CITES Committee Releases Assessment of Long-tailed Macaque Breeding Practices in Cambodia

On November 12, 2025, the Permanent Committee of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) unveiled an important assessment focusing on the breeding practices of long-tailed macaques in Cambodia. The report, which received accolades for its thorough scientific methodology, highlights the effective customs and inspection processes currently employed in the country. These procedures have been described as well-coordinated and integrated within a national single-window system, ensuring transparency and thorough documentation.

The acknowledgment of Cambodia is particularly significant as it emphasizes the nation’s commitment to enhancing its legislative frameworks and improving tracking capabilities in line with CITES procedures. The long-tailed macaque plays a crucial role in biomedical research worldwide due to their biological similarities to humans. They are one of the most studied non-human primates, making them vital for evaluating drug safety and for breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, immunology, cancer research, vaccine development, and pharmacology.

Historically, Cambodia has been a prominent supplier of animal models for scientific research in the United States. However, allegations of illegal activities among certain interest groups in the U.S. have led to a decline in imports from Cambodia, jeopardizing medical research and hindering the advancement of innovative treatment methods in the U.S.

Matthew R. Bailey, president of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), expressed his support for the report, stating, "We welcome the latest CITES report that confirms Cambodia's adherence to international laws and regulations.” He continued, highlighting that the report validates Cambodia’s compliance and underscores that necessary animal models can still be sourced from the country for critical research in the U.S.

Additionally, Bailey praised Cambodia for its transparency and collaboration throughout the assessment process, noting NABR's readiness to work alongside the U.S. and other nations to address these issues collaboratively. The findings indicate that Cambodia not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of documentation and regulatory compliance, fostering an environment conducive to responsible animal research.

The availability of long-tailed macaques is crucial as these animals are not just integral to academics but also significantly contribute to advancements that benefit human health. With an increasing focus on humane treatment and ethical research practices, Cambodia is set to play an essential role in the future of biomedical research.

NABR, which was founded in 1979, is the sole nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advocating for sound public policy regarding the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing.

For further details about NABR, visit their website at nabr.org. Their commitment remains unwavering towards promoting humane and responsible animal research for the betterment of both human and animal health globally.