CITES Committee Reviews Long-Tailed Macaque Monkey Breeding Practices in Cambodia
On November 12, 2025, the Standing Committee of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) published a detailed assessment of the breeding practices for long-tailed macaques in Cambodia. This report comes as a crucial step in advocating for better governance in the wildlife trade, particularly concerning species vital for medical research.
The CITES committee, which plays a defining role in regulating animal species trade on an international level, expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for its comprehensive data and adherence to scientific standards. The report noted that Cambodia has made significant strides in establishing robust customs and inspection procedures that are well-integrated into the national system. These efforts ensure transparency and enhance the traceability of animal species involved in international trade.
Recognized for its collaborative spirit, the Cambodian government received praise for its proactive approach during the review process. The CITES committee acknowledged the country’s commitment to improving its legislative framework while aligning with CITES obligations. This endorsement is pivotal, as compliance with CITES regulations is essential for maintaining international trade in a lawful and sustainable manner.
Long-tailed macaques hold a significant position in biomedical research due to their close genetic relationship to humans. They are frequently employed in drug safety assessments and research fields such as regenerative medicine, immunology, cancer studies, vaccine development, and pharmacology. Their essential role in these scientific domains underscores the urgency of addressing challenges related to their supply and breeding practices.
Historically, Cambodia was a leading supplier of animal research models for the U.S. market. However, allegations of illegal activities propagated by some groups in the United States have adversely affected Cambodian exports of long-tailed macaques, thus constraining the availability of this valuable research resource. This restriction poses a threat to the progress of medical research and the development of new treatments in the United States.
Matthew R. Bailey, President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), highlighted the significance of the CITES report, affirming that it corroborates Cambodia's compliance with international standards. He emphasized the urgent need for sourcing long-tailed macaques to support U.S. medical research, marking this report as a turning point in overcoming barriers to availability.
"This report reaffirms Cambodia's commitment to the humane treatment of research animals and opens the door for U.S. researchers who rely on these primates for scientific advancement," Bailey noted. He also commended the nation for its open and cooperative stance throughout the review process, positioning NABR to potentially collaborate with the United States and other nations in promoting responsible practices in animal research.
The CITES report is now publicly accessible, providing further insights into Cambodia’s breeding practices and regulatory measures. As international scrutiny intensifies regarding wildlife trade and animal welfare, the Cambodian example stands as a promising model for compliance and transparency in the realm of biomedical research involving animal subjects.
The ongoing developments in Cambodia are critical not only for local biodiversity but also for the broader scientific community, which increasingly depends on ethical and regulated sources of biological material for crucial research. As CITES and advocates for humane animal research continue to work together, the future of long-tailed macaques and their role in medical advancements appears more secure.
For more detailed information about CITES actions and the full report, visit their official website at CITES.
The CITES committee, which plays a defining role in regulating animal species trade on an international level, expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for its comprehensive data and adherence to scientific standards. The report noted that Cambodia has made significant strides in establishing robust customs and inspection procedures that are well-integrated into the national system. These efforts ensure transparency and enhance the traceability of animal species involved in international trade.
Recognized for its collaborative spirit, the Cambodian government received praise for its proactive approach during the review process. The CITES committee acknowledged the country’s commitment to improving its legislative framework while aligning with CITES obligations. This endorsement is pivotal, as compliance with CITES regulations is essential for maintaining international trade in a lawful and sustainable manner.
Long-tailed macaques hold a significant position in biomedical research due to their close genetic relationship to humans. They are frequently employed in drug safety assessments and research fields such as regenerative medicine, immunology, cancer studies, vaccine development, and pharmacology. Their essential role in these scientific domains underscores the urgency of addressing challenges related to their supply and breeding practices.
Historically, Cambodia was a leading supplier of animal research models for the U.S. market. However, allegations of illegal activities propagated by some groups in the United States have adversely affected Cambodian exports of long-tailed macaques, thus constraining the availability of this valuable research resource. This restriction poses a threat to the progress of medical research and the development of new treatments in the United States.
Matthew R. Bailey, President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), highlighted the significance of the CITES report, affirming that it corroborates Cambodia's compliance with international standards. He emphasized the urgent need for sourcing long-tailed macaques to support U.S. medical research, marking this report as a turning point in overcoming barriers to availability.
"This report reaffirms Cambodia's commitment to the humane treatment of research animals and opens the door for U.S. researchers who rely on these primates for scientific advancement," Bailey noted. He also commended the nation for its open and cooperative stance throughout the review process, positioning NABR to potentially collaborate with the United States and other nations in promoting responsible practices in animal research.
The CITES report is now publicly accessible, providing further insights into Cambodia’s breeding practices and regulatory measures. As international scrutiny intensifies regarding wildlife trade and animal welfare, the Cambodian example stands as a promising model for compliance and transparency in the realm of biomedical research involving animal subjects.
The ongoing developments in Cambodia are critical not only for local biodiversity but also for the broader scientific community, which increasingly depends on ethical and regulated sources of biological material for crucial research. As CITES and advocates for humane animal research continue to work together, the future of long-tailed macaques and their role in medical advancements appears more secure.
For more detailed information about CITES actions and the full report, visit their official website at CITES.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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