Mexican authorities announced on May 20th that they are investigating whether extreme heat is the cause of the recent deaths of endangered howler monkeys.
Dead howler monkey due to high temperatures in Mexico on May 18. (Photo: Reuters).
The Mexican Ministry of Environment is considering various possible causes of the mass deaths of howler monkeys recently, including heat stress, dehydration, malnutrition, or pesticide exposure. They are also conducting research to rule out disease or virus causes, according to AFP.
Temperatures have reached up to 45 degrees Celsius in southern Mexican states such as Chiapas and Tabasco, where cases of howler monkey deaths have been reported. While the government has not disclosed the exact number of deceased monkeys, the wildlife conservation organization COBIUS in Tabasco has reported mass howler monkey deaths. Local media have indicated that the death toll stands at 85 monkeys. “It is highly likely that environmental reasons are the cause, but we cannot rule out other factors. If you encounter sick monkeys showing signs of heat stress or dehydration, please provide them with a bucket of water to drink,” shared a spokesperson from COBIUS.
In a forest on the outskirts of Camalcalco, Tabasco, volunteers are collecting the carcasses of black howler monkeys that succumbed to the high temperatures. Currently, local authorities and conservation experts are patrolling to provide water and food, primarily fruit, in order to help the remaining monkeys avoid dehydration, according to the Tabasco Civil Protection Institute.
Howler monkeys are native to Central and South America. They are known for their loud howling calls, which can be heard from distances of up to 4 to 5 kilometers through dense forests. Howler monkeys range in size from 56 to 92 cm and have an acute sense of smell that helps them locate food from up to 2 kilometers away. These monkeys live in groups of 6 to 15 individuals and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Occasionally, they will raid bird nests to eat eggs.
