U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rejects Activist Petition to List Macaques
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has for a second time rejected a petition from PETA and other activist groups to list long-tailed macaques under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The decision cited a lack of substantial scientific information.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on July 14, 2026, denied for the second time a petition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and others seeking to list long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The agency concluded that PETA's petition did not contain substantial scientific information to warrant further review. This marks the second denial by USFWS of such a listing request for the non-human primate species within the past three years.
The National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) commended USFWS for its thorough, science-based review. NABR stated that activist groups like PETA have attempted to use the ESA and other environmental processes to obstruct medical research, a move they argue jeopardizes human health and safety.
NABR highlights that long-tailed macaques are extensively used in biomedical research due to their physiological similarities to humans, with strict regulations governing their use. These primates have been crucial for advancements in areas such as regenerative medicine, immunology, and vaccine development. The organization asserts its commitment to protecting medical research and ensuring conservation decisions are based on the best available scientific and economic data.