文字稿
作為非洲標志之一的長頸鹿在過去的三十年裡數量銳減，從 1985年的 15.5萬隻減少到 2015年的 9.7萬隻。國際自然保護聯盟IUCN首次將長頸鹿列為“易危”物種，希望此舉能夠幫助長頸鹿得到更多的關註和保護。請聽 Matt McGrath 的報道。
The graceful giraffe is an inescapable image of Africa, but the animal has suffered a disturbing decline over the past three decades.
Populations have plummeted in many parts due to a combination of factors, but humans are largely responsible. Increasing amounts of the giraffes’ range have been fragmented by farmers eager for land. Wars in northern Kenya and south Sudan have seen large numbers of the curious creatures killed for food. But the picture isn’t all gloom, populations in southern Africa have boomed, because of protected ranges which boost tourism revenues.
And experts believe that declaring the giraffe to be vulnerable could give the species the attention it needs to ultimately ensure its survival.
詞匯表
graceful 高雅的，優雅的
an inescapable image 標志性（到哪裡都能看到的）圖像
disturbing decline 令人擔憂的下滑、大幅減少
plummeted 暴跌、直線下跌
fragmented 被四分五裂，被分割
eager 渴望的，急切的
gloom 悲觀
boomed 迅速增長
ensure 確保
測驗
請聽報道並回答下列問題。
1. Giraffes have been in decline for how many years?
2. Why are giraffes losing their homes?
3. Why have some giraffes been killed in wars in some parts of Africa?
4. Which word is used to mean ‘to improve or increase something’?
答案
1. Giraffes have been in decline for how many years?
The number of giraffe has been in decline for the past three decades.
2. Why are giraffes losing their homes?
Because farmers want farm land.
3. Why have some giraffes been killed in the wars in some parts of Africa?
They were killed for food.
4. Which word is used to mean‘to improve or increase something’?
Boost.
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