一项研究表明，英国乡下的刺猬数量仍在持续 “急剧下降”。

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

现在，英国城市和乡下的刺猬数量出现了明显的差异。

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.

“英国刺猬现状报告” 表明，乡间地区越来越不适宜这种哺乳动物，这可能是因为它们赖以生存的树篱和野外田边地带也在逐渐减少。

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

在城市地区，情况则更乐观。研究人员表示，适合野生动物活动的花园起到了作用，为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.

在花园围栏上打个简单的孔洞，将绿色空间连通起来，可以方便刺猬安全地四处活动、寻找食物及配偶。

词汇表

stark 明显的，鲜明的
urban 城市的
rural 农村的，乡下的
hedgerows （田边的）灌木树篱
havens 庇护所，安全的地方
mates （动物）配偶

阅读理解：请在读完上文后，回答下列问题。

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.