Publication trends in zoo biology: A brief analysis of the first 15 years
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1997 |
Authors: |
Chris Wemmer, Melissa Rodden, Charles Pickett |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
aquariums, publication, research, zoos |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:1<3::AID-ZOO2>3.3.CO;2-3 Zoo Biology has completed 15 years as a professional journal dedicated to exsitu wildlife research. To assess the journal’s representation of zoo and aquarium research, we examined some aspects of its publication record, based on analyses of 395 research articles. The taxonomic representation of Zoo Biology is heavily skewed toward research articles on mammals (73%), with articles on birds, reptiles, and invertebrates contributing only 10%, 7%, and 7%, respectively. Behavior and reproduction (sensu latu) are the predominating disciplinary themes of research, with heavy reliance on non-invasive endocrine methodology using RIA and EIA. The relatively small number of articles dealing with demography and genetics is surprising when one considers the eminent role such analyses have played in Species Survival Plans. Most contributions are multi-authored and arise from U.S. institutions, with collaborative ventures between zoos and universities accounting for 26% of all articles. The academic community, however, contributed nearly one third of Zoo Biology’s articles as non-collaborative contributions. University and aquarium affiliations are known to exist, but the products of such cooperation are not appearing in the pages of Zoo Biology. We conclude the taxonomic trends reflect a shortage of research-oriented staff in the zoo and aquarium profession, and a tendency for a significant number of zoo biologists to publish in taxon-oriented journals. Zoo Biol 16:3–8, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.