The International Journal of Animal and Wildlife Research (IJAWR) is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the publication process. This policy is informed by relevant guidance and Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.

Editorial decisions should be based on the scholarly quality, relevance, originality, integrity, and ethical acceptability of the work. Such decisions should not be improperly influenced by commercial, personal, institutional, or financial interests.

Independence in Editorial Decision-Making

IJAWR recognizes that the journal, publisher, editors, or affiliated organizations may have interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict. Where an institutional or organizational interest could reasonably affect an editorial decision, IJAWR will seek to manage the situation in a manner that protects the independence and integrity of the editorial process.

Editorial decisions should not be made primarily for:

Publisher's Role

Scholar Unity, as the publisher of IJAWR, supports the journal's editorial and operational functions but does not influence individual editorial decisions. Editorial judgment on the acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts rests solely with the editors and editorial board.

Editors and Editorial Board Members

Editors and editorial board members must maintain independence and impartiality when handling manuscripts. An editor should disclose and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from handling a manuscript where a conflict could reasonably affect their editorial judgment.

Editors should also consider potential conflicts involving research collaborators, institutions, funding organizations, wildlife-management authorities, conservation groups, or other parties with a direct interest in the findings.

Managing Conflicts

IJAWR seeks to protect confidential information while maintaining appropriate transparency in its editorial procedures. Where a conflict of interest may affect editorial judgment, IJAWR will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and independence of the editorial process.

For manuscripts involving animal research, wildlife surveys, biodiversity assessments, or conservation projects, relevant financial, professional, institutional, and personal interests should be disclosed where applicable. Specific requirements concerning conflicts of interest are addressed in the Conflict of Interest Policy.

Reconsideration and Appeals

Concerns regarding editorial independence or potential conflicts affecting an editorial decision may be submitted for reconsideration with a clear explanation and any relevant supporting information. IJAWR may review the matter and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent advice.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with recognized standards of academic publishing practice and supports fair, transparent, and independent editorial decision-making in animal and wildlife research.