Monkey Survival and Adaptation on Cayo Santiago Following Hurricane Maria: Study

Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Show Adaptation and Resilience Post Maria, With Social Bonds Playing a Survivor Role, as Scientists Continue Long-term Behavioral Research.

The population of Rhesus macaque monkeys on Cayo Santiago, known as Monkey Island, adapted and displayed resilience following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, with social bonds playing a key role in their survival.
The monkeys, sharing 94% of their DNA with humans, are the subject of a long-term study on the effects of environmental stress on their longevity and overall health, providing insights into human behavior and biological changes following extreme weather events.
Despite substantial loss of vegetation and decreeased resources post-hurricane, the monkeys showed increased social tolerance. Researchers believe the monkeys' adaptability and the strength of social connections could have aided their survival.
Biological changes were noticed in monkeys that survived the hurricane, with their immune systems appearing to have aged by approximately two years (equivalent to six to eight human years). Further research is focused on understanding the resilience and recovery factors.
Despite initial fear of complete loss, both the monkey population and the precious collections of scientific data on the island remarkably survived the hurricane. The valuable six-decade-long biological and behavioral data continue to contribute to climate-related trauma and disaster-survival studies.

CBS News