As intense heat and drought hit southeastern Mexico, howler monkeys are reportedly dropping from trees and dying of heatstroke and dehydration.
At least 138 of these iconic primates have been spotted dead in Tabasco since May 16.
Dying Howler Monkeys
Gilberto Pozo, a wildlife biologist from the Biodiversity Conservation of Usumacinta, explained that the howler monkeys were falling from trees the way apples do.
The monkeys reportedly exhibited severe dehydration. They also ended up dying in just a matter of minutes.
Yussel Gonzales, from the Agence France-Presse, said that there have been some monkeys that fell from heights of 65 feet.
Given the dire situation faced by howler monkeys, volunteers, and veterinarians have been exerting efforts to save the primates. Some conservationists have been hoisting fruit and water buckets to the trees to aid the monkeys' survival. They have also been removing the bodies of dead monkeys.
Various veterinarians have also assisted sick monkeys after residents brought them to clinics. Some of the animals' body temperatures have been found to reach up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
Veterinarian Victor Morato from Comalcalco, Tabasco, says that when the monkeys reached the clinic in pain, they extended their hands, asking for help.
Sergio Valenzuela, a veterinarian based in Tecolutilla, also said that the monkeys he helped appeared limp as rags. He had to give them intravenous drips of electrolytes and put ice over their feet and hands.
Though officials say that the cause of the primates' death is largely heat-related, further work is necessary.
While wildlife preservation groups are pretty sure that extreme heat is the cause of primates' deaths, they cannot rule out other important causes.
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Howler Monkeys in Mexico
Various howler monkey species live in Mexico. These species include Yucatán black howlers (Alouatta pigra), Mexican howlers (Alouatta palliata mexicana), and mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata).
These three species are at risk. The International Union has listed Yucatán black and Mexican howlers for Conservation of Nature, while mantled howlers were classified as vulnerable.
Mexico's Intense Heat Wave
Howler monkeys are just among the grave weather's latest victims.
Since mid-March, Mexico has been going through grave heat waves. In some areas, temperature levels have reached up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, in the last two months, there have been at least 26 people who have died due to heat-related causes. In early May, ten cities recorded record-high temperatures.
Water scarcity is also a pressing issue due to below-average rainfall in all countries. The depletion of reservoirs and lakes has affected water supply for agriculture, fisheries, household use, and more.
Residents of Mexico City are also having rations and grave water shortage threats. Experts think that their water supply is on the verge of getting consumed.
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