Sensitive Biodiversity Data Policy

Bio Palembanica recognizes that the publication of precise geographic information may create conservation risks for certain species, populations, and habitats. This is particularly relevant to research involving:

critically endangered, endangered, or threatened species;
rare, endemic, or geographically restricted taxa;
species vulnerable to illegal collection, hunting, trade, or other forms of exploitation; and
sensitive breeding, nesting, roosting, spawning, or other important habitat locations.

Where the release of precise geographic coordinates or other sensitive information could potentially increase risks to species or habitats, authors may restrict, generalize, or obscure such information. This may include reporting locations at a broader geographic scale rather than providing exact coordinates.

Such restrictions should be applied only when reasonably justified by conservation, ethical, legal, or regulatory considerations and should not unnecessarily limit the transparency or reproducibility of the research.

Where sensitive biodiversity information has been restricted, authors should provide a clear explanation in the Data Availability Statement and, where appropriate, indicate that additional information may be made available to qualified researchers or relevant authorities upon reasonable request.

The editors may request additional information or supporting documentation when necessary to assess whether the restriction is appropriate.