沃特蛙是一种濒临灭绝的动物。目前，野生动物活动者们在智利北部发现了14只沃特蛙。动物研究专家们将要对这些青蛙实施保护措施，使其数量逐渐增多。

Wildlife activists say they have rescued what may be the world s last surviving members of a highly endangered species of water frog. They captured 14 Loa water frogs earlier this month in northern Chile， which are listed as “critically endangered”. The 14 frogs were in poor condition when they were discovered.

The Loa water frogs are known to live only in a single body of water near Calama， in Chile. The city sits in the middle of the Atacama Desert， where water is in great demand. The frogs  environment had mostly dried up because water is being taken away and used for human activities， including mining， agriculture and land development. “All of the frogs had been pushed into a tiny pool of muddy water，” the organization said. “The team collected the last 14 individuals and brought them to the National Zoo of Chile to start a conservation breeding program.”

Zoo specialists are closely watching the small creatures and trying to give them everything they need to survive and be healthy. The team said it had contacted water frog experts from around the world to seek advice for their efforts. Zoo workers plan to launch a mating program for the frogs in an attempt to expand the population.

“The first big challenge is to help these frogs survive，” said Alejandra Montalba， director of the National Zoo of Chile. “While the rescue has taken the best chance to save the Loa water frog， there are always risks with trying to care for a new species—especially when the animals are already struggling.”

Conservation groups have called on Chile s government to take steps to halt any illegal water usage that threatens the frogs  natural environment. They would also like to see creation of a government supported shelter to protect the animals.

1. Why were the Loa water frogs in danger？

A. They lacked enough food.

B. Their living places were so narrow and wet.

C. They were seriously hunted by human beings.

D. They couldn t adapt to the changing environment.

2. What s the attitude of Alejandra Montalba towards the surviving frogs？

A. Neutral.

B. Worried.

C. Satisfied.

D. Disappointed.

3. What does the underlined word “halt” mean in the last paragraph？

A. Stop. B. Change. C. Restore. D. Witness.

難句分析

While the rescue has taken the best chance to save the Loa water frog， there are always risks with trying to care for a new species—especially when the animals are already struggling. 尽管营救组已经抓住了最好的机会来拯救这些沃特蛙，然而，试图照顾好一种新物种，尤其是在它们已经处于灭绝的边缘时，总会存在着风险。

句中While引导让步状语从句，意为“尽管;虽然”。