Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- carcass /KAHR-kuhs/
- scavenger /SKAV-in-jer/
- rehabilitate /ree-huh-BIL-i-teyt/
- neutralize /NOO-truh-lahyz/
- component /kuhm-POH-nuhnt/
[noun] – the dead body of an animal
After the storm, the carcass of a large deer was found near the river.
[noun] – an animal or bird that feeds on dead or decaying matter
The scavengers cleaned up the fish scraps left behind by fishermen.
[verb] – to restore something to a good condition or reputation
The city is working to rehabilitate old buildings and attract tourists.
[verb] – to make something harmless or ineffective
Special equipment was used to neutralize harmful chemicals after the factory leak.
[noun] – a part or element of something
Coral reefs are an essential component of marine ecosystems, providing shelter and food for countless sea creatures.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In southern Africa, conservation organizations are intensifying efforts to protect endangered vultures by emphasizing their ecological and economic value. A report by BirdLife International, published in early 2025, estimated that vultures generate around $1.8 billion each year in ecological value within the ecosystems of Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The report noted that vultures play an indispensable role in carcass disposal, pest control, and disease prevention. These avian scavengers can remove decaying animal remains within hours, thereby reducing the spread of pathogens and deterring disease-carrying animals such as rats and feral dogs. The campaign to rehabilitate their image comes amid alarming statistics: six out of 11 African vulture species are now classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The report highlighted vultures’ exceptional biological traits, including the ability to neutralize lethal bacteria such as anthrax and botulism. Experts explained that this makes vultures unparalleled in environmental sanitation. Additionally, rangers utilize vultures as “sentinels,” relying on their flight patterns to track down poaching sites or injured wildlife. Although vultures play a vital ecological role, they are exposed to severe threats. Hundreds are killed annually by poisoned carcasses, electrical infrastructure, and belief-based killings. In certain cultures, vultures are believed to possess clairvoyant abilities and are killed for use in traditional practices. Conservationists argue that widespread misconceptions, often perpetuated by popular media, have tarnished the species’ reputation. Experts urge the public and authorities to reconsider the vulture’s portrayal and support conservation efforts to protect this irreplaceable component of the natural environment.
The report highlighted vultures’ exceptional biological traits, including the ability to neutralize lethal bacteria such as anthrax and botulism. Experts explained that this makes vultures unparalleled in environmental sanitation. Additionally, rangers utilize vultures as “sentinels,” relying on their flight patterns to track down poaching sites or injured wildlife. Although vultures play a vital ecological role, they are exposed to severe threats. Hundreds are killed annually by poisoned carcasses, electrical infrastructure, and belief-based killings. In certain cultures, vultures are believed to possess clairvoyant abilities and are killed for use in traditional practices. Conservationists argue that widespread misconceptions, often perpetuated by popular media, have tarnished the species’ reputation. Experts urge the public and authorities to reconsider the vulture’s portrayal and support conservation efforts to protect this irreplaceable component of the natural environment.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a vulture or another bird of prey in real life or on TV? If so, what did you notice about its behavior? If not, which wild bird would you like to learn more about?
- Have you ever learned about endangered animals in class or from a documentary? If so, what animal did you learn about, and why is it endangered? If not, would you like to learn more about endangered animals? Why?
- Do you agree that the media should stop showing vultures in a negative way?
- Why do you think people are afraid of vultures, even though they are helpful animals?
- What could schools or media do to help people understand the value of vultures?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- ecological
- economic
- ecosystem
- biological
- pest control