Howler monkeys are dying in Mexico’s southeastern forests due to intense heat and drought conditions.
Luis Manuel Lopez and Raul Cortes report for Reuters.
In short:
- Up to 85 howler monkeys have died in Tabasco due to severe heat, with temperatures exceeding 45°C.
- Tabasco's Civil Protection agency attributes the deaths to dehydration, confirming incidents in three municipalities.
- Efforts are underway to provide water and fruit to prevent further deaths among the vulnerable species.
Key quote:
"It is because the heat is so strong. I've been visiting the states for a long time and I have never felt it as much as now."
— Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures threaten wildlife like the vulnerable mantled howler monkeys but also pose significant health risks to humans, as evidenced by 26 heat-related deaths in Mexico this season.
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