一項(xiàng)研究表明，英國(guó)鄉(xiāng)下的刺猬數(shù)量仍在持續(xù) “急劇下降”。

There are now stark differences emerging between urban and rural hedgehogs.

現(xiàn)在，英國(guó)城市和鄉(xiāng)下的刺猬數(shù)量出現(xiàn)了明顯的差異。

This State of Britain's Hedgehogs report suggests that rural areas are becoming less suitable for the mammals, possibly because the hedgerows and wild field margins they rely on are also declining.

“英國(guó)刺猬現(xiàn)狀報(bào)告” 表明，鄉(xiāng)間地區(qū)越來(lái)越不適宜這種哺乳動(dòng)物，這可能是因?yàn)樗鼈冑囈陨娴臉?shù)籬和野外田邊地帶也在逐漸減少。

The picture's more positive, though, in urban areas. Wildlife-friendly gardens, the researchers suggest, are having an impact, providing havens for the animals.

在城市地區(qū)，情況則更樂(lè)觀。研究人員表示，適合野生動(dòng)物活動(dòng)的花園起到了作用，為刺猬提供了容身之地。

Connecting green spaces with simple holes in garden fences can make it possible for hedgehogs to move around safely and find food and mates.

在花園圍欄上打個(gè)簡(jiǎn)單的孔洞，將綠色空間連通起來(lái)，可以方便刺猬安全地四處活動(dòng)、尋找食物及配偶。

詞匯表

stark 明顯的，鮮明的
urban 城市的
rural 農(nóng)村的，鄉(xiāng)下的
hedgerows （田邊的）灌木樹(shù)籬
havens 庇護(hù)所，安全的地方
mates （動(dòng)物）配偶

閱讀理解：請(qǐng)?jiān)谧x完上文后，回答下列問(wèn)題。

1. Why do researchers think rural populations of hedgehogs are declining?

2. What in urban areas are helping hedgehog populations?

3. What in fences help hedgehogs to move more freely?

4. What can hedgehogs find once they are able to move around more safely?

答案  

1. Why do researchers think rural populations of hedgehogs are declining?
Their habitats, such as hedgerows, are declining.

2. What in urban areas are helping hedgehog populations?
Wildlife-friendly gardens are a haven for hedgehogs.

3. What in fences help hedgehogs to move more freely?
Holes cut into fences can help hedgehogs to traverse gardens.

4. What can hedgehogs find once they are able to move around more safely?
They can find food and mates.