Very hot weather in the region allegedly claims lives of howler monkeys in Mexico.
“…heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition or fumigation of crops with pesticides,” were proposed as probable causes by the environment ministry. An AFP report suggests that studies will be conducted to rule out any viruses or diseases.
There have been reported deaths where temperatures have reached 45 degree centigrade (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in Chiapas and Tabasco states in the south. COBIUS, a wildlife preservation group based in Tabasco has reported these as “mass deaths” though government did not give an exact number.
Tabasco civil protection sources cited by Reuters indicate that monkeys are dead within three municipalities from their state
“It is more likely due to climate although we cannot eliminate other significant factors”, stated COBIUS. They also advised local residents saying “If you see monkeys that seem weak and suffering from heat or dehydration, please try to pull a bucket of water on rope for them.”
This comes after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who hails from Tabasco also supported the heat theory. He said, “The heat is very strong. I’ve never felt it this way since I started coming to these states”, during a press conference.
In response, the Tabasco civil protection institute says authorities and conservationists are mounting patrols to provide water and food like fruits so that they can continue being hydrated.