Biodiversity Conservation
Published: 20 May 2026.
RES journal, Insect Conservation and Diversity, has been a front-runner in publishing research related to conservation issues in the entomological field.
Recently, the Editors-in-Chief have launched a new article type, Conservation Notes, short notes of high significance and relevance to insect conservation that do not fit into other paper categories.
Here to tell us more about the new category is Editor-in-Chief, Manu Saunders.
What made the editorial team decide to launch this new article type?
Manu: We identified a gap in the publishing options open to researchers and practitioners working on insect conservation. There are many options for publishing comprehensive insect science research reports, and some journals publish anecdotal natural history style observations. But there are no explicit options available for publishing short reports of rigorous research or actions targeting insect conservation practice. As the leading international journal on insect conservation science, we wanted to address that gap!
What kinds of research are you hoping to receive in this new category?
Manu: We don’t want to be too prescriptive! We welcome submissions on a range of topics relevant to conservation practice, including field-based research, controlled experiments (field or lab based), practical guidelines, on-ground interventions, molecular analyses, policy analyses etc.
You’ve written an editorial which gives more context to this which can be read here. What do the first few papers in the category bring to this new article type that is unique/the kind of research you’re keen to highlight?
Manu: Our first published Conservation Note is a great example of experimental research investigating the novel application of a conservation tool to address wildlife trafficking. Pit tagging is widely used in vertebrates, but there is limited evidence of its use in invertebrates. Lago et al. test the implications for using this technique in tarantulas, a group of spiders that are heavily impacted by illegal trade. This research showed that tarantulas tolerated the implantation and suffered no severe adverse effects on behaviour or reproduction. This research is an important contribution to practical knowledge of invertebrate conservation, and will inform further research and practice into other invertebrate taxa affected by illegal trafficking.
Why is it so important to publish this kind of research in the world we’re living in today?
Manu: Insects are facing numerous threats and stressors globally and their conservation depends on evidence and access to knowledge. Sometimes the overwhelming knowledge gaps around insect ecology and distributions is misused as a justification for inaction, or for maintaining ‘business as usual’ approaches that may have detrimental impacts on insect biodiversity. We are increasing the publishing opportunities for insect conservation evidence as one way to address this. In particular, we want to support increased efforts to document outcomes of targeted conservation-relevant actions, and build greater understanding of how specific actions (or inactions) affect conservation of insect species and communities in different environments.
What advice would you give to authors looking to submit into this category?
Manu: Please read the Author Guidelines for this category and read our Editorial. These clearly lay out requirements and expectations for the new category. If you are still unsure if your manuscript fits the category, you are welcome to send a pre-submission enquiry to the Editors in Chief.
Thank you Manu!
To learn more about Manu, do take a look at her ‘Meet the Editor’ profile here and find out more about conservation notes here.
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