(24-25高一下·云南昆明·期中)The Mountain Bongo (a type of antelope) has been driven to near extinction, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Ecologist Mordecai Ogada says, “It can only be found in the wild in Kenya, highly endangered, and that is why protecting this species is important.”
The populations of the animals have been greatly reduced. The animals have been hunted for their meat and their prized coat, skulls, and horns. Human-wildlife activities, especially the sharing of grounds with livestock (家畜), also led to the spread of diseases.
Some were traded to zoos in the United States and efforts to save the animals have depended on returning them to Kenya. At one time, there were only 18 of these creatures left in captivity (圈养) there. They were sent back to Kenya in 2004 to breed (繁殖) them and re-establish the Mountain Bongo in their natural area. But it has been a slow process.
“So, the bongos that are coming back from zoos need a very long time to be able to get used to the wild environment again and it takes several generations,” explains Philippe Cauviere, chief executive officer at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. “And that is why it has taken such a long time to get where we are today. We’ve had more than 70 births.”
To support the recovery of the species in the wild, the government agency, Kenya Wildlife Service, together with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, set up the Mawingu Bongo Sanctuary as part of the National Mountain Bongo Recovery and Action Plan 2019-2023. The sanctuary is on the slopes (坡地) of Mount Kenya. There are plans to set free 25 Mountain Bongos in this protected area. This will help the rewilding of the animals as well as reintroducing them into their original habitats.
“Finally what needs to be done to save the Mountain Bongo is their habitat has to be protected-these are the highland forests. I think the goal here is not captivity but to increase wild populations and rewild them and reintroduce them into this country,” Ogada says.
144.What is discussed in paragraph 2?
A.Suggestions on how to protect the Mountain Bongo.
B.Great progress on saving the Mountain Bongo.
C.Reasons why the Mountain Bongo is important.
D.The reduction in Mountain Bongo populations.
145.Why has the rewilding process of the Mountain Bongo been slow?
A.There is the problem of habitat loss. B.There are not enough research funds.
C.They need time to adapt to the wild again. D.They are under threat from other species.
146.What should be done to save the Mountain Bongo according to Ogada?
A.Making the Mawingu Bongo Sanctuary larger. B.Protecting their highland forest habitats.
C.Making more laws to prevent hunting. D.Keeping them in zoos.
147.What is the best title for the text?
A.Kenya rushes to protect endangered antelope.
B.Rewilding the Mountain Bongo seems impossible.
C.Zoos are getting more effective at wildlife protection.
D.The changing environment is challenging the Mountain Bongo.
...