Прочитай текст и выполни задания 12–18. В каждом задании запиши в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному варианту ответа.

With shrinking wetlands, population of Nepal's elusive fishing cats is poised to decline

In the southern plains of Nepal, a person who is frightened of something is told "you're a wet cat". But in that region, there are cats that aren't afraid of water. In fact, it lives near wetlands and mostly feeds on fish, earning its name as the fishing cat. However, under threats of habitat loss and degradation, the animal's population is declining in Nepal.

Today, experts estimate that there are approximately 150-200 fishing cats in Nepal, with less than 2,500 fishing cats in the wild, distributed discontinuously in South and South-East Asia. They've been recorded in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Skillful at fishing, the cat's technique is simple: it taps the water surface, and when fishes are drawn to the created ripples, it dives in to catch them. Its partially webbed feet, rudder-like tail and water-resistant coat assist it while swimming. Aside from fishing, for which it was given its name, the cat equally devours rats, reptiles, small mammals, and birds.

First recorded in Nepal in 1836 by Brian Houghton Hodgson, the middle-sized cat that weighs around 5-16 kilos and is often confused for a leopard cat, has been classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Among the 40 wild cat species in the world, the globally-vulnerable fishing cat is the only species spending most of its time in wetland habitat. Unlike other cats, which don't prefer going underwater, it preys on several species of fish and other aquatic creatures. So, this cat can be called the indicator of a healthy wetlands ecosystem.

These cats are exclusively nocturnal in a human-dominated landscape but that they're also active in day hours in a wilder habitat. Fishing cats have been found and recorded in all protected areas in the southern plains of Nepal, namely Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Parsa National Park, Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park from east to west, except Banke National Park. Beyond protected areas, they are found in fish farming areas, sugarcane fields and paddy fields.

But threats like habitat loss and degradation have affected the fishing cat population of Nepal. Many wetland habitats are being drained and converted to agricultural land and infrastructure development in Nepal. In some areas, pollution and excessive fishing are also damaging wetlands. Fishing cats have also been killed for their pelts or meat by poachers.

The scientist, who has intensively collected information on fishing cats from the camera trapping data in Shuklaphanta National Park, said: "Unfortunately, when their usual habitat has been destroyed or has become unusable, some fishing cats have increased their predation on livestock. So, farmers have killed them to protect their animals. Wetland destruction is by far the biggest threat to the animals, however."

In addition, converting agricultural land into ponds adds to the woes of these cats. Though farmers don't harm them while they are roaming around agricultural land looking for their prey, they assume that these cats lurk around ponds to steal fish. In retaliation, they trap and poison these cats to stop their fishing. Some have been killed in road accidents as well.

But on the other hand, these cats are good friends of farmers, since they prey on rats, mice and farmland birds that harm the crops. But in order to protect these unique friends of farmers from extinction, conserving and restoring wetlands is the first and crucial step, let alone raising awareness among the communities to conserve them. We should stop taking it as a bad omen when any cat crosses your way.

12. In Nepal, people call a person "a wet cat" when they...

1)   don't like water.

2)   have a fear of water.

3)   are afraid of something.

4)   live near water.

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13. According to the article, which of the following statements is TRUE?

1)   Fishing cats swim into deep water and dive in to catch fish.

2)   Fishing cats hit the fish in shallow water and then grab it.

3)   Fishing cats dive into shallow water and grab the fish with their jaws.

4)   Fishing cats imitate waves on the water surface to catch fish.

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14. Why are fishing cats called indicators of a healthy wetlands ecosystem?

1)   Because they play a significant role in controlling a complex food chain.

2)   Because they are the only cats that are not afraid of water.

3)   Because they are the only inhabitants of wetlands.

4)   Because they help make the environment less polluted.

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15. When are fishing cats usually active?

1)   At night.

2)   During the day.

3)   Near wetlands.

4)   It depends on the surroundings.

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16. What is farmers' attitude towards fishing cats?

1)   They are aware of their importance.

2)   They kill them so cats won't steal their fish.

3)   They kill them to have their meat.

4)   They help them survive by giving them food.

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17. What does the word "they" (paragraph 8) refer to?

1)   Fishing cats.

2)   Farmers.

3)   Poachers.

4)   Scientists.

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18. What is the author's main idea in the last paragraph?

1)   We should not consider cats a symbol of bad luck.

2)   We must protect them from poachers.

3)   We must protect wetlands to save fishing cats.

4)   We should convince farmers that fishing cats are useful.

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