Heat-Related Animal Deaths In Mexico Climbs As The Country Experiences Heat Dome

(Photo : Getty Images/SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP)

Mexican authorities have recorded hundreds of heat-related animal deaths as the country experiences a heat dome.

Heat Stroke

Based on the data, the number of howler monkey deaths in Mexico due to heat has increased to 157, with a pitifully low proportion of the primates receiving treatment or making a full recovery.

A northern Mexican animal park has confirmed receiving reports of at least one hundred species, including bats and parrots, having perished from what appears to be dehydration.

Environmentalists revealed this week that since May 16, 138 of the medium-sized primates-known for their booming vocalizations-had been discovered dead in the Gulf Coast state of Tabasco.

The Environment Department announced late on Sunday that the death toll had increased to 157 and that investigations into the reasons for the deaths were still ongoing.

The department said the deaths are taking place in Chiapas, a neighboring state, as well as in Tabasco. Seven of the 13 monkeys receiving treatment have already been returned to their natural habitat. Three of the monkeys were in serious but stable condition, and several of the other monkeys were receiving treatment for dehydration.

Wildlife biologist Gilberto Pozo linked the monkey deaths to heat stroke, adding that a "synergy" of factors, including high heat, drought, forest fires, and logging that deprives the monkeys of water, shade, and fruit, appears to be to blame. He also noted that a pathogen, disease, or other factor cannot be ruled out just yet.

However, it was unclear if even releasing the howler monkeys would guarantee their survival given the effects of heat, fires, and deforestation on the trees that serve as their home.

A Lot Of Casualties

The director of the Selva Teenek eco-park in the northern state of San Luis Potosi, Ena Buenfil, said that the heat has killed parrots, bats, and toucans, overwhelming her facility.

She said when the heat wave hit in mid-May, their animal clinic rapidly became overrun with ill birds, and they started getting calls from neighbors reporting dead or injured birds.

She noted that the number is probably only a small portion of the animals impacted due to the authorities' limited resources, but added that their organization has collaborated with Civil Protection to help some birds.

Birds are disproportionately harmed by heat-related dehydration because they lack a place to retain water. Bats would be napping in the sweltering midday heat and becoming dehydrated in the process. She suggested that the people set out water bowls for the animals.

"There are going to be a lot of casualties to the ecosystem if we continue this trend of heat waves in the region," said Buenfil.

Ten towns, including the capital in Mexico, experienced record-high temperatures earlier this month.

Along with a severe drought and a crisis in the country's water supply, the country is currently experiencing record high temperatures. Nearly 22 million people live in Mexico City, which has been experiencing declining water supplies. According to analysts, the city is almost out of fresh water.