Heat in Mexico causes howler monkeys to die en masse

Mexican authorities announced on May 20 that they were investigating whether extreme heat was the cause of the deaths of endangered howler monkeys.

The body of a howler monkey died from high temperatures in Mexico on May 18. (Photo: Reuters).

Mexico's Environment Ministry is considering possible causes of howler monkeys dying in large numbers recently, including heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition or fumigation (a method used to treat pests). They also conduct research to rule out disease or viral causes, according to AFP .

Temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius in southern Mexican states such as Chiapas and Tabasco, where deaths of howler monkeys have been reported. While the government did not disclose the number of monkey deaths, wildlife conservation organization COBIUS in Tabasco said howler monkeys died en masse . Local media said the number of dead monkeys was 85. "There's a high possibility it's an environmental reason, but we can't rule out other causes yet. If you come across a monkey that's sick, suffering from heatstroke or dehydration, please give them a bucket of water to drink, " a spokesperson for the zoo said. COBIUS organization shares.

In a forest on the outskirts of Camalcalco, Tabasco, volunteers collect the bodies of black howler monkeys that died from high temperatures. Currently, local authorities and conservation experts are conducting patrols to provide water and food, mainly fruit, to help the monkeys dehydrate, according to the Tabasco Civil Protection Institute.

Howler monkeys are native animals to Central America and South America. They are famous for their loud howl, which can be heard from a distance of 4 - 5km through the jungle. Howler monkeys range in size from 56 to 92cm, and have a keen sense of smell that helps them sniff food from 2km away. This species of monkey lives in groups of 6 - 15, specializing in eating leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Sometimes they also break into bird nests to eat eggs.