Organize manuscripts clearly so reviewers can assess the study design and results. Most research submissions should include the following sections.

• Title: Specific, concise, and aligned with the main outcome.
• Abstract: Structured summary of objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Keywords: Four to seven terms covering mammal processes, methods, and populations.
• Introduction: Context, rationale, and study objectives.
• Methods: Study design, sites, species, sampling, measurements, and analytic approach.
• Results: Clear presentation of findings with tables and figures.
• Discussion: Interpretation, limitations, and implications for mammal science.
• Conclusion: Key takeaways linked to theory or practice.

Use clear headings, consistent terminology, and standard scientific units. Ensure all tables and figures are referenced in order and include descriptive captions.

• Define all abbreviations at first use.
• Describe sampling design, survey effort, and timing with enough detail for replication.
• Report effect sizes and confidence intervals where relevant.
• Use high resolution figures, include scale bars for imagery, and provide map projections for spatial outputs.
• Provide voucher specimen IDs, collection repositories, or accession numbers where relevant.
• Provide protocol registration numbers if applicable.

JMR does not impose strict word limits for most article types, but manuscripts should be concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary background and ensure the discussion interprets results rather than repeating them.

For extensive datasets or review articles, use appendices or supplementary files to keep the main narrative readable. Clear headings for study sites, sampling effort, and analysis workflows improve reader navigation.

Tables and figures should communicate key findings quickly and should not duplicate text content. Provide clear captions, define abbreviations, and include units for all measures.

• Submit figures in high resolution formats and avoid excessive compression.
• Label figure panels consistently and reference them in order.
• Explain any image adjustments and provide raw data when required.
• Supplementary files should be referenced clearly in the main text.

Provide enough detail for a qualified reader to understand the analysis. Include study design, primary outcomes, software used, model assumptions, and treatment of missing data.

For longitudinal or multi site studies, describe harmonization methods and include sensitivity analyses where appropriate.

All studies involving human participants or sensitive data require ethical approval. Provide the name of the approving committee, reference number, and statement of informed consent where applicable.

For capture, handling, telemetry, or invasive methods, confirm that safety and welfare protocols were followed.

Manuscripts must report permit numbers, issuing authorities, and dates for fieldwork, collection, export, or import when required. Describe how disturbance was minimized, including handling times, trap checks, anesthesia protocols, and release procedures.

For protected species or sensitive habitats, explain mitigation steps and community or Indigenous permissions when applicable. JMR expects compliance with institutional animal care guidelines and local regulations.

JMR encourages use of established reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, and ARRIVE. Clear reporting improves reproducibility and accelerates peer review.

Use current taxonomic authorities for species names and italicize genus and species on first mention. When specimens, tissue samples, or genetic material are collected, include voucher specimen identifiers and the repository where materials are archived.

If sequence data are generated, provide accession numbers from recognized databases. Clear nomenclature and voucher reporting strengthen reproducibility and long term value.

Include a data availability statement describing where supporting data, code, or protocols can be accessed. If data cannot be shared due to privacy or legal constraints, explain the reason and provide a pathway for qualified access.

For sensitive species or locations, authors may generalize spatial coordinates, use data embargoes, or provide controlled access through trusted repositories. Clearly describe any access restrictions so reviewers understand how data can be verified.

All listed authors must meet authorship criteria, contribute substantially to the work, and approve the final manuscript. Include a contributor statement outlining roles such as study design, data collection, analysis, and writing.

Disclose all financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research. Provide funding sources and grant numbers where applicable. Transparency protects the integrity of mammal science.

All submissions undergo originality checks. Manuscripts with extensive overlap, uncredited reuse, or duplicate publication will be returned without review. Ensure that reused methods text is properly cited and that all sources are acknowledged.

JMR values transparency. If a manuscript extends prior work, clearly describe what is new and how the study advances the evidence base.

Use a consistent referencing style and ensure citations are complete and accurate. Include DOI links where available and avoid excessive self citation.

JMR welcomes manuscripts previously shared as preprints. Disclose the preprint DOI or link at submission and update it with the published article when available. Conference abstracts, theses, or technical reports are acceptable when the submitted work offers substantial new analysis.

Authors should confirm that preprints are not under review elsewhere and that any public communications respect journal embargoes and reviewer confidentiality.

• Manuscript file in an editable format with line numbers.
• Cover letter describing study significance and fit for Journal of Mammal Research.
• Ethics approval details and informed consent statements.
• Conflict of interest and funding disclosures.
• Data availability statement and repository links.

Completing these items before submission shortens screening and helps reviewers focus on scientific quality.

Use the cover letter to explain novelty, theoretical contribution, and alignment with the journal scope. Authors may suggest qualified reviewers free of conflicts of interest. The editorial team may or may not use suggested reviewers.

Journal of Mammal Research uses a single blind peer review model. Reviewers are aware of author identities to evaluate context and related work, while reviewer identities remain confidential to authors. Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit, methodological soundness, and relevance to the journal scope.

Authors who believe a decision was made in error may submit a reasoned appeal. Appeals should address reviewer comments and provide clear scientific justification. The editorial office will review appeals carefully but does not guarantee reversal of decisions.

When revisions are requested, provide a point by point response to reviewer comments and indicate changes in the manuscript. Timely responses reduce delays and improve publication timelines.

Accepted manuscripts enter production for copyediting, formatting, and proof review. Authors receive proofs for final checks and must confirm accuracy before publication. Article processing charges are communicated after acceptance and do not affect editorial decisions.

JMR publishes under open access licensing to maximize reach and reuse. Authors retain copyright and grant reuse rights with proper attribution. Licensing details are provided in the copyright and license policy.

Authors who want language editing support prior to submission may request assistance from the editorial office. Language support does not influence editorial decisions and does not guarantee acceptance.

JMR offers two submission methods for author convenience. Both routes are reviewed by the same editorial team and provide the same editorial standards.