1. Commitment to Originality
Zoological Records and Reviews is committed to publishing original, high-quality scholarly work and maintaining the integrity of the academic record. Plagiarism in any form is considered a serious breach of publication ethics and is strictly prohibited.
The journal follows internationally recognized ethical standards and the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in identifying, investigating, and addressing plagiarism.
2. Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the use of another person’s ideas, data, words, or creative work without proper acknowledgment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Direct copying of text without quotation or citation
- Paraphrasing substantial portions of another work without attribution
- Presenting another researcher’s data, figures, or tables as one’s own
- Submitting work generated or written by third parties without disclosure
- Republishing previously published material without proper citation or permission
3. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication
Self-plagiarism, also known as redundant or duplicate publication, occurs when authors reuse significant portions of their previously published work without proper citation or justification.
The journal does not accept:
- Manuscripts that are substantially similar to previously published articles
- Simultaneous submissions to multiple journals
- Reuse of text, data, or figures without clear citation and editorial approval
Limited reuse of methodological descriptions may be acceptable if properly cited and justified.
4. Plagiarism Screening
All submitted manuscripts are screened using recognized plagiarism detection software before or during the peer review process. Similarity reports are evaluated carefully by editors, taking into account context, citation practices, and disciplinary norms.
A similarity index alone does not determine plagiarism; editorial judgment is applied in all cases.
5. Editorial Assessment of Plagiarism
When potential plagiarism is identified, the editorial team assesses:
- The extent and nature of overlapping content
- Whether proper citations are provided
- The intent and seriousness of the overlap
Minor overlap (e.g., common terminology or references) may be addressed through revision, while significant plagiarism results in rejection.
6. Actions in Cases of Plagiarism
Depending on the severity of the case, the journal may take one or more of the following actions:
- Request clarification or revision from the authors
- Reject the manuscript prior to publication
- Retract a published article
- Publish a correction, retraction, or expression of concern
- Notify the authors’ affiliated institutions or funding bodies
All actions are taken in accordance with COPE guidelines.
7. Author Responsibilities
Authors submitting to Zoological Records and Reviews are responsible for ensuring that:
- Their work is original and properly cited
- All sources are clearly acknowledged
- Necessary permissions for reused material are obtained
- The manuscript has not been published or submitted elsewhere
By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that they comply with this Plagiarism Policy.
8. Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities
Reviewers and editors play an important role in identifying potential plagiarism. Any concerns raised during peer review are treated seriously and investigated confidentially.
Editors are responsible for making fair, unbiased decisions and ensuring due process for authors.
9. Appeals and Author Response
Authors may respond to allegations of plagiarism by providing explanations or evidence. Appeals are reviewed objectively by the editorial leadership and, when necessary, additional independent experts.
10. Policy Review and Updates
This Plagiarism Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with best practices in scholarly publishing, indexing requirements, and ethical standards.