ENDANGERED SPECIES In today’s world, thousands of plants and animals are in danger of extinction, and the number of species at risk increases every year. Not all plants or animals existing in small numbers are endangered as their population may not be decreasing or threatened. An endangered species is one which is expected to die out within twenty years unless special measures are taken to protect it. Endangered animals include blue whales, giant pandas, orangutans, rhinoceroses, snow leopards, tigers and some species of crocodile. Endangered plants include some species of cactus. Why are the above species of animal endangered? There are now legal limits on hunting, but not all species are protected by law. Even when animals are legally protected. Illegal hunting for fur, tusks and horns continues. Those animals that are not killed are captured and sent to zoos or sold as pets. For example, the little blue macaw, a parrot native to Brazil, has been captured in such numbers for private bird collections that it is almost extinct in the wild. In addition to this, many species’ habitats are eliminated when people clear land in order to build on it, or when they introduce domestic and non-native animals which overgraze the vegetation and even prey on birds and mammals which are already at risk of extinction. Why is it important to save endangered species? Firstly, nature is delicately balanced, and the extinction of one species may have a serious effect on others. Secondly, it is the fault of mankind that so many species are endangered, so it is our responsibility to protect those species while we still can. We must stop the hunting of wild animals and the destruction of the forests before it is too late. It is worth making an effort- by saving endangered species we could be saving ourselves. 1. According to the text, ...... A. all plants and animals are expected to die out in 20 years if we don’t take measures to protect them. B. blue whales have become extinct. C. more and more species become endangered each year. D. only animal species are seriously threatened. 2. The author wonders why all the species mentioned are in danger because ...... A. all species are protected by law B. hunting is not allowed everywhere nowadays. C. most endangered species are kept in zoos. D. illegal hunting has been eliminated. 3. The author uses the blue macaw as an example of ...... A. birds captured for the pet trade. B. a species that has completely died out. C. a species of birds killed by hunters. D. birds captured for zoos. 4. According to the author introducing domestic, non-native animals ...... A. is not associated with endangered species. B. is only dangerous in tropical forests. C. is the only reason why some species habitats are destroyed. D. may threaten the habitats of some species. 5. Endangered animals ..... A. will definitely die out soon. B. are an important part of the world’s wildlife. C. cannot be saved because we need to save ourselves. D. have a bad effect on others.