#USA #Washington #NABR #CITES #Long-Tailed Macaque

CITES Committee Overview on Long-Tailed Macaque Breeding

On November 12, 2025, the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permanent committee released a comprehensive evaluation of breeding practices concerning long-tailed macaques in Cambodia. This announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate the trade of certain wildlife species globally. The acknowledgment of Cambodia's cooperation and transparency throughout the assessment process highlights the country’s commitment to improving its animal welfare standards.

Highlights of the Report

The report from the CITES Committee commends Cambodia for its well-coordinated customs and control procedures. These practices revolve around a unified national contact point system, which has enhanced the transparency in operations involving wildlife breeding and trading. Experts noted that the clear documentation and avid compliance with CITES procedures reflect positively on Cambodia's approach.

Additionally, the report praises the Cambodian government for its proactive stance in enhancing legal frameworks and facilitating compliance with international regulations. This represents a significant positive shift for the country, as it once faced allegations of illegal wildlife trade that hampered its reputation and reduced the export of animal models crucial for biomedical research.

Importance of Long-Tailed Macaques in Biomedical Research

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) play an indispensable role in biomedical research due to their close genetic affinity to humans. They are frequently used in pharmacological safety assessments and have significantly contributed to advancements in various medical fields, including regenerative medicine, immunology, oncology, and vaccine development. This makes them essential for researchers in the quest to discover new therapies and medical solutions.

Historically, Cambodia was one of the primary suppliers of animal models for these research endeavors in the United States. However, due to numerous allegations regarding illegal activities connected to wildlife trade, imports from Cambodia faced severe restrictions. This reduction in available models posed a considerable risk to medical research in the US, impacting the ability of researchers to innovate and develop new treatments.

NABR's Response to CITES Findings

Matthew R. Bailey, President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), expressed optimism regarding the latest CITES findings. He stated, “We are pleased with the CITES report confirming Cambodia’s adherence to international legal standards.” Bailey emphasized that this validation showcases how vital animal models necessary for medical research can be sourced from Cambodia without compromising ethical standards.

Moreover, NABR extended its gratitude to Cambodia for its openness and collaboration throughout the evaluation process. Bailey reiterated the organization’s willingness to engage with the United States and other countries collaboratively to improve animal welfare practices in research settings.

Conclusion

The CITES Committee's evaluation represents a significant milestone in international wildlife trade regulation. By applauding Cambodia's improved breeding practices of long-tailed macaques, this report not only enhances the image of Cambodian wildlife management but also underscores the importance of fostering cooperation between nations in the pursuit of ethical animal use in research. Such collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring that crucial animal models remain available for advancing human and veterinary medicine in a responsible and ethical manner.