Habitat Loss is the Leading Cause of Extinction

Why are there armed men near that rhino?

Interesting Facts in Easy English

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • habitat: the place where living things live
  • extinction: the state of no longer existing
  • threatened: facing a possible risk of extinction
  • 24/7: all day and night; at all times
  • human intervention: the involvement of humans


Habitat Loss is the Leading Cause of Extinction

According to recent studies, approximately one in four mammals and one in eight birds currently a high risk of extinction. Though species extinction is natural, the current rate of extinction is at least 1,000 times faster than the natural rate. The leading cause of extinction around the world is habitat . Extinction rates are growing the fastest in areas with high growth. In Kenya, armed men are currently standing 24/7 as the last known northern white male rhino wanders around a conservation area. Even with human intervention, it is unlikely that the last male of the subspecies will be able to with either of the two last females in his habitat.

Comprehension Questions

  1. How does the current rate of extinction differ from the natural rate of extinction?
  2. What is the leading cause of species extinction today?
  3. Why are men guarding a white rhino in Kenya?

Discussion Questions: Which bird, plant, or animal species would you be most sad to lose, and why? What can humans do to slow down the rate of species extinction?

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