Endangered howler monkeys have been plummeting to their deaths from trees in the tropical forests of southeastern Mexico as a nationwide drought and heatwave lead to soaring temperatures across the country.
Temperatures in Tabasco state are anticipated to surpass 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, with reports of up to 85 fatalities in the region, although local officials have not confirmed the exact death toll.
According to a statement released by Tabasco state’s civil protection agency over the weekend, the cause of death has been determined as dehydration.
Officials from the agency revealed on Monday that deceased monkeys have been identified in three municipalities within the state.
Volunteers in a forest near Camalcalco, Tabasco state, retrieved the body of a howler monkey (alouatta palliata) that perished due to the extreme heat, and have since placed water and fruit buckets to prevent additional casualties.
The howler monkey is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador, a native of Tabasco, attributed the monkey deaths to the scorching temperatures, stating, “So, yes, we must take care of the animals, and we will do so,” during a regular press briefing on Monday.
Later that same day, Mexico’s Ministry of the Environment disclosed in a statement that efforts were underway to address the monkey fatalities, citing various potential causes of death such as “heatstroke, dehydration, malnutrition, or exposure to toxic pesticides sprayed on crops.”
Mexico is also home to the Yucatan howler monkey, another endangered species on the IUCN Red List due to deforestation.
Mexico’s Health Ministry reported a preliminary total of 26 individuals who succumbed to heat-related issues between March 17, the commencement of Mexico’s heat season, and May 11.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
