新奇事件簿 气候变化将雪豹推向灭绝边缘（在线收听）

The conservation charity World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has warned that climate change is threatening the existence of the snow leopard in the Himalayas. Its Snow Leopard Programme says rising temperatures are shrinking the natural habitat of the big cat to the point that snow leopards could become extinct. In a new report, the charity says that up to a third of the mountainous areas where the leopards live could become uninhabitable. Much of the flora and fauna the animals need to survive could disappear in warmer temperatures. The WWF said: "The Himalayas region will face a major crisis if we choose to ignore climate change. We risk losing majestic species such as the snow leopard."

世界自然基金会发出警告，气候变化正在将喜马拉雅山脉的雪豹推向灭绝边缘。该雪豹项目表示称，不断升高的气温正在缩短该种大型猫科动物的栖息地，并达到了导致雪豹灭绝的程度。根据基金会的最新报告显示，三分之一的雪豹栖息地将不再适合雪豹的生存。随着环境温度升高，森林植被或将消失。世界自然基金会称：“如果我们放任气候变化于不顾，那么喜马拉雅地区将面临重大危机。像雪豹这样的大型生物随时都会有灭绝的风险。”

It isn't just climate change that is posing a serious threat to the future of the snow leopard. A variety of activities from humans is also adding to the dangers the animals face. Snow leopards are highly sought after for their fur and body parts. More and more poachers are joining this lucrative, illegal trade and are killing the animals. The leopards are also being killed by farmers who are trying to protect their livestock. As the natural prey of the snow leopards is decreasing, the animals are venturing into areas inhabited by humans and killing farm animals. The result is the farmers shoot the leopards. The WWF released its report on Friday, which was the first International Snow Leopard Day.

对雪豹构成严重威胁的不仅仅是气候变化。一系列人类活动更是雪上加霜。雪豹的皮毛和脏器深受人类欢迎。有更多捕猎者参与到了这场暴利，非法的行业中来。农民为了保护家禽也会杀害雪豹。由于雪豹天敌的减少，它们随即向人类聚集的地方进发，并杀害家禽。其结果就是遭到农民的枪杀。世界自然基金会于周五发布了这份报告，而这天也是首个国际雪豹日。