Heat waves in Mexico causes mass deaths of howler monkeys
In south-eastern Mexico, extreme heat is causing howler monkeys
to fall dead from the treetops of tropical forests. Local authorities are
currently investigating whether this brutal heat wave is the main factor behind
these "mass deaths." Although an exact death toll hasn't been
officially confirmed, local media suggest that as many as 85 monkeys have
perished.
The environmental ministry has cited several potential
causes for these deaths, including heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition, and
pesticide exposure. Investigations are underway to rule out the possibility of
a viral or other disease-related cause. The affected regions, Chiapas and
Tabasco, have experienced temperatures soaring up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit,
conditions that are exceptionally harsh for wildlife.
COBIUS, a wildlife preservation group based in Tabasco, has
reported significant fatalities among the primates, suggesting climate-related
reasons are likely at play. Nevertheless, they emphasize the need to consider
all possible causes. The organization has urged locals to assist any struggling
monkeys by hoisting buckets of water to the treetops to alleviate their
dehydration.
Howler monkeys, native to Central and South America, are
known for their arboreal lifestyle, rarely descending from the forest canopy
where they forage. Reports from Tabasco's Civil Protection Agency indicate that
monkey fatalities have been recorded in three municipalities within the state.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, himself a native of
Tabasco, acknowledged the severity of the heat. "The heat is very strong.
Since I've been visiting these states, I've never felt it as much as I do
now," he remarked, highlighting the unusual intensity of the current
temperatures.
In response to the crisis, authorities and conservationists
have intensified efforts to aid the monkeys. Patrols are distributing water and
fruit to help the primates stay hydrated and nourished during this extreme
weather.
This heat wave is part of a broader climate issue affecting
Mexico. Earlier this month, the country experienced record-high temperatures in
ten cities, including the capital. Compounding the problem, Mexico is facing
severe drought and a critical water supply crisis. Mexico City, with its nearly
22 million residents, is struggling with diminishing water resources, prompting
concerns about the city's ability to provide sufficient fresh water.
The intersection of these environmental challenges
underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the impact
of climate change on both wildlife and human populations.
