Collection Permits

Collection Permits

1. Purpose of the Policy

Zoological Records and Reviews is committed to promoting ethical, legal, and responsible research practices in zoology and related biological sciences. This policy outlines the requirements for collection permits and legal authorization for studies involving the collection of animals, biological specimens, tissues, or genetic materials.

Compliance with this policy ensures respect for biodiversity, conservation regulations, and national and international laws.

 

2. Requirement for Collection Permits

Authors conducting research that involves the collection, capture, handling, sampling, or removal of animals or biological materials must obtain all required permits, approvals, and permissions prior to conducting the study.

This applies to:

  • Field sampling of wild animals
  • Collection of specimens for taxonomic, ecological, or genetic studies
  • Tissue, blood, or DNA sampling
  • Collection within protected areas, reserves, or private land

 

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Authors must comply with:

  • National and regional wildlife protection laws
  • Environmental and conservation regulations
  • Institutional, governmental, or park authority requirements
  • International agreements where applicable (e.g., CITES, Nagoya Protocol)

Research conducted without appropriate authorization may be considered unethical and unacceptable for publication.

 

4. Documentation and Reporting

Manuscripts must clearly state:

  • The name of the issuing authority or institution
  • Permit or license numbers (where applicable)
  • The country and location of specimen collection
  • Confirmation that all legal and ethical requirements were met

This information should be included in the Materials and Methods section or a dedicated Ethical Approval / Permits statement.

 

5. Studies Not Requiring Permits

If collection permits were not required, authors must explicitly state this and provide a brief justification (e.g., use of publicly available specimens, observational studies, or exempt species under local regulations).

 

6. Protected, Endangered, or Vulnerable Species

Special care must be taken for research involving:

  • Endangered or protected species
  • Species listed under national conservation laws or international conventions

Authors must demonstrate compliance with relevant conservation guidelines and minimize harm or disturbance.

 

7. Ethical Treatment of Animals

All animal handling and sampling procedures must follow recognized ethical standards and aim to:

  • Minimize stress, injury, and harm
  • Use non-lethal methods whenever possible
  • Follow institutional or national animal welfare guidelines

 

8. Editorial Review and Verification

The editorial team may request copies of permits or additional documentation during the review process. Manuscripts lacking appropriate permit information may be returned for revision or rejected.

 

9. Responsibility of Authors

Authors are solely responsible for ensuring:

  • Accuracy of permit information
  • Legal compliance of all collection activities
  • Ethical conduct throughout the research process

 

10. Policy Review

This Collection Permits Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving legal requirements, conservation standards, and indexing expectations.