NZJZ Call for Papers: Special issue on invertebrate conservation

Invertebrates, which encompass a remarkable diversity of species, play essential roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and integral components of food webs. However, they are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Understanding the ecology and conservation needs of invertebrate populations is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Aotearoa New Zealand and Australasia are home to a unique array of invertebrates, many of which remain understudied and face significant conservation challenges. Join us in advancing the field of invertebrate conservation and highlighting the urgent need for action to protect these vital organisms.

We welcome submissions that address various aspects of invertebrate conservation research, including empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and comparative analyses. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Habitat loss and restoration for invertebrate populations
• Impacts of climate change on invertebrate diversity and distribution
• Conservation strategies for endangered invertebrate species
• Indigenous perspectives, including te ao Māori (Māori worldview), in understanding and promoting invertebrate conservation.
• The role of invertebrates in ecosystem services
• Interactions between invertebrates and other species in changing environments

Guest Editors

Associate Professor Sheri Johnson (Otago), Dr Tara Murray (DOC) and Professor Priscilla Wehi (Otago)

Submission information

Please email a preliminary title, list of potential authors and a short descriptive paragraph outlining the scope of your proposed manuscript by 30 April 2025 to the lead guest editors Associate Professor Sheri Johnson (sheri.johnson@otago.ac.nz). The guest editors will make a decision on which manuscripts to invite for the special issue and authors will be notified by 31 May 2025. 

Note that an invitation to submit does not guarantee acceptance for publication, which will depend on the outcome of the usual peer-review process and authors meeting critical time schedules. 

The anticipated manuscript submission deadline is 30 November 2025, with the aim of getting the special issue formally published by mid-2026. Individual articles will be published online with a DOI before appearing in the compiled special issue.