Journal of Plant and Animal Ecology

Journal of Plant and Animal Ecology

Journal of Plant and Animal Ecology – Submit Paper

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

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Submit Your Ecology Research to JPAE

Join leading ecologists publishing population dynamics, species interactions, and conservation studies with rigorous peer review

21 Days to Decision
45% Acceptance Rate
60 Days to Publication
Start Your Submission Now
Complete submission in 15 minutes

Specialized Focus on Ecological Research

The Journal of Plant and Animal Ecology welcomes submissions in population dynamics, species interactions, conservation biology, biodiversity assessment, ecosystem processes, behavioral ecology, and population genetics. Our expert reviewers understand the complexities of ecological fieldwork, statistical modeling, and conservation applications. Whether your research examines species distribution patterns, community ecology, or ecosystem restoration, JPAE provides a rigorous platform for advancing ecological science.

Two Convenient Submission Methods

Choose the submission pathway that best fits your workflow. Both methods ensure your manuscript receives the same rigorous peer review and expert editorial handling.

Recommended

ManuscriptZone Portal

Our comprehensive manuscript management system provides complete control over your submission with real-time tracking and automated workflows.

  • Auto-save functionality prevents data loss
  • Guided step-by-step submission workflow
  • Real-time status tracking and notifications
  • Direct access to reviewer comments and decisions
  • Secure document management and version control
  • Integrated revision submission system

Best for: Authors who want complete manuscript tracking, multiple revisions, or collaborative submissions with co-authors.

Submit via ManuscriptZone
Quick Option

Quick Submission Form

A streamlined, single-page submission form designed for straightforward manuscripts that don't require extensive tracking or multiple revisions.

  • No account registration required
  • Simple one-page form interface
  • Fast submission process (under 10 minutes)
  • Direct file upload with minimal steps
  • Immediate confirmation email
  • Ideal for short communications and letters

Best for: Authors submitting straightforward manuscripts, short communications, or those preferring a simplified submission experience.

Use Quick Submission Form

Article Types We Publish

JPAE publishes diverse ecological research formats, each tailored to specific research contributions. Our expert reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and contribution to ecological understanding.

Original Research Articles

Comprehensive studies on population dynamics, species interactions, community ecology, or ecosystem processes. Include field observations, experimental designs, or modeling approaches.

Conservation Studies

Research addressing biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, threatened species management, or conservation policy. Must include actionable conservation implications.

Behavioral Ecology

Studies examining animal behavior, foraging strategies, mating systems, social organization, or behavioral adaptations in ecological contexts.

Population Genetics

Research on genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, or evolutionary ecology. Include molecular data analysis and ecological interpretations.

Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses

Comprehensive syntheses of ecological literature addressing specific research questions. Must follow PRISMA guidelines and include quantitative analysis where appropriate.

Methods & Protocols

Novel field methods, sampling techniques, statistical approaches, or analytical protocols for ecological research. Must demonstrate advantages over existing methods.

Short Communications

Preliminary findings, novel observations, or timely ecological discoveries. Concise format for rapid dissemination of important results.

Review Articles

Critical evaluations of current ecological topics, theoretical frameworks, or emerging research areas. Must provide synthesis and future research directions.

Case Studies

Detailed examinations of specific ecological phenomena, conservation interventions, or ecosystem responses. Must provide generalizable insights.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your manuscript is complete before submission. A well-prepared manuscript accelerates the review process and increases acceptance likelihood.

Manuscript File: Word (.docx) or LaTeX format, double-spaced, line numbers enabled
Figures & Tables: High-resolution (300 DPI minimum), TIFF or EPS format, properly labeled
Ethics Approval: Documentation for studies involving animals, human subjects, or protected species
Author Information: Complete affiliations, ORCID IDs, corresponding author contact details
Competing Interests: Declaration of financial or non-financial conflicts of interest
Data Availability: Statement on data accessibility, repository links, or justification for restrictions
References: Complete citations formatted according to JPAE guidelines
Cover Letter: Addressed to the editor, highlighting significance and novelty of research

Peer Review Timeline

Our transparent review process ensures timely decisions while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Expert ecologists evaluate your work at every stage.

Submission Received

Day 0

Your manuscript is registered in our system. You receive immediate confirmation with a unique manuscript ID for tracking.

1

Editorial Screening

Days 1-3

The editorial team reviews your manuscript for scope, completeness, and adherence to guidelines. Plagiarism check performed using iThenticate (similarity index must be below 30%).

2

Editor Assignment

Days 4-5

An associate editor with expertise in your specific ecological subdiscipline is assigned to handle your manuscript through peer review.

3

Peer Review

Days 6-21

Minimum two expert reviewers evaluate your manuscript for scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and contribution to ecological knowledge. Reviewers are selected based on publication record and expertise.

4

Editorial Decision

Days 22-28

The editor evaluates reviewer comments and makes a decision: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject. You receive detailed feedback and specific revision requests.

5

Revision Submission

Author Timeline

Submit your revised manuscript with a detailed response letter addressing each reviewer comment. Minor revisions typically due within 30 days, major revisions within 60 days.

6

Re-review & Acceptance

Days 29-42

Revised manuscripts undergo expedited re-review (14 days). Upon acceptance, you receive confirmation and your manuscript proceeds to production.

7

Production & Publication

Days 43-60

Copyediting, typesetting, and final proofing completed. Your article is published online with immediate open access and assigned a DOI for permanent citation.

8

Total timeline: Approximately 60 days from submission to publication for manuscripts accepted after first review. Timelines may vary based on revision complexity and reviewer availability.

Why Ecologists Choose JPAE

🕑
Average Decision Time
21 Days
📈
Acceptance Rate
45%
🌐
Open Access
Immediate Global Visibility
COPE
Ethical Publishing Standards
💰
APC Waivers
Available for Eligible Authors

Expert Ecological Reviewers

Your manuscript is evaluated by active researchers with proven expertise in your specific ecological subdiscipline. Our reviewer pool includes specialists in population ecology, conservation biology, behavioral ecology, community ecology, ecosystem science, and evolutionary ecology. Reviewers are selected based on publication record, methodological expertise, and familiarity with your study system.

Transparent Review Process

We provide clear timelines, regular status updates, and detailed reviewer feedback. Authors receive constructive comments focused on improving manuscript quality, not arbitrary rejection. Our editors work with authors to address reviewer concerns and strengthen manuscripts for publication.

Global Ecological Community

JPAE articles reach ecologists worldwide through comprehensive indexing in major scientific databases. Open access ensures your research is freely available to researchers, conservation practitioners, policy makers, and students globally. No paywalls restrict access to your findings.

Support for Ecological Research

We understand the challenges of ecological fieldwork, long-term studies, and complex statistical analyses. Our editorial team provides guidance on data presentation, statistical reporting, and manuscript structure specific to ecological research. APC waivers available for authors from low-income countries or without institutional funding.

Need Assistance with Your Submission?

Our editorial support team is here to help with technical questions, submission guidance, or manuscript preparation advice.

[email protected]