#USA #Washington #PETA #Long-Tailed Macaque #USFWS

US Fish and Wildlife Service Rejects Petition for Long-Tailed Macaque

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially declined a petition put forth by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other activist organizations seeking to list long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision marks the second rejection of such a petition in a span of three years.

Matthew R. Bailey, President of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), commended the USFWS for conducting a thorough review backed by scientific evidence, concluding that the request to classify long-tailed macaques as endangered did not present substantial data warranting further examination. "We appreciate the commitment of the USFWS to adhere to a scientific approach in these matters," Bailey stated.

The report indicates that many activist groups, including PETA, have attempted to leverage the ESA and other environmental regulations to impede or obstruct medical research conducted in the United States and globally. Bailey pointed out that such actions could jeopardize both human health and the integrity of established environmental procedures when misused for political motives.

In this context, Bailey emphasized that NABR will continue to participate in discussions around the protection of medical research to ensure that species conservation decisions rely on the best available scientific and commercial information.

Long-tailed macaques are significantly utilized in biomedical research due to their genetic and physiological similarities to humans. The importation and use of this species in research is stringently regulated by international bodies and federal agencies in the U.S. The importance of long-tailed macaques in biomedical research cannot be overstated, especially in areas like regenerative medicine, immunology, oncological treatments, vaccine development, and pharmacology.

Recent reviews published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) corroborate the pivotal role that long-tailed macaques play in advancing biomedical research. "Given their similarities with humans, these primates serve as vital tools in preclinical studies that contribute significantly to the development of therapies prior to human clinical trials," added Bailey. Their contributions have been crucial in assessing the safety and efficacy of a multitude of contemporary drugs and treatment methods, underscoring their ongoing value in biomedical advancements.

About National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR)

Founded in 1979, NABR is the only non-profit association of its kind (501(c)(6)) dedicated to promoting sound public policy regarding the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. It encompasses over 280 institutions, including universities, medical and veterinary colleges, research hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, patient advocacy groups, and academic societies focused on responsible and humane research benefitting both human and animal health globally. More information is available at www.nabr.org.