Long-tailed macaques are the most commonly used primate in biomedical research, facing welfare challenges in both laboratory settings and wild populations affected by the trade.
Macaques in research face multiple welfare challenges: single housing for some studies despite being social animals, repeated blood sampling and procedural interventions, and restricted environments that frustrate complex behavioral needs. Wild-caught animals experience the additional trauma of capture and transport. Welfare improvements including social housing, environmental enrichment, and positive reinforcement training for procedures have improved conditions substantially in leading facilities, but standards vary globally.