IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
©IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group
Volume 41 Issue 4 (November 2024)
Note from the Editor
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Dear Friends, Colleagues and Otter Enthusiasts!
Some days ago, we have closed issue 41/3 of this year and issue 42/4 goes hereby online.
Maybe not such big news but I see recently at several occasions when reviewing for journals, when I am panel member in project applications but also as a member in COPE, the Committee on Publication Ethics, the increasing use of AI in preparing manuscripts. I recently came across a manuscript where we found three “invented references” which is typical for ChatGTP and other tools. With invented references I mean a reference that fits from the title to the submitted paper, should be in a journal I do even know but when you go to the issue there is no such article anywhere to be found.
So, the solution to this is simple. From today on each manuscript will be send back to the author to add a line in the Material and Methods section to describe whether and to what extent AI has been used for the preparation of the paper. Only manuscripts with this information will be send to reviewers. We will also use a tool to identify AI parts in the manuscripts and dependent on the amount not declared but then found I will take the freedom and power of being the editor-in-chief to decide whether it can go to review, needs to be send back for revision or whether the authors will be suspended from submissions. I am sorry to take such drastic actions, but I cannot accept any such behaviour.
I wanted to remind you on my recent proposal to have a section at the end of the issues where we have the title, abstract, university and date of defence for those of you who submit an MSc or PhD thesis. Of course, full articles are also welcome but with a section like this we would all be aware what is internationally ongoing in respect to otter studies. Feel free to send me such notes if your university and supervisors agree.
As we will have 5 issues this year, I really think Lesley deserves an extra thank you in 2024! Thanks Lesley from my side for all your dedication.
