VOA慢速英语 美国发现两种最古老的珊瑚新品种

　　Seventy-one bird species have disappeared forever since people first arrived on the Hawaiian Islands one thousand seven hundred years ago. Today, thirty-one Hawaiian species are federally listed as endangered or threatened.

　　Non-native plants, animals and diseases are the main threats. Non-native animals like rats, cats and mongooses kill flightless birds and raid nests. Also, the loss of habitat to development and agriculture continue to endanger many rare species.

　　VOICE ONE:

　　Alicia King works for the Fish and Wildlife Service. She says the main message of the report is that conservation measures work when they are put in place. The successful recovery of some well-known species is evidence of this. But more needs to be done. She says there currently are not enough programs to study bird numbers and behavior.

　　Partnerships between public, private and tribal groups can help to provide the resources needed to protect America's birds. But Miz King says the American people are an important part of the solution, too.

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