Authorities in Mexico are investigating the deaths of endangered howler monkeys amid an extreme heat wave affecting the southern states of Chiapas and Tabasco. Temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius (113°F) have been recorded in the region.
According to the environment ministry, potential causes being considered include heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition, or pesticide exposure from crop fumigation. Studies will also be conducted to rule out any viral or other disease factors.
The Tabasco-based wildlife preservation group Cobius has reported "mass deaths" of the primates. They are urging the public to try to provide water to any monkeys appearing weak or suffering from the heat and dehydration.
Authorities and conservationists are conducting patrols to deliver water and food, mainly fruits, to help the monkeys stay hydrated during the prolonged heatwave. The government did not specify the exact number of monkeys that have perished so far.
Howler monkeys are an endangered species found in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. The extreme temperatures appear to be taking a heavy toll on the vulnerable population in the affected southern states.
熱浪肆掃墨西哥 吼猴大批斃命
墨西哥當局正在調查受極端熱浪影響的恰帕斯州和塔巴斯科州死亡的瀕危吼猴。該地區已錄得高達攝氏45度(華氏113度)的溫度。
根據環境部,正在考慮的潛在原因包括中暑、脫水、營養不良或農作物噴灑農藥。他們也將進行研究,以排除任何病毒或其他疾病因素。
總部位於塔巴斯科的野生動物保護組織Cobius報告說,已出現"大批死亡"。他們呼籲公眾試圖為看起來虛弱或受熱浪和脫水折磨的猴子提供食水。
當局和保育人士正在進行巡邏,為猴子提供水和主要是水果的食物,以幫助他們在持續的熱浪中保持水分。政府沒有具體說明到目前為止死亡的猴子數量。
吼猴是一種位於墨西哥、中美洲和南美洲的瀕危物種。極端高溫似乎正對受影響南部各州的脆弱族群造成沉重打擊。
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