Authorities said Monday they were investigating if severe heat was killing endangered howler monkeys in southeast Mexico’s tropical woods. The official death toll is unknown; however, local media indicate 85 primates died.
According to the environment ministry, causes under consideration include “heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition, or fumigation of crops with pesticides.” The ministry stated that virus and illness tests would be done.
In southern Chiapas and Tabasco, where deaths have been reported, temperatures reached 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Tabasco-based animal preservation group COBIUS reported “mass deaths” of primates.
“It is very likely due to climatic reasons, but we cannot rule out other important causes,” the organization said, urging the public to help weak monkeys drink a bucket of water by rope if they appear dehydrated or heat-stricken.
According to National Geographic, howler monkeys live in Central and South America and rarely leave the treetops where they feed in the forest canopies.
A Tabasco Civil Protection office source told Reuters that monkeys died in three municipalities.
Tabasco-born President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also blamed severe heat.
The heat is intense. Since visiting these states, I have never felt it more “told reporters.
The Tabasco civil protection institute said authorities and environmentalists have been patrolling to supply monkeys with water and fruit to stay hydrated.
Earlier this month, Mexico reported record-high temperatures in 10 cities, including the capital.
The country is facing a drought and water shortage as temperatures rise. Mexico City, home to nearly 22 million people, has been suffering from diminishing water supplies, and experts say it’s on the verge of being unable to provide sufficient fresh water to residents.
