Heat-related monkey deaths are now reported in several Mexican states
Heat-related howler monkeys deaths in Mexico have been recorded in a total of four states, environmental authorities said
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Heat-related howler monkeys deaths have now been reported in two more states in southern Mexico, after two other states reported die-offs earlier this month, environmental authorities said.
Mexico's Environment Department said late Tuesday that monkey deaths have now been reported in Chiapas and three states on the Gulf of Mexico: Tabasco, Campeche and Veracruz.
The department also said tests indicated the primates died of heat stroke, but that the country’s current drought and the "lack of water in the streams and springs in the areas where the monkeys live” appeared to also have played a role.
The department did not give the latest estimate on the number of deaths, but earlier said at least 157 monkeys had perished since the die-off began in early May.
