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PASSAGE 29

Every summer, three billion birds of 300 species migrate from northern Africa to Europe and Asia. In

the winter, they return to Africa’s warmer shores. The bird’s migration is long and difficult, and some of

the animals inevitably die during each trip. However, it is not this twice-a-year journey that poses the

greatest risk to these animals. The main threat to the birds’ survival comes from human hunters.

All over the Mediterranean millions of migrating birds are killed for food profit, and sport every year.

As a result, bird populations are dropping all over the region. In nations along the Mediterranean, many

migratory birds are illegally trapped or shot. In addition to traps, hunters also use electronic calls to catch

birds. This tool, which a hunter can operate from a cell phone, mimics bird sounds and is so effective in

attracting the animals that in some countries, bird populations have plummeted. Some hunters also use

nets to capture birds as they fly close to the sea. The nets are high-going from ground level to just over 3

meters – and invisible to the birds, allowing hunters to trap hundred birds at a time.

Countries all over the Mediterranean are aware that bird populations are susceptible, and many are

working to address this problem by making migratory hunting illegal in some countries or strictly

controlling it in others. More nature-protection groups are also making sure that laws are obeyed. The

organization WWF Italy, for example, works with volunteers to stop poachers and destroy birdsong

devices that attract birds.

Question 1. What is the passage mainly about?

A. problems caused by migrating birds

B. how birds are being hunted worldwide

C. how tourism is causing a drop in bird population

D. dangers to migrating birds in the Mediterranean

Question 2. The purpose of the first paragraph is to describe

.

A. how many birds travel large distances to and from Africa

B. why some birds migrate while others do not

C. why bird numbers are starting to drop in the Mediterranean

D. how some migrating birds cannot endure the journeys

Question 3. What is the biggest danger to migrating birds?

A. crossing the Sahara Desert

B. lack of food

C. being hunted by humans

D. storms in the Mediterranean

Question 4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a way of attracting and catching birds?

A. traps

B. food offering

C. nets

D. bird calls

Question 5. The word “susceptible” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

.

A. rescued

B. vulnerable

C. crowded

D. preserved