一項研究表明，英國鄉下的刺猬數量仍在持續 “急劇下降”。

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

現在，英國城市和鄉下的刺猬數量出現了明顯的差異。

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.

“英國刺猬現狀報告” 表明，鄉間地區越來越不適宜這種哺乳動物，這可能是因為它們賴以生存的樹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，情況則更樂觀。研究人員表示，適合野生動物活動的花園起到了作用，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.

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

詞匯表

stark 明顯的，鮮明的
urban 城市的
rural 農村的，鄉下的
hedgerows （田邊的）灌木樹籬
havens 庇護所，安全的地方
mates （動物）配偶

閱讀理解：請在讀完上文后，回答下列問題。

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.