THE LAST DINOSAUR-PINK

WHAT DOES THE WORLD GAIN WHEN WE PROTECT TIGERS? Tigers are one of the world’s most recognized animals. Throughout history they can be seen in cultural traditions across Asia, as well as in brand images and logos the world over. But while they might be omnipresent across our cultural landscape, their actual existence in the wild has been dramatically reduced to only a few pockets of their historical range. Wild tigers are now found in just 10 countries, their historical range shrunk by over 95%.er / WWF-US If tigers completely disappeared, we’d be losing so much more than an iconic species… Protecting water sources for millions of people Tiger habitats overlap nine of Asia’s most important watersheds which supply water to more than 800 million people. Protecting these tiger forests is the most cost-effective way to prevent droughts, reduce flooding, and limit the impacts of climate change. Protected Areas are proven to reduce deforestation and across Asia tigers are the driving force behind creating and effectively managing protected areas. For example, India recently declared its 51st Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur Megamalai, in southern India and this new protected area will safeguard more than 1,000km2 of key river habitat. Lose tigers, and lose entire forests Here in Cambodia, where I photographed the country’s last wild tiger in November 2007, tiger spirits were used by indigenous communities to help regulate the management of forests and wildlife. Harvesting of valuable plants was only permitted in certain times of the year and only after the tiger spirits had been appeased. Failure to adhere would result in wild tigers stalking you in the forest. However, with the extinction of the tiger the spirits have vanished, and the forests become an open free-for-all.aysia / Lau Ching Fong Protecting tigers also protects a multitude of other species Tiger-protected areas save much of Asia’s amazing wildlife. Take, for example, India’s Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam where tiger populations are increasing. In addition to tigers the grasslands and forests of Manas Tiger Reserve support the only viable global population of the world’s smallest, and rarest pig –pygmy hog – and, my personal favorite, the Bengal florican. This critically endangered gamebird, which I studied for my doctorate, finds a mate with an elaborate display involving males shooting themselves into the sky before plummeting down kicking their legs as if riding a bicycle. Without tigers, these and many more species would not be as well protected. A cultural and spiritual icon for millions There are plenty of examples of mythical animals, such as the unicorn, and extinct creatures, like the dodo and dinosaurs, which remain part of international consciousness. Tigers are a global phenomenon, but unless conservation is successful, they will only be known in zoos or in cultural media. A world without tigers would be economically and spiritually a much poorer place. Let us continue focusing our efforts towards doubling wild tigers and ensuring that this species does not become a vanished cultural icon.

Amy: Hi Tom! You weren't on the school bus today. What happened? 嗨，Tom！你今天不在校车上。怎么了？ Tom: I was picked up by my uncle. 我被我叔叔接走了。 Amy: Oh, I see. I was picked up by my mom, as usual. 哦，我明白了。我像平常一样被妈妈接走了。 Tom: On the way home, we saw the police call at Mr. Lee’s house. 回家的路上，我们看到警察去李先生家了。 Amy: Really? A doctor called at our house last night to see my sister. 真的吗？昨晚医生来我们家给我妹妹看病。 Tom: I expected it to rain today, so I brought an umbrella. 我以为今天会下雨，所以带了雨伞。 Amy: Me too! I expected the weather to be cold, but it’s so hot. 我也是！我以为会冷，但今天好热。 Tom: I used to eat carrots, but not anymore. 我以前爱吃胡萝卜，但现在不吃了。 Amy: Haha, I used to love dinosaurs, but not anymore. 哈哈，我以前喜欢恐龙，但现在不再喜欢了。 Tom: My toy car was lost, but now it’s to be found in my backpack! 我的玩具车丢了，但现在在我书包里找到了！ Amy: That’s lucky! I hope my missing pen is to be found soon. 真幸运！我希望我丢的钢笔也能被找到。

The last supper

The last days of the Second World War

The last Lecture Ch. 12-20

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