CITES Committee Evaluates Breeding Practices of Javanese Macaques in Cambodia

On November 12, 2025, the CITES Permanent Committee published a comprehensive review of breeding practices related to Javanese macaques in Cambodia. This review is significant as it reflects the country's commitment to maintaining ethical standards in its biomedicine research practices. The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international authority that oversees the global trade of wildlife species, ensuring that their populations remain sustainable and their habitats preserved.

In the latest report, the committee commended Cambodia for its extensive data submission and for relying on scientific insights during the review process. This effort suggests an increased level of transparency in their practices regarding wildlife breeding. Notably, the review highlighted that Cambodia has successfully implemented customs and control procedures that are well-coordinated. These measures are integrated through a national single-window system, further enhancing documentation and transparency around wildlife trade practices.

The report also praised Cambodia’s open cooperation throughout the review process, acknowledging the country’s commitment to improving its legislative framework in alignment with CITES standards. This enhancement demonstrates a proactive approach to not only adhere to international laws but to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of macaque populations.

Javanese macaques, known for their close biological similarities to humans, play an essential role in biomedical research globally. This species is frequently utilized in drug safety evaluations and has been pivotal in progress across various fields, including regenerative medicine, immunology, oncology, vaccine development, and pharmacology. Their contribution to medical science cannot be overstated, making ethical sourcing highly important.

Notably, Cambodia has a historical status as a major supplier of animal research models to the United States. However, this trade faced significant challenges due to allegations from U.S. interest groups regarding illegal activities associated with wildlife trade. Consequently, there was a notable decline in the importation of research models from Cambodia, which jeopardized medical studies in the U.S. and restricted the development of new treatments by American scientists.

Matthew R. Bailey, the director of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), expressed his support for the findings of the CITES review. He stated, "We welcome the CITES report, confirming Cambodia's adherence to international regulations. This report validates that the urgently required animal research models can indeed be sourced from Cambodia."

Bailey further acknowledged Cambodia's commitment to transparency and cooperation during the entire review process, highlighting the NABR's readiness to collaborate on these matters with the United States and other countries. This partnership is vital for sustaining the availability of essential research models, thereby facilitating advancements in medical science.

The National Association for Biomedical Research, established in 1979, is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for sensible public policies that promote humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. Its members include over 340 universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, all committed to humane and responsible animal research practices aimed at enhancing global health for both humans and animals.

For an in-depth look into the report and its implications for biomedical research and animal welfare standards, interested parties can refer to the official CITES documentation on their website. Collaboration between countries like Cambodia and organizations like NABR is crucial for the future of biomedical research, ensuring ethical practices while simultaneously advancing scientific understanding and innovation.