文章大意:这是一篇新闻报道。中国官员宣布,大熊猫不再是濒危物种,中国将大熊猫从濒危物种重新分类为易受伤害物种。现在野外的这一数字已经上升到1800只。文章介绍了大熊猫的生活习性以及相关人员对中国保护大熊猫做出的努力的看法。
After decades of work trying to save the giant panda, Chinese officials have announced the species is no longer endangered. The pandas have been reclassified in the country from endangered to vulnerable after efforts to increase the population. Now the number has risen to 1,800 in the wild.
“China has established a relatively complete nature reserves system,” Cui Shuhong, director of the Department of Natural Ecological Protection of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said on Wednesday. “Large areas of natural ecosystems have been systematically and completely protected, and wildlife habitats have been effectively improved.”
The latest classification upgrade reflects their improved living conditions and China's efforts in keeping their habitats integrated, Cui added.
Bamboo makes up 90% of pandas' diets, and the animals would likely starve without the shoots. Experts believe China’s efforts to replant bamboo forests have been the key to the increase in the population of pandas.
Generally speaking, a panda has to eat at least 26 pounds of bamboo every day to maintain its energy, so large areas of bamboo forests are primary to their survival.
Planting bamboo also has advantages for the planet, as the bamboo is grass, not a tree, and is incredibly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide, as well as emitting 35% more oxygen than trees.
“The Chinese have done a great job in investing in panda habitats, expanding and setting up new reserves,” Ginette Hemley, senior vice president of conservation at the World Wildlife Fund. told the media. “They are a wonderful example of what can happen when a government is committed to conservation.”
Continuing China's success will be dependent on the country protecting land from agricultural and urban development. As land becomes rarer, measures will need to be extended to protect more land, to ensure bamboo forests can thrive and as a result, protect the future of the world's most lovable, lazy, and monochrome (black and white) creature.
8. What do we know about the giant panda according to paragraph 1?
A.It is an endangered species. | B.It increases by 1,800 each year. |
C.It has seen a decline in population. | D.It has got a classification upgrade. |
9. What can be inferred from Ginette Hemley's words?
A.Social media makes a difference. | B.Panda habitats are getting smaller. |
C.Government's commitment is crucial. | D.Setting up new reserves is impossible. |
10. What can be the challenge China faces in achieving continued success?
A.Lazy and monochrome animals. |
B.Lack of support from the World Wildlife Fund. |
C.The emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. |
D.The influence of agricultural and urban development. |
11. Where is this text probably from?
A.A news website. | B.An official report. | C.A travel magazine. | D.A biology textbook. |