Monkeys fall dead from trees in Mexico as brutal heatwave linked to ‘mass deaths’

Howler monkeys are falling dead from trees in southeastern Mexico’s rainforests, and authorities said Monday they are investigating whether extreme heat is killing the endangered animals. Authorities have not given an exact toll, but local media report that up to 85 primates died.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, considered causes include “heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition or fumigation of crops with pesticides.”

The ministry said studies would be carried out to rule out the presence of a virus or disease.

Temperatures of up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded in the southern states of Chiapas and Tabasco, where deaths were reported.

Tabasco-based wildlife conservation group COBIUS has reported “mass die-offs” of primates.

“This is most likely due to climatic reasons, but we cannot rule out other important causes,” the organization said in a statement, adding an appeal to the public: “If you see monkeys who are weak and apparently suffering from heat or dehydration, please try to hoist up a bucket of water with a rope so they can drink.”

According to National Geographic, howler monkeys live in Central and South America and rarely leave the treetops where they forage in the forest canopy.

A Tabasco Civil Protection source told Reuters news agency that monkeys had died in three municipalities in the state.

President Andres Manuel López Obrador, a native of Tabasco, also cited extreme heat as a likely cause.

“The heat is very strong. Since I visited these states, I have never felt it as much as today,” he told reporters.

Authorities and conservationists carried out patrols to provide water and food, mainly fruit, to help the monkeys stay hydrated, the Tabasco civil protection institute said.

Earlier this month, Mexico reported record temperatures in 10 cities, including the capital.

The rising temperatures come as the country also grapples with a severe drought and water supply crisis. Mexico City, home to nearly 22 million people, is suffering decrease in water reserves — and experts say it’s on the verge of no longer being able to provide enough fresh water to residents.