Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz — Over two dozen howler monkeys have been released into the Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve. The monkeys were reintroduced into the reserve over two months as a way to conserve a threatened species.
The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) said Monday they participated in the reintroduction of 30 Mexican howler monkeys. The monkeys were released within the Protected Natural Area of the Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, in the state of Veracruz.
The releases were carried out in several stages. On March 6 and 7, five specimens were released and another 11 between March 28 and 29. On April 27 and 28, the last 14 specimens were released into the reserve.
The releases took place in a restored, evergreen rainforest ecosystem within the protected natural area. The monkeys came from the Tucán Quetzal Wildlife Management Unit (PIMVS Tucán Quetzal), where they were rehabilitated.
They are part of a population that will be gradually released into their natural habitat. This initiative aims to restore local howler monkey communities, which have been severely impacted by ecosystem fragmentation and illegal harvesting.
The reintroduction of the 30 monkeys is the result of work carried out for the past five years in local communities, who have shown tremendous interest and commitment to protecting these primates.
Additionally, environmental education activities have been developed in the Tuxtlas region, with an educational, artistic, cultural, and artisanal focus to engage children and adults in monkey conservation.
Profepa will continue working with other authorities as well as the public to protect wildlife.
The project was made possible through coordination with authorities from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, experts in interdisciplinary primatology studies from the Institute of Ecology, staff from the Tucán Quetzal Wildlife Management Facility, ejido authorities from the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla, local communities, and Profepa.
