246. IDC 151- Vanishing Animals (9)

1. Summary

"Vanishing Animals" is a poignant exploration of Gerald Durrell's encounters with endangered species across the globe. Through vivid storytelling, Durrell crafts a narrative that highlights the urgency of conservation efforts and the beauty of Earth's diverse wildlife.

Durrell's journey begins with a sense of wonder and fascination as he embarks on expeditions to remote corners of the world. From the lush rainforests of South America to the vast savannas of Africa, Durrell immerses himself in the natural habitats of animals on the brink of extinction.

One of the central themes of "Vanishing Animals" is the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. Durrell emphasizes the devastating impact of human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and poaching on wildlife populations. He mourns the loss of species driven to extinction by human greed and ignorance.

Throughout his travels, Durrell encounters a diverse array of endangered animals, each with its own unique story and struggle for survival. From the majestic Bengal tiger to the elusive mountain gorilla, Durrell provides intimate portraits of these creatures and the threats they face in the wild.

In addition to documenting the plight of endangered species, "Vanishing Animals" also celebrates the tireless efforts of conservationists working to protect and preserve wildlife. Durrell highlights the importance of conservation initiatives such as captive breeding programs and habitat restoration projects in safeguarding the future of endangered species.

One of the most powerful aspects of "Vanishing Animals" is Durrell's ability to evoke a sense of empathy and compassion for the creatures he encounters. Through his vivid descriptions and heartfelt anecdotes, Durrell invites readers to connect with the animals on a deeply emotional level, fostering a sense of responsibility for their welfare.

As the narrative unfolds, Durrell confronts the harsh realities of the conservation struggle, including bureaucratic red tape, political indifference, and the challenges of funding and resources. Despite these obstacles, Durrell remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving the planet's biodiversity.

Ultimately, "Vanishing Animals" serves as a call to action for readers to become stewards of the natural world and advocates for the protection of endangered species. Durrell's impassioned plea for conservation resonates long after the final pages, inspiring readers to take meaningful steps to safeguard the future of Earth's vanishing animals.

The essay is a poignant chronicling of the vulnerability of the animal life supported by the world's ecosystems, this important book presents an overview of the principal animal species that are threatened with extinction. For each species, it presents the challenges involved in conservation and explores the actions WWF is taking in the field. Above all, it examines the connection between the protection of a certain species and the survival of the local populations. The animals species on which "Vanishing Animals" focuses are among the rarest in the world-and the best known to many of us for exactly that reason.

2. Why was the Pere David deer so named vanishing animals?

A:- The Pere David's deer was once found only in China along the central and lower Yangtze River basin. But, years of overhunting and loss of its wetland habitat due to reclamation led to the extinction of the species in the wild in the early 20th century.

3. Why was the species of deer discovered in China called Pere David deer?

A:- Pere David's Deer are named after Pere David – a French missionary and zoologist who discovered the last of the breed in the Imperial Park in Beijing in the 1800s. The Chinese Emperor agreed to send a number of animals to Europe, which flourished in captivity.

4. What is the focus of Durrell in his essay Vanishing animals?

A:- Gerald Durrell's essay "Vanishing Animals" is a thrilling journey through conservation, where he rescued endangered species by creating lush habitats and breeding programs, essentially giving animals great treatment.

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5. What are the animals mentioned in the essay vanishing animals?

A:- Among the animals, Durrell mentions the white-tiled gnus, dodo, and pere David deer.

6. What according to Gerald Durrell is the most important reason for preserving wildlife?

A:- According to Gerald Durrell, the most important thing for preserving wildlife is conservation and protection of their natural habitats.

7. Was Gerald Durrell born in India?

A:- Gerald Malcolm Durrell was born in Jamshedpur, Bihar Province, India, on 7 January 1925, the fourth surviving child of Louisa Florence Durrell ( née Dixie), aged thirty-eight, and Lawrence Samuel Durrell, forty, a civil engineer.

Gerald Durrell was a champion of all animals, especially those under threat and over looked by others. Born in India, Gerald Durrell spent much of his childhood in Corfu, a magical time described in his much-loved book 'My Family and Other Animals'. It was these formative years that truly ignited his fascination with animals and love of the natural world. The boy naturalist started working with zoos and thrilled readers with his true-life adventures in many popular books. During his travels he became increasingly concerned about the problems facing wildlife everywhere, and he began to pioneer the concept of zoo-led conservation. Through his writing, Gerald generated sufficient income to create his own zoo, with a clear mission of saving species from extinction. This four word mission statement still remains today. He opened Jersey Zoo in 1959 and in 1963 established a charitable trust to oversee the zoo and carry out the conservation work worldwide. Gerald Durrell passed away in 1995, and a few years later the trust was named Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to honor his significant and enduring contribution to conservation.

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8. What is the main concern of Gerald Durell in "Vanishing Animals?"(1)

A:  The cause of animal welfare and the extinction of animals under threat is the main concerns in "Vanishing Animals".

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9. What is the one key solution that Durrell advocates for? (1)

A:-  The one solution that Durell advocates  is long-term conservation efforts and the key role of humans in these endeavours.