Experts offer recommendations to address shortage of long-tailed macaques required for continued health advancements

A coalition of 40 organizations representing the scientific, veterinary and conservation communities are partnering to advocate for the protection of long-tailed macaque monkeys—both in captivity and in the wild. Their recommendations seek to ensure the healthy continuation of this species within natural habitats and to protect future medical advancements that benefit humans and animals alike.

In regard to animals raised in captivity, a series of events in recent years have resulted in a global research supply chain shortage. The situation poses a severe and urgent threat to future biomedical progress. These issues include the recent, urgent demand for nonhuman primates to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, along with China's decision in 2020 to end long-tailed macaque exports.

At the same time, questions have recently arisen about the status of this species in the wild. Long-tailed macaque monkeys live in various countries around the globe including Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Laos.

In response to these current and ongoing challenges, a collection of non-profit organizations, professional societies and research organizations have developed recommendations to address both short-term and long-term concerns related to this respected and scientifically valuable species. Briefly summarized, these proposals are:

1. A rapid expansion of nonhuman primate breeding capacity within the United States
2. The initiation of comprehensive long-tailed macaque population studies throughout countries where wild long-tailed macaque populations exist.
3. New and expanded international partnerships to initiate region-specific animal protection or mitigation strategies.
4. Increased collaboration between the biomedical research community and international authorities that monitor and regulate animal use.

Collectively, these proposals seek to promote the protection of at-risk wild animal populations and ensure continued medical progress.

The full public statement includes more detailed information about the four recommendations referenced above. The document concludes with a full list of all signers, which include nonprofit organizations, professional societies, academic research institutions and biomedical research companies.