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
Complete your submission in just 15 minutes
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.
Two Convenient Ways to Submit Your Manuscript
ManuscriptZone Portal
Our comprehensive submission platform designed for complete manuscript management and real-time tracking throughout the peer review process.
- Auto-save functionality protects your work
- Guided step-by-step submission workflow
- Real-time status tracking and notifications
- Direct communication with editors and reviewers
- Secure document management and version control
- Access to reviewer comments and revision requests
Best for: Authors who want complete visibility and control over their submission, especially for complex manuscripts with multiple revisions.
Submit via ManuscriptZoneQuick Submission Form
A streamlined, fast-track submission option for straightforward manuscripts that don't require extensive tracking features.
- Simple, single-page submission form
- No account registration required
- Direct file upload with minimal steps
- Ideal for time-sensitive submissions
- Immediate confirmation upon submission
- Perfect for short communications and letters
Best for: Authors seeking the fastest submission path for straightforward manuscripts, or those submitting short communications and brief reports.
Use Quick Submission FormArticle 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.
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.
Submission Received
Manuscript registered and assigned to handling editor
Day 0Editorial Screening
Scope assessment, plagiarism check, completeness review
Days 1-3Peer Review
Expert ethologists evaluate methodology, results, and interpretation
Days 4-21Editorial Decision
Accept, minor/major revisions, or reject with detailed feedback
Days 22-28Revision & Re-review
Authors revise, reviewers assess changes
Days 29-42Production & Publication
Copyediting, typesetting, online publication
Days 43-60Total 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.
Begin Your SubmissionNeed assistance with the submission process or have questions about scope and fit?
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