Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- habitat /hab-i-tat/
- poacher /POH-cher/
- tusk /tuhsk/
- ecosystem /EE-koh-sis-tuhm/
- grassland /GRAS-land/
[noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives
Deforestation destroys habitats and endangers wildlife.
[noun] – someone who catches and kills animals illegally
Poachers often target rare species for their valuable parts.
[noun] – either of the two long, pointed teeth of some animals such as elephants
Tusks are often targeted by hunters because of their ivory.
[noun] – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
[noun] – a large area of land covered with grass
Farmers use grasslands for grazing cattle and growing crops.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
African elephants hold the title as the biggest land animals on the planet. They are very intelligent and social creatures, but their numbers are declining. A new study shows that populations have dropped sharply in many areas of Africa over the last 50 years. The study analyzed information collected from 475 sites across 37 African nations between 1964 and 2016. It focused on two species: savanna elephants and forest elephants. Researchers found that savanna elephant populations declined by about 70%, while forest elephant populations fell by 90%. Elephant populations decreased by an average of 77% at the sites studied, mainly due to poaching and the loss of their habitats.
Poachers kill elephants for their tusks, which are often sold illegally, primarily in Asia. Habitat loss happens because of agriculture expanding into elephant territories. Forest elephants are especially affected, with smaller populations compared to savanna elephants. In certain areas, such as the Sahel region in Mali, Chad, and Nigeria, elephants have been entirely wiped out. However, there are positive outcomes too. In southern Africa, populations have grown in 42% of the areas studied, especially in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This is due to conservation programs and strong management by governments or organizations. The study did not estimate the total elephant population because methods used at different times and locations varied. Still, a separate estimate in 2016 suggested there were between 415,000 and 540,000 African elephants left. Elephants are crucial to African ecosystems, helping maintain the balance between forests and grasslands and spreading seeds. Protecting them is vital for the environment.
Poachers kill elephants for their tusks, which are often sold illegally, primarily in Asia. Habitat loss happens because of agriculture expanding into elephant territories. Forest elephants are especially affected, with smaller populations compared to savanna elephants. In certain areas, such as the Sahel region in Mali, Chad, and Nigeria, elephants have been entirely wiped out. However, there are positive outcomes too. In southern Africa, populations have grown in 42% of the areas studied, especially in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This is due to conservation programs and strong management by governments or organizations. The study did not estimate the total elephant population because methods used at different times and locations varied. Still, a separate estimate in 2016 suggested there were between 415,000 and 540,000 African elephants left. Elephants are crucial to African ecosystems, helping maintain the balance between forests and grasslands and spreading seeds. Protecting them is vital for the environment.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen an elephant in the wild or in a zoo? If yes, where did you see it, and what was your experience like? If not, would you like to see one in the wild? Why or why not?
- Do you think it is important to protect animals like elephants? If yes, what do you think should be done to protect them? If not, why do you think it might not be important?
- Do you think conservation programs can help endangered animals?
- Why do you think elephant populations have decreased so much in some areas but increased in others?
- What do you think can be done to stop the illegal killing of elephants for their tusks?
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.
- poaching
- savanna
- population
- decline
- organization