extreme heat experienced by Mexico caused the death of dozens of monkeys in the Tabasco jungle. High temperatures recorded in the region caused the death of at least 83 howler monkeys. Last few days. Primates fall dead from trees in an area where the temperature is 53 degrees Celsius.
According to a report from cnnresidents of the Bioparc Zaraguatos reserve went into the jungle to Help animals affected by the third heat wave it hits Mexico. The region located south of Villahermosa, Tabasco, is one of the hardest hit by high temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.
Residents of Buenavista, Tabasco, jugs of water and fruit to hydrate and revitalize the monkeys what they found. People reported seeing dozens of dead howler monkeys on the ground and in trees. Those who survived were in critical condition, so they were taken to a local veterinary clinic to save their lives.
Brenda Mendez, a local veterinarian, said the primates arrived at the clinic unconscious. “They came very dehydrated and with a high fever. Some had hyperthermia with 42 or 43 degrees Celsius. After analysis, it turned out that the howler monkeys had an infectious disease caused by bacteria.
Monkey They die due to heatstroke, which weakens them. to such an extent that they cannot stand and fall from trees.
Heat wave and deforestation kill howler monkeys in Mexico
On the other hand, volunteers and firefighters from the city of Tecolutilla rescued even more primates and took them to local clinics. According to biologist Gilberto Pozo, the death of howler monkeys began on May 5 and intensified last weekend as temperatures reached their highest levels in 2024.
Alejandro Moreno, an ecologist and spokesman for the organization El Aullido del Mono, noted that high temperatures and deforestation contributed to the death of the primates. “They don’t have food or the ability to replenish fluids. Heat stroke also affects other problems such as bacteria, parasites and others,” he said.
Howler monkeys, also known as zaraguatos or carayas, are platyrrhine primates belonging to the family Atelidae. They find each other common in tropical areas of Americafrom southern Mexico to northeastern Argentina, being the most numerous primates in the Neotropics.
This kind plays an important role in the dispersal of plant seeds. what do they eat, what promotes forest regeneration. Its presence also helps control populations of insects and other small animals.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies several species of howler monkeys as endangered or critically endangered. The main threat they face is the loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and climate change.
Source: Hiper Textual
