Read the text given below. Choose a sentence from the list (A–H) which best fits each

paragraph (1–6). There is one extra sentence you do not need to use.

BIRDS IN DANGER

A It grows to one metre in length and has a wing span of nearly 120 cm.

B As far back as1988, a Hyacinth macaw was highly sought after by collectors and would sell for between 3,400 and 6,800.

C It is illegal to own a captive Lear’s macaw.

D Even today we can see their exotic, colourful feathers reproduced in ancient tapestries at the Gold Museum, in Lima.

E Its main source of food is a type of palm nut.

F Today, there are sixteen known species in the world, and at least nine of these are in danger of extinction.

G These programmes include efforts to restrict the activities of hunters by imposing heavy fines and even prison sentences.

Even if you have never been to Central or South America, you are sure to have seen a macaw, one of the most beautifully plumed members of the parrot family. These magnificent birds have been admired for centuries. (1) ..... The first macaw to be seen in Europe was brought back by Christopher Columbus, and it attracted more attention than the other treasures he brought with him! There are eighteen recognised species of macaw, but two of these have become extinct in the last hundred and fifty years. (2) .....

Macaws range in size from little larger than a sparrow to about one metre in length. People admire them for their beauty, intelligence and ability to mimic speech. Their heavy bills and long tails, which often exceed their body length, make them unique among parrots.

The Hyacinth macaw is the largest of the macaws.

(3) ..... The brilliant blue of its feathers is broken only by a rich golden ring around its eyes. Today, the Hyacinth macaw can only be found in the tropical rainforests and swamps of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. The Hyacinth macaw eats a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Today, this species is threatened by the loss of its habitat and hunting.

Of all the macaws, the Indigo macaw, or Lear’s macaw, is probably the most endangered. There are only 130 birds left. This macaw is found only in Lollia, Brazil. It is a large bird, about 75 cm from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail. It is deep blue in sour with yellow markings around the eyes. (4) ..... One of the problems this bird faces is the shortage of these nuts because of deforestation and the regular droughts that parch the area.

Apart from habitat loss, mostly due to deforestation, macaws are endangered by

illegal hunting for food and feathers as well as the multibillion pound pet trade. (5) ..... The rarity

of Lear’s macaws makes them even more expensive. This trade is probably its biggest threat.

Luckily, it is not all bad news for the macaw. In recent years, there have been a number of programmes aimed at increasing the numbers of macaws found in the wild.

(6) ..... There are also attempts to protect the feeding and breeding areas of these beautiful birds. Let’s hope these and other schemes will be successful.

Choose the right answer:

1. The place of habitat of Indigo macaw is?

a) South America; b) Bolivia; c) Brazil; d) Paraguay;

2. The biggest threat for Lear’s macaw is …

a) habitat loss; b) deforestation; c) shortage of food; d) pet trade;

3. What are the steps made to prevent the loss of macaws?

a) deforestation; b) pet trade prohibition; c) habitat loss; d) shortage of food;

4. How many Lear’s Macaw are left?

a) 16; b) 20; c) 130; d) 530;

5.Choose a sentence from the list (A–H) which best fits each paragraph (1–6). There is one extra sentence you do not need to use.

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