Mexico’s Heatwave: A Crisis for Wildlife

Mexico’s wildlife is suffering unprecedented casualties. With temperatures soaring under a relentless heat dome, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and state-run zoos are stepping up efforts to save affected animals, offering innovative solutions to keep them cool and hydrated.

The heat dome, a high-pressure area centered over the southern Gulf of Mexico and northern Central America, has caused cloudless skies, prolonged sunshine, and scorching temperatures across Mexico and the United States. Central and southern Mexico are experiencing the brunt of this extreme weather, with wildlife in these regions struggling to cope.

State-run zoos across Mexico are taking measures to ensure the well-being of their animals. Lions are being given frozen meat lollies to help them beat the heat, while other predators like eagles and owls are being treated with air conditioning and frozen rat carcasses shipped from Mexico City. These measures provide much-needed relief and help prevent further casualties.

In the southern state of Tabasco, NGOs like the Biodiversity Conservation of the Usumacinta (COBIUS) group are working tirelessly to save monkeys from dehydration and heatstroke. Howler monkeys, known for their roaring calls, have been particularly affected, with many falling dead from trees due to severe fluid loss.

Wildlife biologist Gilberto Pozo, head of COBIUS, has been leading teams of biologists and veterinarians deep into the jungle to rescue ailing monkeys. Despite their best efforts, the toll has been high. “Yesterday we lost three of the animals,” Pozo reported. “We went out to rescue them. We couldn’t stabilize them.”

The numbers paint a grim picture. More than 250 howler monkeys have already died due to the extreme heat and dehydration. While NGOs have managed to stabilize and save 18 monkeys, the overall outlook remains dire as temperatures show no signs of abating.

On the steamy gulf coast, animal parks have set up air-conditioned rooms for birds of prey such as eagles and owls. These measures are crucial for preventing heat-related deaths and ensuring the survival of these vulnerable species.

In contrast, the northern deserts of Mexico, while also experiencing high temperatures, have seen less impact on wildlife. Animals in these regions are more adapted to extreme heat and drought conditions, possessing natural coping mechanisms that enable them to survive.

The ongoing heatwave underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect wildlife in the face of climate change. As Mexico continues to grapple with rising temperatures and drought, the combined efforts of NGOs, state-run zoos, and local communities will be crucial in mitigating the impact on the country’s diverse and vulnerable animal populations.