BMC Zoology is calling for submissions to our Collection, Animal movements, migration, and range shifts.
The study of animal movements, migration, and range shifts is crucial for understanding ecological dynamics and the effects of environmental change on wildlife populations. As species navigate complex landscapes, their movement patterns provide essential insights into behavioral ecology, habitat use, and evolutionary processes. This Collection invites research that explores the mechanisms and influences behind these movements, including the effects of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human activities. By examining the interplay between environmental factors and animal behavior from the Arctic tundra to tropical forests, open oceans, and freshwater systems, we can enhance our understanding of biodiversity and conservation.
Understanding animal movements and migrations has never been more important, particularly in the context of rapid environmental changes and biodiversity loss. Advances in tracking technologies, such as GPS and remote sensing, have significantly improved our ability to monitor wildlife movements and assess migratory patterns. This enhanced capacity allows researchers to investigate how animals adapt to shifting habitats, exploit new resources, and respond to anthropogenic pressures. By unraveling these complexities, we can inform conservation strategies and policies aimed at protecting vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Continued research in this field may lead to the development of innovative management practices, such as the design of effective wildlife corridors and the enhancement of migratory routes that facilitate species resilience. Future studies could also enhance our understanding of how species may adapt to climate-induced range shifts and the implications for ecosystem health and function. The integration of interdisciplinary approaches will be vital in addressing the challenges posed by human-wildlife interactions and fostering a sustainable coexistence with nature.
Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:
- Navigational strategies in migrating animals, including sensory cues and the role of instinct, learning, and social interactions in route selection
- Mechanistic modeling approaches for studying migration behavior and predicting movement patterns
- Advances in wildlife tracking technologies and methodologies for monitoring movement and migration
- Impacts of human activities such as habitat fragmentation, pollution, and climate change, on migratory patterns
- Climate-driven range shifts and their ecological and conservation implications
- The role of wildlife corridors, stopover sites, and habitat connectivity in supporting migratory species
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Image credit: © GomezDavid / Getty Images / iStock
