sanctuary – n. a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter

species – n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants

status – n. the current state of someone or something

intact – adj. not broken or damaged; having every part

diverse – adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other

ecosystem – n. everything that exists in a particular environment

zoological – adj. describing the branch of science that involves the study of animals and animal behavior

poach – v. to hunt or fish illegally; to catch or kill an animal illegally

emerge – v. to rise or appear from a hidden or unknown place or condition

conservationist – n. someone who works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources or to prevent the loss or waste of natural resources; a person who is involved in conservation