

Conceptual papers that propose new theoretical frameworks, challenge existing paradigms, or synthesize diverse findings into novel interpretations. Must be grounded in empirical evidence and generate testable predictions.

Examples: Evolutionary models of cooperation, cognitive frameworks for animal decision-making, integrative perspectives on behavior-environment interactions

Conservation & Applied Ethology

Research applying behavioral knowledge to conservation challenges, animal welfare issues, or management problems. Must demonstrate clear links between behavioral science and practical applications with measurable outcomes.

Examples: Behavioral indicators of welfare in captive populations, anti-predator behavior in reintroduction programs, human-wildlife conflict mitigation through behavioral modification

Research Areas We Cover

Our multidisciplinary scope encompasses the full breadth of ethological research across taxonomic groups, behavioral domains, and analytical approaches.

Behavioral Ecology
Comparative Psychology
Evolutionary Behavior
Neuroethology
Social Behavior
Animal Communication
Cognitive Ethology
Conservation Behavior
Developmental Behavior
Behavioral Genetics
Sensory Ecology
Reproductive Behavior

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your manuscript is complete and properly formatted before submission to expedite the review process.

Manuscript File Ready

Word (.docx) or LaTeX format, double-spaced, line numbers enabled, all sections complete (Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References)

Figures & Tables Prepared

High-resolution figures (TIFF/EPS, minimum 300 DPI), editable tables, all elements cited in text, descriptive captions provided

Ethics Documentation

Animal care committee approval obtained, permit numbers provided, adherence to ARRIVE guidelines for animal research, ethical statement included

Author Information Complete

All authors listed with affiliations, corresponding author designated, ORCID iDs provided, author contributions specified

Competing Interests Declared

Financial and non-financial conflicts disclosed, funding sources acknowledged, institutional affiliations transparent

Data Availability Statement

Raw data deposited in appropriate repository (Dryad, Figshare, etc.), accession numbers provided, code/scripts shared when applicable

Peer Review Timeline

We are committed to providing timely, constructive feedback while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Our transparent process keeps you informed at every stage.

1

Submission Received

Manuscript registered and assigned to handling editor

Day 0
2

Editorial Screening

Scope assessment, plagiarism check, completeness review

Days 1-3
3

Peer Review

Expert ethologists evaluate methodology, results, and interpretation

Days 4-21
4

Editorial Decision

Accept, minor/major revisions, or reject with detailed feedback

Days 22-28
5

Revision & Re-review

Authors revise, reviewers assess changes

Days 29-42
6

Production & Publication

Copyediting, typesetting, online publication

Days 43-60

Total Timeline: Approximately 60 days from submission to publication for accepted manuscripts

Why Leading Ethologists Choose Us

📚

Comprehensive Indexing

Your research gains worldwide visibility through indexing in Google Scholar, connecting it with the global scientific community.

Fast Decisions

Average time to first decision: 21 days. We respect your time while maintaining rigorous peer review standards

👥

Expert Reviewers

Your work is evaluated by leading ethologists with deep expertise in your specific research area

🌐

Open Access Impact

Immediate global visibility with no paywalls. Your research reaches practitioners, policymakers, and the public

Ethical Publishing

Committed to COPE publication ethics, transparent peer review, and rigorous standards. We handle misconduct allegations seriously and fairly.

💰

APC Waivers Available

Financial barriers should not prevent excellent science. Waivers available for eligible authors from developing countries

What Makes a Strong Submission?

We seek manuscripts that advance ethological knowledge through rigorous methodology, clear presentation, and thoughtful interpretation. Strong submissions typically share these characteristics:

  • Clear research questions grounded in theoretical frameworks
  • Appropriate methodology with sufficient sample sizes and controls
  • Transparent reporting of statistical analyses and effect sizes
  • Results presented objectively with appropriate figures and tables
  • Discussion that interprets findings within broader context
  • Acknowledgment of limitations and alternative explanations
  • Adherence to ethical guidelines for animal research
  • Data and materials made available for verification

We particularly value studies that integrate multiple levels of analysis (proximate and ultimate explanations), employ innovative methodologies, or bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries. Comparative approaches across species, populations, or contexts are especially welcome.

Ready to Submit Your Research?

Join the global community of ethologists advancing our understanding of animal behavior. Our editorial team is here to support you throughout the submission and review process.

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Need assistance with the submission process or have questions about scope and fit?

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