Ibis: The International Journal of Avian Science
In the world of scientific research, few publications hold as much historical weight as Ibis. Formally known as the International Journal of Avian Science, Ibis is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the study of birds. Since its inception in the mid-19th century, it has served as a primary record for advancements in ornithology—the scientific study of birds.
Published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the British Ornithologists' Union (BOU), the journal covers a vast array of specialized topics, including bird ecology, conservation, behavior, taxonomy (the science of naming and classifying organisms), and palaeontology (the study of prehistoric life through fossils).
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Key Facts
- Established: 1859
- Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell for the British Ornithologists' Union
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Impact Factor: 1.804 (as of 2015)
- Editor-in-Chief: Dominic J. McCafferty (University of Glasgow)
- Accessibility: Available via the OARE scheme for institutions in the developing world
The History and Foundation of Ibis
The origins of the journal are inextricably linked to the formation of the British Ornithologists' Union in 1858, which was the first organization created solely for the study of birds. During a meeting in the autumn of 1857, a group of ornithologists expressed a strong desire for a dedicated magazine for their field.
By November 1858, at an "annual assemblage," the group decided to establish a Quarterly Magazine of General Ornithology. To fund this venture, they created a limited subscription fund and formed the "Ornithological Union." The resulting publication, The Ibis, launched in 1859 under the leadership of its first editor, Philip Lutley Sclater.
Evolution of Series and Editors
For several decades, the journal was organized into distinct series, typically consisting of six volumes and 24 issues each. This structured approach helped categorize the growing body of avian research.
- Series 1 (1859–1864): Edited by Philip Lutley Sclater.
- Series 2 (1865–1870): Edited by Alfred Newton.
- Series 3 (1871–1876): Edited by Osbert Salvin.
- Series 4 (1877–1882): Edited by Osbert Salvin and Philip Lutley Sclater.
- Series 5–9: Various combinations of P.L. Sclater, Howard Saunders, and Arthur Humble Evans.
- Series 10–11: Edited by William Lutley Sclater, son of P.L. Sclater.
- Series 13: Edited by Claud Buchanan Ticehurst.
Starting in 1943, the journal moved away from the series format, and volumes began to be numbered sequentially (e.g., Volume 85).
Geographical Ornithology and Global Influence
During its first eighty years, a significant portion of the journal was dedicated to geographical ornithology. As defined by P.L. Sclater, this is the study of birds across different countries of the world. This focus was heavily influenced by Sclater's 1858 work, "On the Geographic Distribution of the Members of the Class Aves."
The journal's emphasis on global distribution mirrored the expansion of the British Empire, as the reach of British rule and influence provided researchers with unprecedented access to diverse avian species across the globe.
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Journal Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Title | Ibis: The International Journal of Avian Science |
| ISSN | 1474-919X |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Ibis |
| Primary Language | English |
| Core Disciplines | Ecology, Conservation, Behaviour, Palaeontology, Taxonomy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ibis?
Ibis is a peer-reviewed scientific journal of the British Ornithologists' Union that focuses on avian science, including the ecology, behavior, and taxonomy of birds.
When was the journal founded?
The journal was established in 1859, shortly after the formation of the British Ornithologists' Union in 1858.
Who is the current editor-in-chief?
The current editor-in-chief is Dominic J. McCafferty from the University of Glasgow.
What is geographical ornithology?
Geographical ornithology is the study of how bird species are distributed across different countries and regions of the world.
How can researchers in developing countries access the journal?
The journal is available for free to institutions in the developing world through the Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE) scheme.