Chapter

Part 1

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Tabart talks about the potential legislation and what it means for Australia. She reports that it's a matter of establishing a piece of legislation that will intervene in the decimation of habitat and provide benefits for the future. However, it must also be one that doesn't deny landowners too much and creates a conservation-friendly understanding about land use. Tabart explains, we need to have a visionary piece of legislation that says, look, this is the way it is. We're not telling you that you can't do everything, but if you want something for future generations, you're going to have to make some concessions because you can't keep doing it the way it is. Tabart often speaks with conservationists, government representatives, and lawyers on behalf of the Koala Foundation. She attempts to convince them that, contrary to popular belief, koala legislation does not need to be complex. There's no need for complicated documents that exploit landowners or set governmental limits on land use. She feels that they need a comprehensive habitat protection program, but one that will accommodate landowners' needs. In her opinion, a few paradigm shifts regarding conservation, as well as revisions to legislation, could prove to be the solution. But while plans and ideas for the National Koala Act may be submitted in meetings, they are inspired in the forests. By taking groups of conservationists through the forests, Tabart is able to show them exactly what might be lost. Now this is a spot where koalas usually live. There are some lovely habitat trees just here, she explains to one group as they walk through the forest.

1

Quiz · choose one option per question

Choose the correct answer.

1.What is Tabart's main goal for koala legislation, according to this part?

To completely ban all land development in AustraliaTo create simple, effective habitat protection while still respecting landowners' needsTo move all koalas into wildlife parks

2.Why does Tabart take conservationists through the forest?

To collect research samplesTo count how many koalas live thereTo show them exactly what habitat might be lost

2

Speaking · record your answer

Do you think it's possible to protect wildlife habitat while still being fair to landowners? Why or why not?

USEFUL PHRASES

I think... / In my opinion...

fair, protect, balance, compromise

because...

Choose how long you'd like to speak (about 1 min is a good length).

Part 2

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The appeal of the koala and the need to help save its habitat even seems to reach overseas. American conservation lawyers and scientists have come to Australia to share their experience in helping to save habitats with their Australian colleagues. The United States and Australia may be on opposite sides of the globe, but people such as Mark Schaefer from a group called Defenders of Wildlife in Washington, DC have a common desire. They want to save threatened and endangered species. The Defenders of Wildlife are all too familiar with the troubles and concerns that arise from the clearing of land and the increased development of natural areas. Schaefer explains why he has come. I think we're really here to share our experience, he says. I mean, the United States has had a long, long history of its own land clearing, settlement and development. And we've got about 1200 of our own species on our threatened and endangered species list.

3

Quiz · choose one option per question

Choose the correct answer.

1.Why has Mark Schaefer come to Australia?

To study koalas for a university degreeTo share American experience in protecting threatened speciesTo buy land for a nature reserve

4

Speaking · record your answer

Why do you think international cooperation, like scientists from different countries working together, is important for conservation?

USEFUL PHRASES

I think it's important because...

cooperation, share, experience, learn from each other

Choose how long you'd like to speak (about 1 min is a good length).

Part 3

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As the group of lawyers and conservation scientists walk deep into the forest, it's easy to see how their shared love of nature brings them together. Although the views along the Australian coast are amazingly beautiful, they've not come here to look at the ocean. Everyone in the group is looking up to the forest canopy, hoping to catch sight of a koala. There's one, says one member of the group, excitedly as she smiles, looking up at the gray ball of fur sitting sleepily in a tree. Part of the appeal for the group, when they're looking for koalas, is actually being able to find them in the thick forests of Eucalyptus. Val Thompson of the San Diego Zoo explains how to spot a koala. I wouldn't say they're easy to spot, she says, but you know, once you have a certain search image, it makes it a little easier. She then adds, but they're pretty good at being camouflaged. Thompson also points out that the koalas seem to be somewhat funny and shy too, she explains. The funniest thing is once you find them, they kind of try to hide their faces, because I think they're thinking, if they can't see you, you can't see them.

5

Quiz · choose one option per question

Choose the correct answer.

1.According to Val Thompson, how do koalas react when they are found?

They run away quicklyThey make a loud noiseThey try to hide their faces

6

Speaking · record your answer

Would you like to go looking for koalas (or another wild animal) in their natural habitat? Why or why not?

USEFUL PHRASES

I would like to... / I wouldn't like to...

exciting, patient, camouflaged, natural habitat

because...

Choose how long you'd like to speak (about 1 min is a good length).

English for R&Dcourse

English for R&Dcourse

English for R&Dcourse

Chapter