1. Purpose of This Policy

Zoological Records and Reviews recognizes the increasing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in scholarly research and writing. This policy provides clear guidance on the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of GenAI to protect research integrity, authorship accountability, and the reliability of the scholarly record.

 

2. Definition of Generative AI

Generative AI refers to tools or systems capable of producing text, images, data, code, or other content based on prompts provided by users. Examples include large language models, text-generation tools, and AI-assisted image or data analysis software.

 

3. Use of GenAI by Authors

3.1 Permitted Uses

Authors may use GenAI tools for supportive purposes, such as:

• Language editing and grammar improvement
• Improving clarity and readability
• Formatting or summarization assistance
• Code debugging or data visualization support

Such use must not replace the author’s intellectual contribution.

 

3.2 Prohibited Uses

GenAI tools must not be used to:

• Generate original research data, results, or conclusions
• Fabricate or manipulate data, images, or references
• Replace critical scientific reasoning or interpretation
• Be listed as an author or co-author

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work.

 

4. Disclosure Requirement

If GenAI tools were used in manuscript preparation, authors must disclose this clearly in a dedicated section (e.g., “Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools” or “Acknowledgments”).

The disclosure should specify:

• The name of the tool used
• The purpose for which it was used

Example:

“Generative AI tools were used for language editing and clarity improvement. The authors reviewed and take full responsibility for the final content.”

Failure to disclose GenAI use may be considered a breach of publication ethics.

 

5. Authorship and Accountability

Generative AI tools cannot be credited as authors, as they cannot:

• Take responsibility for the work
• Approve the final manuscript
• Address ethical or scientific questions

All listed authors must meet the journal’s authorship criteria and remain accountable for the content.

 

6. Use of GenAI by Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or any part of them into GenAI tools or external platforms, as this may compromise confidentiality and intellectual property.

Reviewers should:

• Conduct reviews independently
• Maintain confidentiality
• Avoid using AI tools that store or reuse submitted content

 

7. Use of GenAI by Editors

Editors may use AI tools only for administrative or workflow support (e.g., plagiarism screening, language checks) and not for making editorial or peer-review decisions.

Editorial judgment remains entirely human-led.

 

8. Ethical Concerns and Misuse

Suspected misuse of GenAI, including undisclosed use, fabricated content, or manipulated data, will be investigated in accordance with the journal’s Ethics and Malpractice Statement and COPE guidelines.

Confirmed misuse may result in:

• Manuscript rejection
• Retraction of published articles
• Notification to affiliated institutions

 

9. Transparency and Future Updates

This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving standards, technological developments, and guidance from indexing bodies and ethical organizations.