Black Rhinos Guarded by Oxpecker Birds Daily News Story (ages 7-9).pdf

1、Daily NewsBlack rhinos are an endangered species that are often hunted by poachers.However,they may have a secret tool to help them avoid detection.Scientists discovered rhinos carrying oxpecker birds on their backs are more likely to avoid humans.Black rhinos are hunted for their horns.They have ve

2、ry poor eyesight.One of the scientists,Roan Plotz,said,“Hunters approaching from downwind could walk within five metres and not be noticed.”Scientists found that rhinos without oxpeckers detected humans only a quarter of the time humans approached them.But,those which had oxpeckers with them detecte

3、d humans every time.The little birds gave a helpful warning signal of danger to the rhino.This helped the rhinos notice humans 61m away.That is four times further than the rhinos can on their own.Roan Plotz said the evidence suggests oxpeckers are“effective companions”to the rhinos.So,why do the bir

4、ds help?Its all down to something that oxpeckers find delicious!Oxpeckers eat ticks and other insects that feed on the rhinos skin.Scientists think that by warning the rhino of dangers,they are protecting their own food.The scientists now want to see how adding more birds to the area could help keep

5、 the rhinos more alert.They want to investigate to see if this makes a difference.Oxpecker Birds Help Black Rhinos!GlossaryendangeredA species which is at high risk of extinction.poachersSomeone who illegally hunts animals.detectionTo identify the presence of something.ticksSmall insects that eat an

6、d live on rhinos skin.What is the black rhino?Black rhinos are a critically endangered species.They grow up to 1.5m in height,3.5m in length and can reach 13 000kg in weight.Illustration:The oxpecker on the black rhino.Rhino Guards22nd April 2020Animals World News visit Questions1.How far away could

7、 rhinos detect humans with the help of oxpeckers?60m 61m 62m 63m2.However,they may have a secret tool to avoid detection.What is the rhinos secret tool?3.Oxpeckers are effective companions.This suggests that The birds are good at helping the rhinos.The birds are best friends with the rhinos.The rhin

8、os like the birds company.The poachers are scared of the birds.4.Put a tick next to each statement to show whether it is true or false.TrueFalseRhinos with birds were alerted to humans every time.The birds might give a warning to help protect their food source.Black rhinos are endangered.The scienti

9、sts want to protect the rhinos from the birds.5.Could help keep the rhinos alert.Tick the word that is closest in meaning to alert.aware fed hungry quiet 6.Summarise the story in 20 words or fewer.Rhino Guardsvisit Answers1.How far away could rhinos detect humans with the help of oxpeckers?60m61m 62

10、m 63m2.However,they may have a secret tool to avoid detection.What is the rhinos secret tool?The oxpecker is the rhinos secret tool.3.Oxpeckers are effective companions.This suggests that The birds are good at helping the rhinos.The birds are best friends with the rhinos.The rhinos like the birds co

11、mpany.The poachers are scared of the birds.4.Put a tick next to each statement to show whether it is true or false.TrueFalseRhinos with birds were alerted to humans every time.The birds might give a warning to help protect their food source.Black rhinos are endangered.The scientists want to protect

12、the rhinos from the birds.5.Could help keep the rhinos alert.Tick the word that is closest in meaning to alert.aware fed hungry quiet 6.Summarise the story in 20 words or fewer.Accept any reasonable summary that is 20 words or fewer,e.g.Scientists have discovered that rhinos which carry oxpecker birds are alerted to humans which helps them avoid hunters.Rhino Guardsvisit