NABR Responds to IUCN's Controversial Endangered Status for Long-Tailed Macaques

NABR Challenges IUCN's Endangered Status for Long-Tailed Macaques

On October 9, 2025, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reaffirmed the designation of the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) as an endangered species. This decision has sparked significant debate and controversy, particularly from the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), which disputes the validity of the findings upon which this determination was based.

The IUCN's decision follows a petition from NABR filed in 2023, which challenged the assessment provided by Hansen et al. The NABR argues that this review misinterprets existing scientific data, leading to misleading conclusions about the long-tailed macaque's conservation status. More detailed information about this petition is accessible on the NABR's official website at www.nabr.org.

Additionally, Dr. Hank Jenkins, a prominent figure in the field, has filed a separate petition with the IUCN, claiming potential conflicts of interest among the authors of the Hansen et al. review. However, the existence of such conflicts remains ambiguous, raising questions about the reliability of the data utilized by the IUCN.

In a related incident, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dismissed a petition that aimed to have the long-tailed macaque listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This petition mirrored the information submitted to the IUCN, and the Service concluded that it lacked credible evidence to support claims of threats to the species. Their findings, published in the Federal Register, further reinforce the argument that no government agency currently regards the long-tailed macaque as endangered.

The scientific community is echoing the concerns voiced by NABR regarding the IUCN's latest classification. Dr. Ray Hilborn, a distinguished scientist and member of NABR’s scientific review team, expressed disappointment in the lack of objectivity the IUCN demonstrated. He emphasized that not only is there a lack of reliable data indicating trends in macaque populations, but also that the existing data have been misrepresented.

Long-tailed macaques play a pivotal role in biomedical research due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans. This species is extensively utilized in developing critical medications, including five of the 20 most commonly prescribed drugs. Their involvement has led to crucial advancements in several medical fields, such as regenerative medicine, immunology, and vaccine development, notably including the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently highlighted the importance of utilizing long-tailed macaques within biomedical research settings.

Matthew R. Bailey, the president of NABR, asserted that it is concerning that the IUCN appears to have succumbed to pressure from animal rights activists, thereby mischaracterizing the long-tailed macaque as a species at risk. The scientific literature clearly indicates that this macaque species is not facing extinction and, in many regions, has become classified as invasive. This contradiction has left many, including Bailey, puzzled by the IUCN’s assertions.

The IUCN has acknowledged the long-tailed macaque in its publication titled “100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species,” demonstrating the complexity surrounding this species' status. The implications of this designation were discussed in a recent U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee hearing, where it was revealed that organizations like PETA have attempted to unduly influence governmental investigations concerning animal research.

In conclusion, although the IUCN has made its determination about the status of long-tailed macaques, organizations like NABR will continue to advocate for science-based policy and to inform lawmakers and the public about the realities of animal research and conservation. The organization stresses the necessity of basing such critical classifications on accurate and comprehensive data to uphold both public health and the integrity of scientific inquiry. More information about NABR and its mission can be found on their website, www.nabr.org.