©REUTERS/Alessia Maccioni
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Why are some animals harder to protect than others?
- How do animals in the wild protect themselves from predators?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- deer /deer/
- gather /GATH-er/
- oversee /oh-ver-SEE/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
- vital /VAHYT-l/
[noun] – a hoofed grazing or browsing animal, typically with branched antlers
During the winter, deer often wander into suburban neighborhoods searching for food.
[verb] – to collect or bring together
We need to gather enough evidence before presenting our case to the committee.
[verb] – to supervise or manage activities or people
She oversees the entire production process to ensure quality standards are met.
[noun] – a plan or method for achieving a goal
The team developed effective strategies to win the championship.
[adjective] – absolutely necessary or essential
Water is vital for all living organisms to survive.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In early November 2024, a rare pudu fawn was born at an Argentine biopark, giving scientists and conservationists a valuable chance to learn more about this tiny and elusive deer species. The male fawn, weighing only 1.21 kg (2.7 lbs), was named Lenga after a tree found in the Andean Patagonian forest. Pudus are one of the world’s smallest deer, growing up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall and weighing up to 12 kg (26.5 lbs). Lenga’s birth has brought attention to the pudu’s fragile situation, as fewer than 10,000 are left in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists them as near-threatened due to dangers from wild dogs and other introduced predators.
Lenga’s arrival offers hope for the pudu’s conservation. Researchers can now gather important data on the species. For the first few months, Lenga will stay with its mother, Chalten, and father, Nicolino, feeding on its mother’s milk before switching to a herbivorous diet. The white spots on its fur provide natural camouflage, helping protect it from predators during both day and night. The Temaiken Foundation, which oversees the biopark, believes studying Lenga will enhance knowledge of pudu behavior and improve conservation strategies for this species and others in Patagonia, like the huemul. This birth is a vital step in preventing the pudu’s extinction.
Lenga’s arrival offers hope for the pudu’s conservation. Researchers can now gather important data on the species. For the first few months, Lenga will stay with its mother, Chalten, and father, Nicolino, feeding on its mother’s milk before switching to a herbivorous diet. The white spots on its fur provide natural camouflage, helping protect it from predators during both day and night. The Temaiken Foundation, which oversees the biopark, believes studying Lenga will enhance knowledge of pudu behavior and improve conservation strategies for this species and others in Patagonia, like the huemul. This birth is a vital step in preventing the pudu’s extinction.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where was the pudu fawn born?
- What is the name of the pudu fawn?
- Why are pudus considered near-threatened?
- What will Lenga eat during the first few months of life?
- Why is Lenga’s birth considered important for the pudu species?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a rare or small animal in a zoo or park? If so, what animal did you see, and where did you see it? If not, which animal would you like to see in the future?
- Have you ever learned about endangered animals in school or on TV? If so, which animals did you learn about? If not, would you like to learn more about them?
- Do you agree that protecting animals in danger should be a priority for scientists and governments?
- If there were no conservation efforts, what do you think would happen to animals like the pudu?
- What can your government do to help protect endangered animals like the pudu in your community?