Poaching and hunting have long been practices that humans engage in for food, clothing, and profit. However, when these activities target animals listed in the Red Book of endangered species, the consequences become catastrophic. These creatures are often on the brink of extinction, and further exploitation puts their survival at greater risk. The illegal hunting of elephants for ivory, tigers for their skins and bones, and pangolins for their scales are just a few examples of how human greed threatens biodiversity. Such activities are often driven by the demand for luxury goods or traditional medicines, particularly in affluent markets.
The consequences of hunting and poaching extend beyond the loss of individual species. Ecosystems are intricate networks where every organism plays a vital role. The extinction or severe depletion of a species can destabilize the entire ecosystem. For instance, the loss of a top predator like the tiger can lead to an overpopulation of herbivores, resulting in the degradation of vegetation and habitat. Similarly, the disappearance of elephants, known as ecosystem engineers, would significantly alter landscapes, affecting countless other species.
Efforts to combat these practices have been challenging. Governments and conservation organizations have implemented strict laws and international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to protect endangered animals. Yet, enforcement remains a problem in many regions due to corruption, lack of funding, and insufficient manpower. Additionally, the demand for illegal wildlife products persists, making it difficult to stop poaching altogether.
Public awareness and education play an essential role in addressing this crisis. Communities are encouraged to value wildlife not as commodities but as vital components of the planet's health. Moreover, sustainable alternatives, such as eco-tourism and community-driven conservation projects, have shown promise. By involving local populations in conservation efforts, these initiatives provide economic benefits while reducing the incentives for poaching and hunting endangered species.
The battle to protect endangered animals is far from over, but small victories provide hope. The recovery of species like the giant panda and the humpback whale demonstrates that concerted efforts can yield positive results. It is crucial to continue raising awareness, strengthening laws, and reducing consumer demand for products derived from endangered animals. Only through such combined efforts can humanity ensure a future for these irreplaceable creatures.
Câu 53:
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Hunting and poaching are necessary for human survival.
B. Efforts to protect endangered animals are showing results but challenges remain.
C. Ecosystems benefit from poaching and hunting endangered animals.
D. Traditional medicines are the primary reason for poaching.
Câu 54:
What does “these creatures” in paragraph 1 refer to?
A. Affluent markets. B. Ecosystem engineers.
C. Traditional medicines. D. Elephants, tigers, and pangolins.
Câu 55:
What is one role of elephants mentioned in the passage?
A. They are top predators. B. They are ecosystem engineers.
C. They help control herbivore populations. D. They are resistant to poaching efforts.
Câu 56:
What does “intricate” in paragraph 2 most likely mean?
A. Simple. B. Fragile. C. Complex. D. Disorganized.
Câu 57:
Why is it difficult to stop poaching despite the existence of international agreements like CITES?
A. Poachers are more skilled than enforcement teams.
B. International agreements are outdated and irrelevant.
C. Local populations are unwilling to cooperate with authorities.
D. Corruption, lack of resources, and ongoing demand make enforcement challenging.
Câu 58:
How can involving local populations in conservation efforts help protect endangered species?
A. By providing them with economic benefits and reducing the incentives for poaching.
B. By training them to catch poachers more effectively.
C. By increasing their dependence on wildlife products.
D. By making them stakeholders in international agreements.
Câu 59:
What is the function of the phrase “such as eco-tourism and community-driven conservation projects” in paragraph 4?
A. To give examples of sustainable alternatives to poaching.
B. To explain why poaching is harmful to communities.
C. To highlight the benefits of international agreements.
D. To show how local populations are trained to protect wildlife.
Câu 60:
What is the author’s overall tone toward the issue of poaching and hunting endangered species?
A. Critical of governments for failing to enforce laws.
B. Neutral and indifferent to the issue.
C. Optimistic about conservation efforts despite challenges.
D. Supportive of the benefits of poaching for local economies.
Đánh giá năng lực APT Form 2025 - ĐHQG TPHCM - PHẦN TIẾNG ANH - Đề 7 - Đề bài
