Questões de Concurso Sobre inglês
Foram encontradas 25.780 questões
Q1631170
Inglês
Texto associado
A perfect office - Career in Office Administration
No office would be able to function effectively with the structural backbone - the administrative staff.
Sector overview
Technology can make the various jobs easier, but the fact remains, that there needs to be a person to run the technology effectively. The job in question here is one that you watch happening in every office in every city or town in every country. Whichever office you go to, one thing is common. Virtually every business needs office support personnel. This is needed and is not likely to change anytime soon. Many small businesses started out by working without support staff (admin or assistants), but with expansion, they had to give in and hire.
lt is understandable that when dealing with the employees internally and in dealing with other business parties externally, businesses need the services of such personnel, apart from the day-to-day office administration functions. Whatever the number of people working in the administrative capacity in an office, the role could mean looking after severa! functions. lt could all include handling the telephone, dealing with difficult phone calls from customers or other parties, handling challenging clients,maintaining reports, accounting for petty cash, mail management, banking work, and so on.
ln fact in severa! companies and professions, a trusted administrative assistant is looked upon as a confidant. Many managers prefer assistants who know everything about them, about their lives and especially about their style of work. There is something deeply comforting about having everything in office run smoothly, and meetings happening on time, with the correct coffee and snacks. And for that, you need personnel!
To getthere
Since a formal education may not be necessary to get a job, there is no single route to becoming an administrative assistant. There are severa! ways in which one can go about it. lt often happens that people get a job, and learn on it and develop expertise while working. Even then , there are certain soft and behavioural skills, apart from technical skills that assistants are supposed to have.
Aspirants should ideally think of taking a professional course, since the curriculum is designed to look into particular job descriptions and so training will be offered in those areas. This training provides an upper hand in many cases in terms of getting a good job. ln either case, the skills are essential. When hiring office support personnel, many companies look for employees with a combination of the types of technical skills that are needed in the particular job as well as a positive attitude and strong communication skills. With technology now ruling the roost, most positions look for personnel who not only display the soft skills to work on the job, but also have a fair knowledge of operating computers and the required software on them. Often, before recruitment, companies ask applicants to take severa! tests to gauge their abilities in handling the tasks that lie ahead.
( ... )
Whatever the designation or the title, the person in charge of office administration (management) carries a lot of responsibility. The diverse duties comprise those that must be performed on a daily basis, and some that need to be handled on a case-to-case basis. The role may vary with the business and the size of the office, but the primary duty is to ensure that the daily running of the office is smooth. Among other things, the office administrator is responsible for collecting and sending out mai l, for directing the calls to the appropriate offices or extensions, and making sure that the documentation is in place.
These job prospects are usually high for those who are qualified, since offices will always need administrative personnel, and with expansion, they tend to take on more and more people. Openings can be found at departments and offices in the public as well as private sectors, no matter the industry. A variety of positions are available depending upon the work and the kind of hours to be put in. Usually, the aftice administrators and assistants have fixed hour jobs. It is a good option for those looking for a little flexibility, or even a single shift, and they should be able to work something out with employers.
Salaries vary like night and day. They depend heavily on the size of the organization, the duties involved, the tasks assigned and most importantly, the experience the person has.
Available in: http://www.freepressjournal.in/education/a-
perfect-office-career-in-office-administration/656443. Adapted.
According to the text, analyse the assertions below.
I. Due to the technology, many companies do not call for office support personnel.
II . ln many companies, a reliable administrative assistant can be taken as a person you can share feelings and secrets.
IlI. The one and only responsibility that the office administrator carries is sending and receiving mails.
The correct assertion(s) is(are):
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630134
Inglês
Find the best alternative to complete the blank.
“– Hi, I’d like to talk to Mr. Francis - _________ just a minute, I’ll check if he’s still here.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630132
Inglês
Complete the blank with an alternative.
“I can’t believe he’s telling the truth, actually I think he ________it all _____.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630130
Inglês
Read the statement and answer.
“Susan’s wife passed away one year ago.”
We can say that
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630129
Inglês
Find the alternative that best completes the blank.
“The girls got a skirt ______ at that store.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630124
Inglês
Mark the best alternative to complete the blank.
“Phoebe hurt ______ last game, then, she might not play tomorrow.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630123
Inglês
Mark the correct Passive Voice to the sentence below.
“Phelipe and Belinda were writing some emails to their parents.”
“Phelipe and Belinda were writing some emails to their parents.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630121
Inglês
Mark the incorrect sentence.
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630120
Inglês
Find the incorrect alternative.
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630119
Inglês
Find an alternative to complete the blank.
“Zoey ____ helping Drake with his homework.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
CONSESP
Órgão:
Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP
Prova:
CONSESP - 2017 - Prefeitura de São Pedro - SP - Professor II Ensino Fundamental de Língua Inglesa |
Q1630116
Inglês
Find the alternative that completes the blanks.
“Kylie ____ classical music, her friends ______.”
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629319
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
All the statements reinforce the importance of lions to Africa, EXCEPT:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629318
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
There are reasons why humans kill lions for, EXCEPT:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629317
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
Large carnivores
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629316
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
Counting carnivores can be:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629315
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
The word “plunged” is closest is meaning to:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629314
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
Lions are at highest level of danger at:
Ano: 2017
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Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
Researchers defined African Savannah as place that:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
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Q1629312
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
The sentence “Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.” means that:
Ano: 2017
Banca:
Crescer Concursos
Órgão:
Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI
Prova:
Crescer Consultorias - 2017 - Prefeitura de Pio IX - PI - Professor de 6º ao 9º Ano (Inglês) |
Q1629311
Inglês
Texto associado
INSTRUCTIONS – Read the following text carefully and then choose the correct alternatives that answer the
questions.
LION NUMBERS PLUNGE AS AFRICAN WILDERNESS SUCCUMBS TO HUMAN PRESSURE
Posted by David Braun of National Geographic on December 6, 2012
Only 32,000 Lions Remain out of 100,000 Roaming Africa in the 1960
The king of the African savannah is in serious trouble because
people are taking over the continent’s last patches of wilderness on
unprecedented scale, according to a detailed study released this
week.
The most comprehensive assessment of lion (Panthera leo) numbers
to date determined that Africa’s once-thriving savannahs are
undergoing massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. The decline has had a significant impact on the
lions that make their home in these savannahs; their numbers have
dropped to as low as 32,000, down from hundreds of thousands
estimated just 50 years ago.
The study, funded in part by the National Geographic Big Cats
Initiative, was published online in this week’s journal Biodiversity and Conservation.
Some 24,000 of the continent’s remaining lions are primarily in 10 strongholds: 4 in East Africa and 6 in southern
Africa, the researchers determined. Over 6,000 of the remaining lions are in populations of doubtful long-term
viability. Lion populations in West and central Africa are the most acutely threatened, with many recent local
extinctions, even in nominally protected areas.
“These research results confirm the drastic loss of African savannah and the severe decline in the number of
remaining lions,” said Big Cats Initiative (BCI) Grants Committee Chair Thomas E. Lovejoy, University Professor for
Environmental Science & Public Policy at George Mason University and Biodiversity Chair of The Heinz Center.
“Immediate and major action is required to save lion populations in Africa.”
African savannahs are defined by the researchers as those areas that receive between 300 and 1500 mm
(approximately 11 to 59 inches) of rain annually. “These savannahs conjure up visions of vast open plains,” said
Stuart Pimm, co-author of the paper who holds the Chair of conservation at Duke University. “The reality is that from
an original area a third larger than the continental United States, only 25 percent remains.” In comparison, 30
percent of the world’s original rain forests remain.
Lions in West Africa are at highest level of risk, Pimm and the other researchers found. “The lions in West Africa are
essentially gone,” said Pimm. “Only a radical effort can save them at this stage.”
Stuart Pimm is also a member of the Big Cats Initiative Grants Committee and a regular blogger for National
Geographic News Watch. We interview him here about the research released this week.
Your study found that the population of wild lions in Africa plunged by two-thirds in 50 years. What’s the
methodology to determine the populations then and now?
Scientists estimated that 50 years ago, approximately 100,000 lions made their home in Africa’s iconic savannahs.
This estimate was made using rough calculations of the size of remaining habitat and lion density. Our research
suggests that lion populations have experienced a dramatic decline, and numbers have dropped to as low as 32,000
individuals. We compiled all of the most current available estimates of lion numbers and distribution – continentwide reports, country-specific lion conservation strategies and action plans, and newly published lion population
surveys. To fill in any gaps, we drew from the knowledge of the co-authors and colleagues working across Africa to
conserve lions.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
Counting carnivores is a tricky business. Individual identification is a tremendous challenge and requires highresolution cameras or good, unobstructed views in person. They are often shy and cover large distances. Lions are difficult to count even though they are social and sleep most of the day. Only a very few lion populations are known at the individual level, such as Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia. Individual recognition of every lion in an area requires intense study, significant resources, and low numbers of individuals. Therefore, researchers use a variety of other imperfect techniques to estimate lion population size in all other lion areas. Some more common estimation techniques include spoor tracking or call-up surveys.
What are the main causes of lion decline?
There is a variety of factors leading to lion decline across their range. One of the most important things we identified
was habitat loss. People usually think of savannah Africa as being comprised of wilderness, vast open grasslands
stretching to the horizon in all directions. However, our analysis showed that from an original area a third larger
than the United States, only 25% remains. In comparison, 30% of the world’s original tropical rainforest remain.
Most of this reduction has come in the last 50 years due to massive land-use conversion and burgeoning human
population growth. Besides habitat loss, another major driver of decline is human-caused mortality. This includes
poaching, retaliatory killing, and trophy hunting.
How many of the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa are in stable populations in viable habitat? Where
are the strongholds?
Our analysis identified only 67 largely isolated areas across the entire African continent where lions might
survive. Of these 67 areas, only 10 qualified as strongholds where lions have an excellent chance of survival. These
strongholds are located across East and Southern Africa, but importantly no areas in West or Central Africa qualify.
Unfortunately this means that for the remaining 32,000 wild lions in Africa, only approximately 24,000 are in
populations that can be considered at all secure. More than 5,000 lions are located in small, isolated populations,
putting their immediate survival in doubt.
What’s the prognosis for wild lions? Extinction?
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
The drastic reduction in lion numbers and habitat highlighted by our research is certainly alarming from a conservation standpoint. Yet, African lions are not in immediate danger of extinction. Substantial lion populations exist in large, well-protected areas such as the Serengeti or Kruger ecosystem. Many of the remaining lion populations in East or Southern Africa are in well-protected areas such as national parks and game reserves (although some of these allow hunting). Nevertheless, this should not be used as a blanket statement; there are populations and even countries in these regions that have few or no lions remaining. Overall, lions in West and Central Africa are in the gravest danger of extinction. More than half of the populations vital to lion conservation in these regions (as noted by the IUCN) have been extirpated in the past five years, with several countries losing their lions entirely. According to our research, fewer than 500 lions remain in West Africa, scattered across eight isolated sites. This is of serious concern as these populations contain the most genetically unique lions in all of Africa and are most closely related to the Asiatic lion.
Why is it important that we try to sustain the survival of wild lions in Africa?
Large carnivores play valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. For instance, removal of
lions may allow populations of mid-sized carnivores to explode which would have cascading impacts on other flora
and fauna. From an ecological perspective, large carnivores are crucial for balanced, resilient systems. However, the
lion is so much more than just the largest carnivore in Africa. It is a powerful cultural and political symbol.
Attempting to list all the uses of lions in African proverbs, symbols, names etc. would be a nearly impossible task.
Finally, lions are vital to the tourism trade, which in turn is economically critical for many African nations.
How does your study help conservation of the big cats?
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
You cannot protect what you do not know you have. This is a simple but true adage. Our compilation needed to occur in order to prioritize areas for conservation action. With a good map, numbers, and some understanding of connectivity between the lion areas, we now know which populations are threatened with extinction or conversely, which are well connected and well protected.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/lion-numbers-plunge-as-african-wilderness-succumbs-to-humanpressure/
According to the text above, what is the main reason why the number of lions has dropped in Africa?
Conheça nossos planos