Unit2 WILDLIFE PROTECTION A DAY IN THE CLOUDS The air is thin and we have to rest several times on the short hike from camp. To our left, snow-covered mountains disappear into clouds that seem almost close enough to touch. On the plain in front of us, we can just make out a herd of graceful animals. This is why we’re here-- to observe Tibetan antelopes. Tibatan antelopes live on the plains of Tibat, Xinjiang, and Qinghai. Watching them move slowly across the green grass. I’m struck by their beauty. I’m also reminded of the danger they are in. They are being hunted, illegally, for their valuable fur. My guide is Zhaxi, a villager from Changtang. He works at the Changtang National Nature Reserve. The reserve is a shelter for the animals and plants of northwestern Tibet. To Zhaxi, the land is sacred and protecting the wildlife is a way of life. “We’re not trying to save the animals,” he says. “Actually, we’re trying to save ourselves.” The 1980s and 1990s were bad times for the Tibetan antelopes. The population dropped by more that 50 percent. Hunters were shooting antelopes to make profits. Their habitats were becoming smaller as new roads and railways were built. In order to save this species from extinction, the Chinese government placed it under national protection. Zhaxi and other volunteers watched over the antelopes day and night to keep them safe from attacks. Bridges and gates were added to let the antelopes move easily and keep them safe from cars and trains. The measures were effective. The antelopes population has recovered and in June 2015, the Tibetan antelopes was removed from the endangered species list. The government, however, does not intend to stop the protection programmes, since the threats to the Tibetan antelopes have not yet disappeared. In the evening, I drink a cup of tea and watch the stars. I think about the antelopes and what Zhaxi told me. Much is being done to protect wildlife, but if we really want to save the planet, we must change our way of life. Only when we learn to exist in harmony with nature can we stop being a threat to wildlife and to our planet. Reading and writing Give Ugly a Chance！ When it comes to wildlife protection, all species-the good, the bad, and the ugly-should be treated equally. Pandas, dolphins, and other cute wildlife are important, but we must pay attention to less cute animals, too. The world needs all kinds-without variety, our planet cannot survive. So if you want the future to be beautiful, you have to give ugly a chance. Don’t Make Paper with My Home！ Billions of trees are being cut down every year to make paper for humans. Every tree that is cut down is a part of the habitat of animals such as these koalas. In this way a lot of animal homes are being destroyed! Is it right to make animals homeless so that humans can have more paper? 本文来源：https://www.wddqw.com/doc/a3ae3cc2bbf67c1cfad6195f312b3169a451ea3e.html