Pre-reading questions:
- Which endangered species would you like to see in person?
- What other endangered animals do you wish to thrive and increase in population?
Vocabulary:
- migration /mahy-GREY-shuhn/
- surge /surj /
- extinction /ik-STINGK-shuhn/
- thriving /THRAHY-ving/
- awareness /uh-WAIR-nis/
[noun] – the process of animals travelling to a different place, usually when the season changes
The great wildebeest migration in Africa is a stunning spectacle, as thousands of animals traverse vast distances in search of greener pastures.
[noun] – a sudden and great increase
In times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods, there is often a surge of emergency response personnel to provide aid and support to affected communities.
[noun] – a situation in which something no longer exists
Human actions like habitat destruction can contribute to the extinction of plants and animals.
[adjective] – growing, developing, or being successful
The thriving community garden is abundant with harvests of fresh vegetables.
[noun] – knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subject at the present time based on information or experience
The workshop provided valuable information and increased awareness about mental health.
Article reading:
Marine biologists and conservation organizations attribute the surge in humpback whale sightings to the success of international bans on commercial whaling and dedicated conservation initiatives. Once on the brink of extinction, humpback whales are now thriving due to these protective measures. The warm waters and abundant food sources along the NSW coastline provide an ideal route for their migration. The increase in humpback whale sightings is a cause for celebration among whale-watching enthusiasts, conservationists, and local businesses. Tourism operators have benefited from the surge in whale tourism as visitors flock to witness these creatures in their natural habitat. Whale-watching cruises and coastal observation points have become popular attractions, boosting the local economy and raising environmental awareness. While the surge in humpback whale sightings is a positive sign, conservation efforts are necessary to ensure their long-term survival. Collisions with vessels, entanglement in fishing gear, and ocean pollution remain threats. The abundance of humpback whale sightings off the NSW coast highlights the importance of preserving and respecting the natural world.
Comprehension questions
- What is the main reason for the increase in humpback whale sightings off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, this year?
- How have international bans on commercial whaling contributed to the recovery of humpback whales?
- Why do marine biologists and conservation organizations consider the surge in humpback whale sightings a success?
- What factors make the NSW coastline an ideal route for humpback whale migration?
- How have local businesses benefited from the increase in humpback whale sightings?
Discussion questions
- Are you familiar with humpback whales? What do you know about them?
- Have you ever witnessed a humpback whale migration or any other remarkable wildlife spectacle? How did it make you feel?
- Should locals use the resurgence of humpback whales in the area to boost businesses and tourism?
- What measures do you think should be taken to ensure the continued conservation and protection of humpback whales in the region?
- How can the increase in humpback whale sightings raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation?