#United States #Washington #PETA #Long-Tailed Macaques #USFWS

US Fish and Wildlife Service's Rejection of Endangered Status for Long-Tailed Macaques

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) made a significant decision by dismissing a petition submitted by animal rights activists, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), seeking to add Macaca fascicularis, commonly known as long-tailed macaques, to the endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This marks the second time that such a request has been denied in the past three years, as USFWS concluded that the petition failed to provide substantial scientific evidence justifying this classification.

Matthew R. Bailey, the director of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), commended the USFWS for its thorough and scientifically grounded evaluation of the claims presented by the activist groups. He emphasized that the findings indicated that there is no justification for listing the long-tailed macaques as endangered under the ESA. Bailey stated, “The available data clearly demonstrates that activist groups like PETA are attempting to misuse the ESA and other environmental processes to obstruct medical research both in the United States and globally. Such actions not only threaten public health and safety but also undermine the value of these environmental processes if they are employed as tools to pursue political objectives.”

Bailey further affirmed NABR’s commitment to safeguarding medical research in the United States and worldwide, ensuring that species protection decisions are grounded in the best available scientific and commercial data.

Long-tailed macaques are often utilized in biomedical research due to their significant physiological similarities to humans. Both the importation and usage of this non-human primate species in such research are subject to strict regulations imposed by international bodies and U.S. federal agencies. Studies utilizing long-tailed macaques have been crucial for advancements in several medical fields, including regenerative medicine, immunology, oncology, vaccine development, and pharmacology. Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a review underscoring the essential role of long-tailed macaques in conducting biomedical research.

Bailey commented on their importance, stating, “Due to their physiological and biological similarities to humans, long-tailed macaques represent a key resource for preclinical biomedical research. They contribute significantly to the development of therapies even before clinical trials on humans begin.” This has been particularly evident in how these macaques have played pivotal roles in the development and safety assessments of many contemporary drugs and treatment methods, proving indispensable for ongoing progress in biomedicine.

NABR was founded in 1979 as the sole 501(c)(6) non-profit organization advocating for sensible public policies regarding the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education, and testing. The association comprises over 280 members, including universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, patient groups, and academic and professional organizations. These members rely on humane and responsible animal research practices to enhance health outcomes for both humans and animals globally. More information can be found at www.nabr.org.

As we continue to balance the need for animal welfare against the demands of scientific advancement, the recent ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based policies that truly reflect the best interests of public health and safety.