| PLEASE HELP US TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT THESE AND OTHER ANIMALS. Donations may be made through PayPal (click logo below): or by other means that you may see at "Join & Support" Please indicate that your donation is for "Animal Rehabilitation". We ask that when you make your donation, you communicate with us so that we may add your name to the list of benefactors. lostuxtlas@dematac.org |
| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism WILDLIFE REHABILITATION |
| Please, don't let me die! |
|
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 7, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 7, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 16, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 16, 2006 |
| Spider Monkey (Genus Ateles) The Spider Monkey has a life expectancy from 20 to 27 years in the wild. Additional information at: http://asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/~edtech/rainfor/spid er/spider.htm |
| Howler Monkey (Genus Alouatta) Foto: Edith Carrera The life expectancy of the Howler in the wild is up to 15 years. Addtional information at: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/S mallMammals/Exhibits/HowlerMon keys/LoudestAnimal/default.cfm |
The Spider Monkey and Howler Monkey can still be found in the rain forests of Los Tuxtlas, but in diminishing
numbers, and not for long unless something is done to protect them and their habitat. It is calculated that between 1,000
and 1,200 Howlers and only approximately 200 Spider Monkeys live in the wilds of Los Tuxtlas. Both are protected as
threatened species, but that does not always count for a hell of a lot. They are hunted for the illegal animal trade, as pets,
and occasionally for food. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging, mining, and the clearing of land for development and
agriculture. We are burning their forests and contaminating their rivers through carelessness.
numbers, and not for long unless something is done to protect them and their habitat. It is calculated that between 1,000
and 1,200 Howlers and only approximately 200 Spider Monkeys live in the wilds of Los Tuxtlas. Both are protected as
threatened species, but that does not always count for a hell of a lot. They are hunted for the illegal animal trade, as pets,
and occasionally for food. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging, mining, and the clearing of land for development and
agriculture. We are burning their forests and contaminating their rivers through carelessness.
| In November, 2005 a spider monkey died at base of this tree. She died the way she lived – alone. For more than twenty years the only world she knew was this cage, without any companion - without a monkey friend, without a monkey mate. Monkeys are social animals. Like you and I, they need the companionship of their own kind. We seldom condemn our worst criminals to such a fate, yet we do this to a small defenseless animal. |
| In Los Tuxtlas, no one is saying, “Save the monkeys”. DEMATAC is saying it now. “SAVE THE MONKEYS!” Please echo our words. Support DEMATAC in our fight to protect these creatures that are an integral and unique part of the ecosphere of Los Tuxtlas, and of our planet. Support us with your voice, with action, and please support us economically. Please open your hearts. We can not do it without you. |
| "without a monkey mate" |
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| DEMATAC received a phone call from the Tepetapan R V Park in Catemaco, reporting a baby Mottled Owl that had fallen while apparently attempting flight. As we were unable to locate the nest and could not leave him for his mother to care for because of domestic animals and children in the vicinity, we retrieved the owl and are caring for him while he learns to eat by himself and fly; and is capable of hunting. In the meantime, "Mister Boo" seems content consuming large quantities of raw chicken and insects, while displaying his aggressive attitude to anyone who dares approach. We believe him to be about four weeks old at this date. |
| "Mister Boo" the Mottled Owl Ciccaba (Strix) virgata (temporarily adopted?) May 8, 2007 |
| Release of Two Boas and a White Tailed Hawk April 22, 2007 |
DEMATAC freed two boas that
were discovered in an urban area
and captured by Proteccioón Civil
(Municipal Civil Protection
Agency) who did not know what to
do with them. One of our members
recovered them and they were
released in the rain forest of Los
Tuxtlas.
We also released in the same area a
White Tailed Hawk that was
trapped and slightly injured when
a tree was felled. When released,
the hawk had recovered from its
injuries and was able to fly.
On Friday, April 27th we will
release two small crocodiles. We do
not have information regarding
where they were captured, but
what is important is that they were
turned over to us for release.
were discovered in an urban area
and captured by Proteccioón Civil
(Municipal Civil Protection
Agency) who did not know what to
do with them. One of our members
recovered them and they were
released in the rain forest of Los
Tuxtlas.
We also released in the same area a
White Tailed Hawk that was
trapped and slightly injured when
a tree was felled. When released,
the hawk had recovered from its
injuries and was able to fly.
On Friday, April 27th we will
release two small crocodiles. We do
not have information regarding
where they were captured, but
what is important is that they were
turned over to us for release.
| Tamanduas (pronounced: tuh MAN deh wahs) are often referred to as lesser anteaters because they are much smaller than their relatives, the giant anteaters. These interesting animals are at home both in trees and on the ground, and are generally nocturnal. Their range includes Mexico, Central and South America, and their habitat includes tropical rain forest, savanna, and thorn scrub. Their principal diet consists of ants and termites, though they will occasionally eat bees, honey, and some fruits. Data: Class: Mammalia (mammals) Order: Pilosa Genus: Tamandua Species: Mexicana Body Length: 1.8 to 2.9 feet (53 to 88 centimeters) Tail length: 1.3 to 1.9 feet ( 40 to 59 centimeters) Weight: 4.5 to 17 lbs. (2.1 to 7.7 kilograms) Life span: 8 to 12 years Gestation: 5 months Number of young at birth: 1 Age at maturity 1.5 years On February 21, 2007 an immature male Tamandua was left at the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, after having been found on the highway, apparently abandoned. The Reserva brought the animal to DEMATAC to care for until a decision is reached on what to do with him. We’ve given him the adopted name of “Dude”. Unfortunately Dude is very undernourished. He was obviously a pet as he has no fear of humans, dogs or cats. He refuses to eat anything but ants in their natural habitat. As we are running out of ants, and habitat, we must force feed him with a syringe an energy and protein shake consisting of: powdered cat food, egg yolk, ground flax seed, honey, and the diet supplement “Ensure”. With patience, we hope to train him to eat on his own. It has taken three days to convince him to drink water from a bowl, rather than pooled on the floor; a step in the right direction. If Dude improves and gains weight, the problem will then be what to do with him. As he has no fear of humans or animals, he would last a very short time if simply turned loose; unless in a very remote area. This once again emphasises the fact that wild animals should not be captured as pets. All too often they escape, or are abandoned because their owner has tired of them or is not longer able to care for them. The animal then, has very little chance of surviving. Pronounciation Definition |
| TAMANDUA MEXICANO (Collared Anteater, Lesser Anteater) |
| SAVE THE MONKEYS! |
| This page is dedicated to our wild friends, and to those not so wild friends who have opened their hearts to help them. With increasing frequency, DEMATAC is asked to care for, rehabilitate, or relocate, wild animals of various types. They may be injured, too young to survive by themselves, or simply in need of relocation. Our primary goal is to rehabilitate these creatures for release in the wild. In cases where this is impossible, we try to place them in a permanent home where they may live out their lives in comfort, with proper care, and in an environment as close to natural as is possible. At present, we have short term care facilities for a very limited number of animals, but it is our hope to expand these facilities in the future. Each of our animal guests signifies expenses in housing, food, special care, and transportation. We must rely on your generosity to meet these expenses so necessary in providing them with hope and a quality of life. Any donation is welcome, and will be used exclusively for the benefit of those animals in our care. Please help our wild friends. They depend on you. (See donation information at bottom of page) Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago, President Member: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council - IWRC National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association - NWRA _____________________________________ |
| Ing. Viridiana Mercedes Hernández Martínez of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, out of her sincere concern for the welfare of our local wildlife, arranged for the transportation to and housing of Pancho, a Spider Monkey, in an "UMA" (Wildlife Management Unit) in Xalapa, Veracruz. Here the animal may live out his life in more comfortable and natural surroundings. While making these arrangements, a raccoon and a crocodile were added to the list of travelers. She was assisted in her efforts by PROFEPA in Coatzacoalcos and in Xalapa, in a small part by DEMATAC, and by many others. It gives us great pleasure to encounter people such as Viri, who have a genuine love of animals and a heartfelt interest in their well-being, and it is our sincere desire that she will soon become an active member of the DEMATAC family. Here you may read the story, in Spanish, of her adventure with Pancho. |
| The Adventure of Pancho & Viri May 29, 2007 |
| Visit to "UMAS": El Refugio de Los Deseos and EKOMESA June 8, 2007 |
| The care of animals such as pumas, jaguars, bears and kinkajous, among others requires a great deal of work, and these animals need sufficient space and much attention, not too overlook a large economic investment. I believe the attention given the animals at “El Refugio” is good, and they are well fed. I suggest that you not rely solely on my opinion. I am very sensitive about animals in captivity. Visit their Web Site, or better yet, visit “El Refugio”, and decide for yourself. (Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago) |
| With the Delegado de PROFEPA for the state of Veracruz, we visited two UMAS (Animal Management Units) in Xalapa, Veracruz. EKOMESA is the UMA where Pancho, the spider monkey for whom Viri was so concerned (see below), is living. I was fascinated with the visit to EKOMESA. We met Carlos Escobar, the director general of “GRUPO KARAT” and he conducted us on a tour including the greenhouses that are being constructed as a principal project in Xalapa. |
| The UMA is his “grain of sand” and “social responsibility” in following his desire to provide a home for confiscated and injured animals. PROFEPA has placed various animals in his care. There are armadillos, crocodiles, raccoons, vultures, burros, chickens, a falcon, and two beautiful jaguarondi kittens. Orchids are being raised, there is an impressive viewpoint overlooking a valley, and Carlos has many great ideas for the future. If called upon to recommend an UMA, I highly recommend EKOMESA. I have confidence in Carlos, in the operation, and in the fact that one principal objective is to return animals to their natural habitat. |
| Carlos & Armadillo |
| White Hawk |
| Baby Armadillo |
| Two Baby Jaguarundis |
| The second UMA we visited was “El Refugio de los Deseos”. I have seen pictures of this facility on their Web Site and was excited to discover it, but unfortunately, it was not all that I had anticipated. Upon arriving, I played briefly with one of the spider monkeys encountered at the entrance, and I was super excited, but after beginning the tour and seeing how some of the animals are housed, I lost some of my illusions. A mature puma (cougar) is caged in a very small area for an animal of his size.The home for the Tejones (Coatimundis) is impressive, but there are three jaguars again housed in a very small area. |
DEMATAC Associate
Viridiana Hernández and
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Coatzacoalcos, Ing. Custer
sent us a raccoon and a
grisón with our vice president
Oscar Castelán. We freed
the raccoon near Río
Coxcoapan. The grisón has
been raised as a pet and is not
capable of surviving in the
wild. She was placed, by the
Residente of PROFEPA in
Catemaco in Las Cabañas
de Ecoturismo de Los
Manglares de
Sontecomapan.
Viridiana Hernández and
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Coatzacoalcos, Ing. Custer
sent us a raccoon and a
grisón with our vice president
Oscar Castelán. We freed
the raccoon near Río
Coxcoapan. The grisón has
been raised as a pet and is not
capable of surviving in the
wild. She was placed, by the
Residente of PROFEPA in
Catemaco in Las Cabañas
de Ecoturismo de Los
Manglares de
Sontecomapan.
| The Raccoon & The Grisón June 31, 2007 |
| Mister Boo, who joined us on May 8th, is now between three and four months old and is doing well, though it is proving very difficult teaching him to hunt. We will continue to work with him and advising of the results. As our owl friend grows, matures and changes his plumage, we become less certain of our identification. Your opinions are welcome (lostuxtlas@dematac.org). Keep in mind that he is less than 4 months old as of this date. |
| Mister Boo, the "Mottled" Owl Update July 13, 2007 (See also May 8, 2007) |
| The Tejón (Coatimundi) "Beba" July 14, 2007 |
| Our associate member, Viri, received a tejón at her house in Coatzacoalcos, and sent him, via Oscar, DEMATAC's Vice President, to us here in Catemaco. We have her under observation, with the intention of releasing her in the wild within the week. This tejon was reported to be a pet since it was young, but now that she has reached maturity, she has become aggressive. These animals usually adapt readily to the wild if released far from populated areas. We are optimistic about her chances of survival once released. |
| Wile E. Coyote of Los Tuxtlas: "Coyote Lulú" September 5, 2007 |
| Ing. Custer, Resident of PROFEPA in Coatzacoalcos and Biologist Ricardo Martínez Clímaco of PEMEX, transported a female Mexican Coyote (Canis latrans vigilis) named "Lulu" to Catemaco for DEMATAC to care for during three days, until personnel from UV (Universidad Veracruzana) could pick her up. UV will be responsible for the animal for a period of approximately 20 days of quarantine, during which time they will perform analysis's and studies on her. She will then be transferred to a zoo where Mexican Coyotes are being reproduced. |
| The veterinarian from UV picked up Lulu Friday morning, September 7th. He anesthetized her and took blood samples. Later she was transported to the UV facilities in Pipiapan, where she will remain in observation until moved to her new home. |
| Release of Chachalacas Raised by DEMATAC September 18, 2007 |
| Alamos Mud Turtles (Kinosternon alamosae) October 19, 2007 |
| Two turtles given to DEMATAC by the señora María Ester Herrera Cortez of Catemaco were released in a river near La Barra de Sontecomapan. |
| Belize Owl Patient & "Bitte" |
| Friends of DEMATAC in Belize, Central America, Les Collier, DVM and his wife Nancy, recently rescued this young Mottled Owl, suffering from a broken wing. They cared for the bird until turning it over to the Belize Forestry Department who have transferred it to Belize City for examination and care. They hope to continue working with the Forestry Department in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured animals. Les and Nancy are involved with the Hopkins Village Humane Society, caring for sick and injured animals. This is an outstanding endeavor which well deserves your support. Contributions are tax deductible. Please visit their web site at: http://www.sitteepoint.com/bbs/HBHS.html |
| At time of rescue |
| 40 days later |
| "Bitte" Female puppy rescued and rehabilitated by the society. Wow! What a difference! |
| The Little Orphan February 28, 2008 |
| Camila is an orphan. She is a Howler Monkey (Sarahuato) approximately eight months old. Animal traffickers killed her mother and sold her. Her last owner, who received her as a gift, contacted the Universidad Veracruzana in Catemaco to donate her; as the owner was unable to care for her. The university communicated with DEMATAC, requesting our help in obtaining a transportation permit from PROFEPA to transport the monkey to their installations. DEMATAC made the proper arrangements and on February 25th inspectors from PROFEPA and M. C. C. Edith Carrera, as a representative of the university, picked up Camila. Later the veterinarian from the university, Javier, contacted DEMATAC to explain that it would be difficult for them to be responsible for Camila, or to release her into the wild, because she is a Howler Monkey rather than a Spider Monkey as they originally thought, and "this complicates the situation". (We fail to understand exactly why "this complicates the situation" or why the university representatives failed to properly identify the monkey to begin with.) |
| DEMATAC accepts the responsibility for Camila. We have taken her to The PROFEPA offices in Xalapa, Veracruz where she will remain for a few weeks in quarantine, under the care of the Regional Head of Wildlife, Biologist Gabriela López Garcia; after which time she will be placed in a proper rehabilitation center. We will remain in touch with the biologist and ovesee whatever actions are taken concerning little Camila. |
| The Little Orphan April 17, 2008 |
| Remember our little orphan named "Camila", the howler monkey approximately 8 months old? We have good news. La PROFEPA, Xalapa Delagation, placed her with the DVM Eduardo Gazol Patiño ya tiene casi dos meses cuidando a Camila y ella ha aumentado 760 gramos, lo cual es una buena señal. El destino final de Camila será el Zoológico Regional Miguel Alvares del Toro, (ZooMAT), ubicado en Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. DEMATAC estará pendiente de cualquier cosa relacionada con Camila. |
| Apparent Inhumane Wildlife Management at UMA Yolihuani April 22, 2008 (see "Complaints") |
| Unexplained Deaths of Wildlife at UMA EKOMESA April 18, 2008 (see "Complaints") |