In Mexico, Heat Waves Killing Howler Monkeys
Reuters, COMALCALCO, Mexico, May 20 – Mexico’s soaring heat and persistent drought have killed a large number of howler monkeys in the nation’s southeast tropical forests in recent weeks.
Climate Change and Monkey Deaths
Local media reported up to 85 deaths of howler monkeys in Tabasco, a state suffering from intense heat. Over 45°C (113°F) temperatures are predicted for this week. Though they did not give a precise death toll, local authorities acknowledged the trend. The Tabasco Civil Protection agency mostly blamed dehydration for these deaths.
Rescue Missions for Monkeys
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated mantled howler monkeys as vulnerable species, and volunteers have been gathering their remains in a forest close to Camalcalco, Tabasco. Donors hid fruit and drink buckets in the forest to stop more deaths.
Reaction of the Government
Tabasco-born Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador noted the extreme heat and its effects on the fauna. “The heat is so intense that’s why. “I have been visiting the states for a long time, and I have never felt it as much as I do right now,” he added. He guaranteed that measures would be taken to safeguard the animals.
Later on, the environment ministry of Mexico declared that it was organizing measures to deal with the monkey deaths. They listed a number of possible reasons, including as heat stroke, thirst, starvation, and contact to hazardous agrochemicals used in agricultural spraying.
More General Implications
Threatened by deforestation, Mexico is also home to the endangered Yucatan howler monkey. The heat wave and the dryness make the risks already present for this species worse.
Human Effect
Furthermore impacted by the intense heat are people. According to a report by Mexico’s health ministry, 26 persons passed away from heat-related causes between March 17 and May 11.
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Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez in Mexico City and Luis Manuel Lopez in Comalcalco, Tabasco; Brendan O’Boyle contributed further reporting; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle Sandra Maler edited the report.