Mexico’s extreme heat wave is not only impacting the environment, it’s also taking a toll on howler monkeys, causing them to die from falling from trees, the Associated Press reported.
“They were falling from the tree like apples. They were severely dehydrated and died within minutes,” wildlife biologist Gilberto Pozo told The Associated Press. explained.
The city of Tecortira, Tabasco state, was reported to have started seeing dead monkeys on Friday, and the local volunteer fire and rescue team showed up with five monkeys in the back of a truck.
At least 83 howler monkeys have been found dead so far in the Gulf coast state of Tabasco, but many others have been rescued by local residents and five have been taken to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.
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A veterinarian feeds a young howler monkey rescued from extreme heat in Tecoltila, Tabasco state, Mexico, on Tuesday. Dozens of howler monkeys were found dead in the Gulf Coast state, and others were rescued by residents who rushed to a local veterinarian. (AP Photo/Luis Sanchez)
“They arrived in serious condition with dehydration and fever,” Dr. Sergio Valenzuela told The Associated Press. “They were as limp as rags. They had heat exhaustion.”
As of May 9, at least nine cities in Mexico had set temperature records, with Ciudad Victoria on the border with Tamaulipas hitting 117 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Associated Press. The heatwave has been blamed for at least 26 deaths since March, according to the Associated Press.
Valenzuela said the monkey appeared to be recovering and “recovered, became aggressive and bit again.”
According to , howler monkeys are “the loudest of all monkeys” and are known for their loud whorling calls and roars. National Geographic.
Pozo added that many local residents want to rescue and adopt the monkeys, but he warned them about this.
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Howler monkeys sit in a cage at a veterinary hospital after being rescued from extreme heat in Tecoltila, Tabasco state, Mexico, on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luis Sanchez)
“The truth is that the baby is very delicate and cannot be in a house with dogs or cats, because they carry pathogens that can be fatal to the howler monkey,” Ponzo explained, stressing that the baby must be rehabilitated and released into the wild.
Pozo’s group is setting up special recovery stations for the monkeys and is working to assemble a team of specialized veterinarians to give the monkeys the care they need.
Howler monkeys get almost all of the water they need from their diet, which is another reason why heatwaves are having a negative impact on howler monkey survival.
Pozo said several factors led to the monkey’s death, including high heat, drought and forest fires.
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A rescued howler monkey sits in a cage with other animals at a veterinary clinic in extremely high temperatures on Tuesday in Tecortilla, Tabasco state, Mexico. (AP Photo/Luis Sanchez)
Days after the monkey carcasses started falling, Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador acknowledged the problem and said he had heard about it on social media.
He then praised Valenzuela’s efforts and said the government aims to support the effort.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
