Editor Guidelines
Standards and responsibilities for ZR associate editors and editorial board members
Core Responsibilities
Associate editors shepherd assigned manuscripts through peer review, including evaluating submissions for scope and quality, identifying qualified reviewers with relevant taxonomic or ecological expertise, synthesizing reviewer feedback, and making informed recommendations to the editor-in-chief for zoological research publications.
- Evaluate manuscript scope within 48 hours of assignment
- Identify and invite 3-5 potential reviewers with appropriate expertise in relevant taxa or ecological systems
- Monitor review progress and send reminders as needed
- Synthesize feedback into coherent recommendations
- Communicate decisions clearly and constructively to authors
Taxonomic Expertise
Editors handling species descriptions should ensure compliance with ICZN nomenclatural requirements. Verify that type specimens are properly designated and deposited in recognized collections. Coordinate with nomenclature specialists when needed to ensure published names are valid and available.
Ethical Standards
Editors must maintain strict confidentiality regarding manuscript content and reviewer identities. Any potential conflict of interest should result in recusal. Editors should not use unpublished information for personal advantage. All decisions must be based solely on scientific merit and contribution to zoological knowledge.
Timeline: Initial scope decisions within 48 hours. First-round reviews completed within 21 days. Communicate proactively about delays affecting zoological manuscript processing. Your expertise ensures rigorous evaluation advancing animal science.
Taxonomic Expertise
Editors handling species descriptions should ensure compliance with ICZN nomenclatural requirements. Verify type specimens are properly designated with museum repository information. Coordinate with nomenclature specialists when needed to ensure published names are valid and properly formed.
For phylogenetic studies, ensure methods are appropriate and data are properly archived. Review molecular and morphological datasets for completeness and accessibility supporting zoological research reproducibility.
Reviewer Selection
Identify reviewers based on taxonomic expertise demonstrated through publications on relevant animal groups. Consider known conflicts and past review quality. Invite reviewers from diverse institutions and geographic regions ensuring balanced evaluation of zoological manuscripts worldwide.
Your service to ZR strengthens peer review and supports authors communicating zoological discoveries effectively. The editorial office provides comprehensive resources and responsive support enabling confident, consistent editorial decisions across all manuscript categories. Thank you for your commitment to publication quality in zoological research.
Your expertise ensures rigorous evaluation of zoological manuscripts across animal groups.
