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Several animal species including gorillas (大猩猩) the in Rwanda and tigers in Bangladesh could risk
extinction if impact of climate change and extreme weather on their homes is not handled, a UN report
showed on Sunday.
Released during the course of global climate negotiations in Durban, the report by the United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) shows how higher temperatures, the rise in sea levels,
deforestation and overuse of land have damaged the habitats of certain species, especially in Africa.
"Many ecosystems have already been affected by increasing population, historical and recent
deforestation, short-lasting management practices and even invasive species," Eduardo Rojas, assistant
director general at the UNFAO's forestry department, said at the release of the report.
The most affected areas include mountains, islands and coastal areas, which limit the possibilities for
animals to move elsewhere and create new habitats. "The remaining populations are limited to very small
ecosystems. They have inbreeding (近亲繁殖) problems.., and at the end these species may disappear,"
he added.
Other examples of affected animals include elephants in Mall, lions in Serengeti and crocodiles in
Malawi. The report says about 20~30 percent of plant and animal species will be at higher risk of
extinction due to global warming and a significant number of local species may disappear by 2050 as a
consequence. Other consequences could include the spread of invasive species and infectious diseases,
it said.
The report urges more focus on restoration of damaged ecosystems, especially those key to dealing
with climate change such as inland waters, forests and grasslands. The UNFAO also called for the
creation of movement channels for animals in areas where their movement was affected. The organization
said while more resources (资源) were flowing to biodiversity conservation, more action at th
government and policy level was needed. It also urges local communities to develop projects that ease
the effect of climate change on wildlife, naming ecotourism activities as an example.
1. What does the author tell us in Paragraph 2?
A. The theme of global climate negotiations in Durban.
B. The subject of research done by Eduardo Rojas.
C. Harmful effects of damage done to ecosystems.
D. Causes of damage done to ecosystems.
2. Why are animals living in mountains, islands and coastal areas most affected?
A. They are frequently attacked by invasive species and infectious diseases.
B. They have difficulty finding enough food for survival.
C. They have little chance of moving to other places.
D. They can hardly find mates to produce their young.
3. To avoid extinction of some animal species, the UNFAO suggested all the following ways
EXCEPT ______.
A. restoring damaged ecosystems
B. limiting world population growth
C. creating movement channels for animals
D. urging governments and local communities to take action
4. What would serve as the best title for the passage?
A. Climate change and ecotourism
B. Human activities and the animal kingdom
C. Gorillas, tigers at risk due to climate change
D. How to balance human development and animal rights
