Mexico’s Howler Monkeys Facing Threat from Extreme Heat
Howler monkeys in Mexico are facing a crisis as officials investigate the impact of extreme heat on these endangered species. The Environment Ministry is exploring potential causes such as heat stroke, dehydration, malnutrition, and pesticide fumigation of crops.
Investigating the Causes
The government is conducting investigations to determine if the deaths are solely due to climatic factors or if other significant causes are involved. They are also ruling out the presence of any virus or disease that could be contributing to the situation.
Environmental Conditions
Temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded in the southern states of Chiapas and Tabasco, where the howler monkeys have been found dead.
Call for Action
The Tabasco-based wildlife preservation group COBIUS has reported mass deaths among the howler monkeys. They urge people to provide assistance by offering water to weak and dehydrated monkeys to help them cope with the extreme conditions.
Impact on Land Vertebrates
A recent study has highlighted the broader impact of extreme heat on land vertebrates. The research warns that if high emissions continue, over 40% of land vertebrates could be threatened by extreme heat by the end of the century.
Global Warming Effects
The study reveals that reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat events due to human-induced global warming. Rare, extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and intensifying.
Future Projections
According to the findings published in Nature, under a high emissions scenario leading to 4.4°C warming, 41% of land vertebrates could experience extreme thermal events by 2099.