The Animal Data Project aims to provide resources, such as individual journal articles and databases, from reliable sources (e.g., journals and agencies). We recognize that the quality and impact of a particular resource may be independent of the quality or impact of the source. The following sections outline our criteria used to evaluate the three categories of sources found on the website.

Peer-Reviewed Sources

We use ranking metrics to screen academic journals. These metrics rely on how often the publications within a journal are cited. A citation is when another source, such as a journal or conference paper, mentions the article. It’s important to note that an article’s quality or impact is not necessarily related to the number of times it’s cited. For example, the scientific community might frequently cite an article because it contributes novel findings using strong methods or because it has significant flaws. 

Journal metrics provide insight into a journal’s impact and importance within the scientific community, although not without criticism. We only include peer-reviewed resources published in journals that meets one of the following  criteria: 

1.  SJR or Scopus ranking system scores that fall in the top quartile. For journals that address multiple subject areas, the journal must score in the top quartile in at least one subject area. 
2. When a journal is not ranked using SJR or Scopus, the Impact Factor must fall within the top quartile.
3. If metrics are available for both the Impact Factor and Scopus or SJR, one of these scores must fall in the top quartile.

Data Sources

We include open-access datasets from sources that meet the following criteria: 

1. The source is explicit and provides contact information. 
2. The source strives to provide reputable data. Note: data collection and sharing comes with challenges; therefore, many datasets will have issues such as missing data.
3. The source clearly outlines data collection methods or third-party sources of data.

Other Documents

This category includes a variety of resources, such as agency reports, legal documents, and news stories. The source for each type of resource is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The following are some general considerations for common sources in this category:

• Legal documents: We make every effort to read and link to the original document (e.g., legislation) rather than third-party summaries.
• Research reports: Methods are clearly outlined and at least one of the principal investigators is affiliated with an academic research institute (e.g., university).