MEXICO CITY

A total of 146 howler monkeys have died in southeastern Mexico from extreme temperatures, environmentalists told Anadolu on Wednesday.

The Conservation of Usumacinta Biodiversity (Cobius) said the reported number of howler monkeys, or Saraguatos, an endangered species endemic to southern Mexico, hit 146 since records of the deaths began earlier this month.

International media had reported the number at 138.

Since the beginning of May, environmentalists and residents in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas had reported that the primates, known for their robust appearance and distinctive roar, were falling from trees because of high temperatures and dehydration.

The Environment Ministry announced May 20 that investigations would be conducted into the deaths of 80 monkeys, however, to date, no government authority has been able to provide an official figure on the number of dead monkeys.

Officials promised an official figure and a cause behind the grim phenomenon within a week.

So far, only civil associations such as Cobius have tried to document the deaths and implement rescue and support strategies for the species, which was declared endangered in 2022.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a native of Tabasco, instructed the interior secretary to begin taking measures to support the species that are also native to his home state.

Mexico is going through a third consecutive heat wave in 2024. Temperatures have risen to more than 113 F (45 C) in some parts of the country, such as Tabasco and Chiapas.

Twenty-six people so far 26 have been reported dead from the high temperatures.