BMC Zoology is calling for submissions to our Collection, Advancing zoological research through museum collections.

Zoological collections in museums have long served as essential resources for scientific research, education, and conservation. These collections house valuable specimens and associated data that offer insights into the biology, behavior, physiology, evolution, and ecology of both extant and extinct species. Recent advances in technology and data management, including museomics, collectomics, imaging, and virtual collections, are transforming how researchers and the public access and use these collections, opening new avenues for discovery.

The significance of zoological collections extends far beyond traditional taxonomy and species identification. New computational and molecular approaches, such as museomics and collectomics, now enable the study of genetic material, ancient biomolecules, morphological and ecological data, and other forms of “dark data” historically locked within specimens. These methods have the potential to reveal previously inaccessible zoological information, illuminate evolutionary histories, and inform conservation strategies. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that certain preservation techniques may affect the integrity of such information, and that destructive sampling requests must be carefully evaluated with guidelines in place to ensure raw data is shared. Developing clear workflows and guidelines is therefore important to ensuring that valuable data locked in specimens are not inadvertently lost.

In parallel, new virtual collections and data-sharing platforms are broadening access to museum resources and facilitating collaborative research across institutions and disciplines. These developments underscore the importance of integrating zoological collections into interdisciplinary research frameworks to maximize their impact on science and society. Strengthened partnerships between museums, universities, conservation organizations, and the wider public are also important to fully unlocking the potential of these collections to support zoological research, conservation priorities, and education.

The Collection will consider studies on:

•Unlocking dark data in zoological collections, including museomics, collectomics, computational, molecular, or imaging approaches that reveal hidden or previously inaccessible information.

•Advances in ancient DNA and biomolecule recovery from zoological specimens. Evaluating the impact of preservation techniques on the integrity of genetic, morphological, biochemical, or other data contained in specimens

•Optimizing specimen preservation workflows, including best practices to maintain long-term data quality

•Development or assessment of guidelines for destructive sampling, including strategies to minimize data loss and improve decision-making frameworks

•Creation or enhancement of virtual collections, including digitization, 3D imaging, and online accessibility tools

•Open science practices and data-sharing workflows, guidance, or platforms that improve access to information sourced from zoological collections for research, education, and conservation

•Knowledge-exchange initiatives between museums, researchers, conservation practitioners, and the public

•Interdisciplinary approaches integrating museum collections with fields such as ecology, evolution, conservation science, informatics, and education

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.

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.