Arbitration process and assigned times

Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n.s.) employs a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, and scientific relevance of the manuscripts it publishes. The journal uses a double-blind review system, meaning that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the evaluation process. This ensures an impartial and objective assessment.

Phases of the Peer Review Process

• Submission and Preliminary Review: Upon receipt of a manuscript, the Editor-in-Chief or an Associate Editor conducts a preliminary review to verify compliance with the journal’s Editorial Guidelines and to assess whether the manuscript meets the minimum scientific standards for consideration. Manuscripts may be rejected at this stage if they fail to meet basic requirements.
  Estimated time: 15 business days from receipt.
• Reviewer Assignment: If the manuscript passes the preliminary review, the Associate Editor assigns it to two external referees who are experts in the subject matter. Reviewers are selected to avoid any conflicts of interest with the authors or the manuscript content.
  Estimated time: Within 15 days after confirming compliance with requirements.
• Double-Blind Peer Review: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript anonymously, providing constructive feedback and recommendations regarding its scientific quality, originality, methodology, clarity, and relevance. Their reports are essential for the editorial decision.
  Estimated time: 45 days from the day after reviewers receive the manuscript.
• Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers’ reports, the Associate Editor and Editor-in-Chief make a decision. Possible outcomes include:
• Accept without changes
• Accept with minor revisions
• Accept with major revisions (requiring substantial changes and re-evaluation)
• Reject (if the manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards or scope)
  In case of conflicting reviewer reports, a third referee may be appointed to assist in reaching a more informed decision.
• Author Notification: The editorial decision is communicated to the corresponding author, along with the anonymous reviewer comments and revision instructions, if applicable.
  Estimated time: Within 15 days after receiving the referee reports.
• Author Revisions: If revisions are requested, authors must address the reviewers’ comments and submit a revised version of the manuscript along with a response letter detailing how each comment was addressed.
  Estimated time: Up to 30 business days from the notification of reviewer feedback.
• Re-evaluation (if applicable): Manuscripts requiring major revisions may be sent back to the original reviewers for a second round of evaluation.
• Final Acceptance and Publication: Once accepted, the manuscript proceeds to editing, layout, and online publication.

Commitment to Timelines

Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n.s.) strives to maintain efficient review and publication timelines without compromising quality. The estimated times serve as guidelines and may vary depending on manuscript complexity, reviewer availability, and editorial workload. The journal is committed to keeping authors informed of their manuscript’s status at every stage.