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in harmony with; die out; come up with; out of control; in consequence; participate in |
Macquarie Island was a beautiful place its native inhabitants, including royal (penguin), king penguins, and elephant seals, existed harmony with their natural habitat for thousands of years. However, in 1810, humans (arrive) on the island with rats and mice. They quickly took over the island, eating birds' eggs and (attack) baby birds. Cats (bring) to control the rats and mice, but they also liked eating birds. Meanwhile, rabbits were introduced to the island but the exploding rabbit population provided food for cats, meaning that the number of cats also increased (rapid). This in turn led to more cats hunting birds. The end result was that parakeets, once large in number and native to the island, died in 1891.
A virus (release) onto the island caused rabbits to decrease, but the cats, without enough rabbits to eat, killed native birds for food. Although all the cats were caught in 2000, rats and mice exploded once again. Besides, the rabbits' (dig) caused some land to collapse and killed many penguins.
A programme was started to tackle this problem. This intervention is a long process, but we humans owe it to the island to give it a happy ending.
The horses, llamas, donkeys and dogs who arrive at Horse Creek Stable Rescue Sanctuary are often sick, weak or just tired. Lester Aradi, a retired police chief, along with his wife Diane, makes sure of their conservation. The refuge (收容所)for special needs animals they founded in Georgia's Blue Ridge mountains is a bustling 35-acre beacon of new beginnings. But there are endings here, too.
When they die, the animals are buried on a slight hillside overlooking the grassland. Graves(坟墓) for dogs are lined up in a row. Burials for bigger animals—horses, llamas, donkeys—are marked with a fruit tree. Lester and Diane see it as a symbol of the circle of life. "We just try to honor them that way," Lester said. But the most obvious marker for a fresh grave will be a three-legged dog named Tricycle. When an animal dies, he subsequently shows sadness—sometimes for as long as three days.
"I don't know if he can sense it, smell it, or whatever, but I think he is grieving. That is his way of saying goodbye." The first time was back when his friend Major died. "When Major died, we buried him here on the farm," Lester said. "Tricycle went over and lay on his grave for about three days. He would come into the house. But every time he was outside, he would go to Major's grave and lie on it."
Lester posted a picture of Tricycle mourning Major on Horse Creek Stable Rescue Sanctuary's Facebook page. Not long after that, a dog rescue group got in touch with him. They thought maybe Lester and Diane could take in another three-legged dog who needed a second chance in life. And so, Romeo arrived at the farm. Naturally, Tricycle bonded with his new friend, just like him. It is truly the circle of life.
Every year from March to October, Christian Moullec, also known as "Birdman", takes to the skies aboard his adapted light aircraft. However, the 58-year-old Frenchman's daily 30-minute flight is not just to enjoy the impressive views, but to guide flocks of lesser white-fronted geese through secure migration paths which the birds can teach future generations.
His deed began in 1995 when he noticed the birds' declining population in the wilds of Lapland, Sweden. To prevent their numbers from decreasing further, Moullec tried to get the threatened species to follow him along migration routes that would protect them from bird hunters.
However, getting grown geese to follow his lead proved challenging. As young geese imitate and follow whomever they view as their parent, Moullec decided to raise the geese from birth.
To help raise funds and heighten awareness of his job to protect not just the geese but birds worldwide, Moullec often allows paying tourists to join him on the 30-minute-long flights aboard his aircraft. In addition to the trained birds flying alongside them, visitors, who come from as far as a 15-hour plane flight away, are treated to a variety of crane and goose species as well as breathtaking views of castles and cities.
He often brings his camera along for the flights, capturing photos not just for their beauty, but for what they describe. Moullec believes the use of agricultural chemicals has done harm to wild European birds, with more than a third disappearing in the last 30 years. "It's a disaster," he said. "My beautiful images with flying birds should be used to tell this story."
As we "happen to be" the best creature in the world, it's our duty to look after other species. Here are some points which might help to protect wildlife.
Join organizations like Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund. They have devoted themselves to protecting the earth and its animals. Many volunteers join organizations like these and work for the environment.
Don't buy anything made from ivory and things like this. Baby seals are hunted for their skin, as it is used to make expensive coats. Don't buy them.
You can write a heartfelt and logical letter to the government stating your ideas about this problem and how it can be solved.
Recycle and reuse. It will reduce the need to have more raw materials to produce something. And wild animals' home will not be destroyed.
Governments should create more secure zones and national parks for wild animals. Governments should apply strict laws to stop hunting.
I hope this post is helpful. Share your views about this issue and let your voice be heard.
A. Stop hunting for pleasure.
B. Let your voice be heard.
C. As a result, fewer trees will be cut down.
D. You can build a bird house and feed local birds.
E. Refuse fur coats and medicines made from rare animals.
F. You can find some organizations like these and join them.
G. There they will be able to move freely without worrying about hunters.
