Environmental Investigation Underway
Mexican authorities are investigating whether extreme heat is to blame for the recent deaths of endangered howler monkeys on May 20.
The Mexican Ministry of the Environment is considering possible causes, including heatstroke, dehydration, malnutrition, or fumigation, according to AFP. They are also conducting studies to rule out disease or a virus.
Temperatures have soared to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in southern Mexican states like Chiapas and Tabasco, where the monkey deaths have been reported. While the government has not released an official death toll, the wildlife conservation organization COBIUS in Tabasco reports that howler monkeys are dying in large numbers. Local media has estimated the death toll at 85.
"It's highly likely that it's because of an environmental reason, but we can't rule out other causes yet. If you see a sick monkey, with heat stroke or dehydration, please leave out a bucket of water for it," said a COBIUS spokesperson.
Volunteers collected the bodies of dead black howler monkeys in a forest outside Camalcalco, Tabasco. Local authorities and conservation experts are now patrolling to provide water and food, mainly fruit, to help hydrate the monkeys, according to the Tabasco Civil Protection Institute.
About Howler Monkeys
Howler monkeys are native to Central and South America. They are known for their loud howls, which can be heard up to 4-5 kilometers away through dense rainforest. Adult howler monkeys reach a size of 56-92 centimeters and have a powerful sense of smell, which helps them detect food from up to 2 kilometers away. They live in groups of 6-15 monkeys and feed primarily on leaves, fruits, nuts, and flowers. They have also been known to raid bird nests for eggs.