Journal of Vertebrate Biology (formerly Folia Zoologica) publishes articles containing original insight into various aspects of vertebrate zoology that are not published and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The journal welcomes significant papers presenting new and original data of more than regional significance. Studies testing explicitly formulated hypotheses are preferred to those presenting primarily descriptive results. Review papers are particularly welcomed and should deal with topics of general interest or of current importance, being synthetic rather than comprehensive in emphasis.

Certain papers are rejected because they do not fit within the aims and scopes characterised above. Some examples include

• Investigations using vertebrates merely as models or emphasizing experimental or veterinary aspects which are not of substantial relevance to zoologists;
• Studies using domestic or laboratory animals as models;
• Papers in which the primary focus is, for example, paleontology, parasitology, physiology, histology or anatomy, but where the links to, and implications for, vertebrate zoology are not clear and have not been strongly developed;
• Local or regional faunistic studies aimed at development of conservation strategies.

The Journal of Vertebrate Biology operates under a continuous publication model, which means that papers are published online as the final and complete version. This model ensures peer-reviewed work can be made available quickly and cited immediately. There are no page charges.

Folia Zoologica, which is a continuation of the periodical Entomologické Listy (Folia Entomologica, 1938-1951, volumes 1-14), Zoologické a Entomologické Listy (Folia Zoologica and Entomologica, 1952-1955, volumes 1-4, n.s.) and Zoologické Listy (Folia Zoologica, 1956-1976, volumes 5-25).