Acta Ethologica is a peer‑reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the study of ethology, the discipline concerned with animal behavior in natural contexts. The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, short communications, and methodological papers that address theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of behavioral biology across a broad range of taxa.
Publication Details
- Publisher: Springer Science+Business Media, on behalf of the International Society for Ethology (ISE).
- Established: 1996.
- Frequency: Quarterly.
- Language: English.
- ISSN: Print 1020‑7119; Electronic 1868‑3222.
- Open Access: Hybrid model; authors may choose to make their articles open access under a Creative Commons licence upon payment of an article processing charge.
Scope and Aims
Acta Ethologica aims to foster interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of behavioral mechanisms, evolution, ecology, and neurobiology. Typical topics include, but are not limited to:
- Social behavior and communication
- Foraging and predator–prey interactions
- Reproductive strategies and parental care
- Animal cognition and learning
- Comparative studies of behavior across species
- Ethical considerations in behavioral research
The journal emphasizes studies that integrate field observations with experimental or theoretical approaches, encouraging contributions that bridge gaps between classic ethology and contemporary behavioral sciences such as behavioral ecology, neuroethology, and comparative psychology.
Editorial Structure
- Editor‑in‑Chief: [Current editor’s name, as listed by the journal] (subject to change; latest information should be verified from the journal’s website).
- Editorial Board: Comprises internationally recognized scholars in ethology and related fields, representing institutions across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania.
Indexing and Impact
Acta Ethologica is indexed in major bibliographic databases, including:
- Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science)
- Scopus
- PubMed Central (selected articles)
- BIOSIS Previews
According to the Journal Citation Reports, the journal has an impact factor that typically ranges between 1.0 and 2.5, reflecting moderate citation influence within the behavioral sciences. (Exact values vary yearly and should be consulted from the latest JCR edition.)
Access and Availability
Current issues and an online archive of past volumes are accessible through Springer's digital platform. Institutional subscriptions, individual article purchases, and open‑access options are available. Many libraries provide electronic access via consortium agreements.
Related Publications
Acta Ethologica is one of several prominent journals covering animal behavior, alongside titles such as Animal Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology, and Ethology. It often features thematic issues that coincide with conferences organized by the International Society for Ethology.
See Also
- Ethology: The scientific study of animal behavior, particularly under natural conditions.
- International Society for Ethology (ISE): Professional organization that supports research and education in ethology; it sponsors the journal.
Note: The information presented reflects the status of the journal up to 2024. For the most current details, consult the official Acta Ethologica website or the publisher’s catalogue.