Focus and Scope

Intropica is an open-access scientific journal published by the Editorial Office of the Universidad del Magdalena (Colombia). Its articles are peer-reviewed under a double-blind system and adhere to the principles of integrity in publishing and editorial processes, in accordance with the Code of Publication Ethics of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The journal operates on a continuous publication model, with biannual compilations in June and December. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, publishing original and unpublished scientific research across various natural science fields including biology, fisheries, agronomy, ethnobiology, biophysics, natural resource economics, botany, limnology, entomology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, ecotoxicology, zoology, ornithology, marine biology, conservation, biodiversity, and ecology. These studies span all levels of biological organization, from molecules to landscapes. Intropica offers a platform for comprehensive analyses of natural ecosystems and the environmental issues arising from anthropogenic intervention.

The journal accepts scientific and technological research articles, review and reflection papers, and scientific notes. The Editorial Committee may also invite distinguished researchers to submit editorials or letters to the editor. Consistent with its goal of scientific knowledge dissemination, Intropica maintains a free open-access publication policy, funded by the Editorial Fund of the Universidad del Magdalena. It welcomes contributions from authors worldwide, especially those addressing multidisciplinary issues in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Manuscripts are preferably submitted in English, but submissions in Spanish and Portuguese are also accepted.

Objective

Intropica provides a platform for the publication of original contributions that prioritize integrated research and interpretation of tropical and subtropical ecosystems and the environmental issues resulting from human activities.

Peer Review Process

Once a manuscript is received, the editorial manager checks for compliance with the author guidelines and initiates the editorial process. A model article is available for reference. The Editor-in-Chief assesses the manuscript’s relevance to the journal’s scope and objectives. If deemed suitable, it is assigned to an Associate Editor whose academic background aligns with the manuscript topic. Within 15 calendar days, the Associate Editor decides whether to proceed and assigns two expert reviewers for double-blind peer review. In case of conflicting evaluations, a third reviewer will be consulted. Reviewers have 15 calendar days to submit their assessment and may recommend acceptance, minor or major revisions, or rejection.

If revisions are requested, the corresponding author receives reviewer comments and observations from the Associate Editor. Authors have 30 days to respond using a response letter format. If the revised manuscript is not returned within the deadline without justification, it will be withdrawn and must be resubmitted as a new submission.

After receiving the revised manuscript and response letter, the Associate Editor makes a final decision within 15 calendar days, potentially with input from the Editorial Committee. Additional minor revisions may be requested, to be addressed within five calendar days.

Before final publication, page proofs are sent to the corresponding author for minor typographical corrections only. Major changes at this stage are not permitted.

In cases of plagiarism or copyright violations, the Associate Editor will cancel the editorial process, and the Editor-in-Chief will notify the corresponding author via their institutional email. No further submissions from the author will be accepted.

For more information on ethical practices, visit: http://revistas.unimagdalena.edu.co/index.php/intropica/about/editorialPolicies#custom-3.

If the Editor-in-Chief submits a manuscript, the editorial manager convenes a meeting with Associate Editors from the Universidad del Magdalena to appoint a guest editor to oversee the process.

Reviewer Guidelines

Manuscripts are sent to at least two national or international peer reviewers with relevant publications within the past two years and no academic or research ties to the authors. Reviewers have 15 calendar days to complete their evaluations.

The Editorial Committee bases its decision on the reviewers’ assessments, using the following criteria: 1) accepted, 2) publishable with major revisions, 3) publishable with minor revisions, or 4) rejected.

Reviewers assess only the scientific content; the journal verifies compliance with author guidelines. Reviewers are encouraged to evaluate the manuscript’s originality, significance, scientific rigor, and coherence. Each reviewer completes a standardized evaluation form including personal information, decision, and comments for the authors and Associate Editor.

Open Access Policy

Intropica provides free and open access to its content, supporting global knowledge exchange. There are no submission or publication fees for authors.

Archiving

The journal uses the LOCKSS system to create a distributed archiving system among participating libraries, allowing them to create permanent archives for preservation and restoration.

Publication Fees

Intropica is entirely free to authors and readers. Articles are openly accessible for any type of use. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to the journal website to receive updates on newly published issues.

Plagiarism Policy

The editorial team uses Turnitin as both an initial and final plagiarism detection tool. If plagiarism is detected at any stage, the manuscript is immediately rejected, and the corresponding author is notified. Authors may revise and resubmit, in which case the manuscript will be treated as a new submission. Repeated offenses will result in notification to the authors’ institutional affiliations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

Authors

 This policy applies only to manuscript writing, not data analysis. Authors must declare any AI use for writing assistance at the time of submission. They remain solely responsible for the content. AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors. The journal avoids publishing figures or images generated or edited using AI.

Reviewers

 Reviewers must not upload manuscripts to generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to preserve confidentiality. If AI is used to support report writing (e.g., grammar or style assistance), its use must be explicitly declared. The reviewer is fully responsible for the content of their evaluation.

Retractions and Corrections

Intropica publishes corrections, retraction statements, and updates to original articles, reviews, reflections, and scientific notes. Following COPE guidelines, the Editorial Committee considers retractions and corrections based on the nature of the issue, which may affect the title, authorship, affiliation, abstract, main text, tables, figures, or acknowledgments.

Requests for retraction or correction may come from:

• Authors: to correct significant errors that affect scientific integrity, publication records, or reputations.

• Editors: in cases of unreliable content due to errors, manipulation, or ethical violations.

Retracted articles will remain available in PDF format, marked accordingly, with reciprocal links between the article and the retraction notice. Retraction statements will specify the requester and reasons.

Publication Frequency

Intropica publishes accepted manuscripts continuously, compiling issues semiannually in July and December.

Indexing

Intropica is recognized by Publindex and indexed in:

• Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts

• Dialnet

• Redib

• MIAR

• PERIODICA

• C.I.R.C

• Zoological Record

• Agricultural & Environmental Science Database

• Biological Abstracts

• BIOSIS Previews

• AGRIS

Journal Information

Journal Name: Intropica
Print ISSN: 1794-161X
Online ISSN: 2389-7864
Coverage: Vol. 1 (2004) – Vol. 19(2) (2024)
Publisher: Editorial Unimagdalena