Endangered species
Unit 1 Reading 1
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1An endangered species is a group of animals or plants which could soon become extinct. Extinction happens when the last animal of the species has died out and there will be no more. Many species are nearly extinct and could disappear from the Earth very soon if we don't do anything to save them. There are many reasons why species become endangered, but most harm to species is due to human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting and overfishing.
2Habitat destruction is the main reason why animals become endangered. This happens in two ways. First, when humans move into a new area, they cut down trees to build houses and farms. This destroys the animals' habitat – the natural environment where plants or animals usually live – and leaves them without food. Animal habitats are also destroyed because of pollution. Dirty water from factories, which contains chemicals, ends up in rivers, and poisons used on farmland may even kill animals which live in the area.
3Endangered species are also the result of hunting and fishing. Animals such as the Arabian oryx are nearly extinct because of the high price of their meat. Other animals are killed for their fur, bones or skin – or just for sport. For example, some seal species are now almost extinct because they are killed for their fur to make coats. Tigers are shot to make medicine and tea from their bones, and crocodiles are caught to make bags and shoes. Large sea creatures like whales, tuna and sharks have all become endangered species because of overfishing – too many are caught to make special dishes that people like to eat, such as shark's fin soup or sushi.
4What steps can individuals and governments take to protect more animal and plant species from becoming endangered? We should try not to pollute natural areas, and farmers or companies who destroy animal habitats should face a financial penalty. The public can help out by refusing to buy products made from animals' body parts, such as seal fur coats or crocodile bags. Governments can help, too, by making it against the law to hunt, fish or trade in endangered species. They can also provide funding for animal sanctuaries and zoos. These protect animals from extinction by breeding more endangered animals, which can later be released into the wild. If we all cooperate by taking these steps, we will protect our planet so that our children and their children can enjoy it, too.