文字稿

作为非洲标志之一的长颈鹿在过去的三十年里数量锐减，从  1985 年的  15.5 万只减少到  2015 年的 9.7 万只。国际自然保护联盟 IUCN 首次将长颈鹿列为“易危”物种，希望此举能够帮助长颈鹿得到更多的关注和保护。 请听  Matt McGrath 的报道。

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. 

词汇表

graceful 高雅的，优雅的
an inescapable image 标志性（到哪里都能看到的）图像
disturbing decline 令人担忧的下滑、大幅减少
plummeted 暴跌、直线下跌
fragmented 被四分五裂，被分割
eager 渴望的，急切的
gloom 悲观
boomed 迅速增长
ensure 确保

测验

请听报道并回答下列问题。

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.