#USA #Washington #IUCN #NABR #Long-Tailed Macaques

The NABR's Commentary on IUCN's Decision

On October 9, 2025, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) made the controversial decision to keep the long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) listed as endangered. This ruling has stirred significant debate, particularly from the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), which had previously petitioned against this classification.

The NABR argues that the IUCN's decision is based on misleading interpretations of scientific studies conducted by Hansen and colleagues, which the IUCN utilized to reach its conclusion. According to the NABR, these studies distort existing scientific data, raising concerns about the IUCN's decision-making process.

In addition, a separate petition presented to the IUCN by Hank Jenkins specified potential conflicts of interest related to the authors of the studies referenced by the IUCN. It remains uncertain whether such conflicts are legitimate or if they warrant further investigation. On October 7, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dismissed a request from advocacy groups to list the long-tailed macaques under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), asserting that the petition lacked credible support to signify a risk to the species' populations.

None of the governments around the globe currently categorize long-tailed macaques as threatened. Furthermore, scientific literature has indicated that the IUCN's current assessment is flawed and lacks a solid foundation. Ray Hilborn, a renowned scientist and part of the NABR's scientific review team, expressed disappointment in IUCN's objective consideration of the presented scientific information.

He emphasized that the absence of data on population trends and the misrepresentation of existing data bring serious doubts about the scientific process that led the IUCN to its decision. Long-tailed macaques are extensively utilized for biomedical research due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans. Five of the twenty most commonly prescribed medications have been developed with their assistance. Their role in biomedical research has been critical, especially concerning advancements in regenerative medicine, immunology, cancer research, vaccine development, and pharmacology, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) further underscores the significance of long-tailed macaques in biomedical research. Matthew R. Bailey, the president of NABR, voiced frustration over the IUCN's concession to animal rights activists by suggesting that these macaques are endangered, despite clear scientific evidence indicating otherwise. He argued that this species is not only not endangered but actually considered invasive in numerous countries. Bailey criticized the IUCN for its contradictory stance, noting that while proclaiming the species as endangered, it simultaneously acknowledges them as one of the world's most invasive species.

According to the publication titled "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species," long-tailed macaques are indeed recognized by the IUCN as an invasive species. Furthermore, the conservation status of long-tailed macaques and the role of PETA in governmental programs have recently been scrutinized in a hearing by the United States House of Representatives Oversight Committee.

During this hearing, witnesses stated that animal rights groups like PETA have improperly sought to influence government investigations concerning private entities and foreign governments for political reasons. Founded in 1979, the National Association for Biomedical Research is a unique 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to promoting public policy favorable to the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. Its members include over 340 universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, patient advocacy groups, and professional and academic societies reliant on responsible animal research to enhance human and animal health globally. For more information, visit www.nabr.org.

Overall, the NABR's response to the IUCN's assessment indicates a pivotal moment in the discussion of conservation statuses, scientific integrity, and public health in biomedical research.