A
A Just because you see them at the zoo it doesn’t mean they’ re doing all right in the wild.
Giraffes
IUCN(世界自然保护联盟）has put some giraffes at a critically endangered(淑危的）status. There are only 4,000 Kordofan and Nubian giraffes left. The giraffe population has declined primarily due to loss of habi-tat，social disorder, and poaching(偷猎）according to priority(优先考虑的事）.Some giraffes are killed just for their tails，which are considered status symbols in parts of Africa.
Whales
As few as 300 North Atlantic right whales remain in the wild. In fact, six out of the 13 great whale spe- cies are endangered. Pollution is a major threat for these giants，plus，more than 1T000 whales are killed every year for commercial purposes.
Tigers
All six tiger species are endangered, with Sumatran and South China tigers at a critically endangered status. Some scientists even consider the South China tiger to be “functionally extinct” since it hasn't been seen in the wild in more than 25 years. The main reasons for their population decline are poaching and destroyed habitats, as humans clear forests to gather wood and build roadways. Only about 3 ,890 tigers currently live in
the wild.
Asian elephants
The main threat to Asian elephants is their shrinking habitat. As the human population grows, people take their land to build roads and railway tracks. Elephants in Myanmar are al an especially high risk for being caught and traded or used illegally in the tourist industry. It is unknown just how many elephants are left on the entire continent, but experts estimate numbers could be fewer than 50,000. It’s alarming but important to learn about these animals that could go extinct within your lifetime.
21. What mostly causes the giraffe population decline?
A. Loss of habitat. B. Social disorder.
C. Illegal hunting. D. Giraffe-tail trading.
22.Why are South China tigers considered “functionally extinct”?
A. Because China has the fewest tigers in the world.
B. Because all six tiger species are decreasing rapidly.
C. Because people haven't seen them in the wild for decades.
D. Because their conditions haven51 improved for many years.
23. What can we know about Asian elephants?
A. They are privately taken by many as a status symbol.
B. The tourist industry has laid too much emphasis on them.
C. Roads and railway tracks have forced them to move away.
D. Human activities are to blame for their shrinking population.
