JPAE provides reviewers with tools and guidance to support efficient, high quality reviews. Resources focus on evaluating field methods, data transparency, and ecological relevance.

• Verify that sampling design is described clearly
• Check that site definitions align with study objectives
• Assess whether data and code access statements are complete
• Recommend clarifications for ecological interpretation

Reviewers can contact the editorial office for clarification on review criteria or conflicts. Email [email protected] for assistance.

• Evaluate whether ecological measures are appropriate for the research question.
• Check that field protocols are described with enough detail.
• Assess whether validation uses independent or held out data.
• Review conservation relevance and avoid overstated conclusions.
• Recommend clarifications for species or habitat definitions.
• Verify that statistical tests and metrics are appropriate.
• Note missing citations or key prior work.
• Check that code availability is clear or explained.
• Assess data privacy and ethical compliance statements.
• Ensure figures and tables are interpretable and labeled.
• Flag potential data leakage or overfitting issues.
• Suggest additional analyses or sensitivity checks when needed.
• Evaluate reproducibility based on documentation provided.
• Comment on the clarity of field protocol descriptions.
• Encourage clear reporting of cohort or site demographics.
• Check whether limitations are acknowledged and reasonable.
• Confirm that novelty is well supported by the evidence.
• Provide balanced feedback with strengths and actionable improvements.
• Check whether sample sizes are adequate for the analysis performed.
• Assess whether external validation claims are supported by evidence.
• Review calibration plots or error analyses when available.
• Recommend clearer reporting of preprocessing and feature engineering.
• Confirm that ethical approvals are described for field data use.
• Suggest improvements to data visualization clarity.

JPAE is committed to rigorous, transparent publishing in plant and animal ecology. We emphasize reproducible field methods, clear reporting of ecological context, and ethical compliance across all article types.

The editorial office supports authors, editors, and reviewers with clear guidance and responsive communication. For questions about scope or workflow, contact [email protected].

We encourage continuous improvement in reporting practices and share updates that help the community maintain high standards in ecological research and conservation science.