Read the following passage about the urban shift and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the…

Read the following passage about the urban shift and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

[I] In what conservationists are describing as a turning point, the ambitious Greater Mekong Wildlife Bridge Project has faced an unforeseen obstacle. [II] Despite an unprecedented 50 million USD investment, the migrating elephant populations have decreased by 35% since it was launched. [III] These statistics have sent shockwaves through the conservation community, challenging long-held assumptions about wildlife corridor effectiveness. [IV]

The idea of wildlife corridors has long captivated conservationists. By creating protected pathways between fragmented habitats, these artificial lifelines were meant to ensure species survival. However, underlying this seemingly flawless approach is a more complicated reality. As human expansion intrudes upon these corridors, animals find themselves playing Russian roulette with each crossing, facing life threatening risks from poachers who have caught wind of these predictable migration routes.

Recent findings from the Southeast Asian Conservation Institute showed a worrying situation. When faced with human disturbance, elephants altered their migration patterns, venturing into unprotected areas. These behavioral adaptations proved catastrophic poaching incidents increased by 180% in these areas. The findings have left conservationists deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of their well- intentioned interventions.

The economic implications of corridor conservation add another layer of complexity to an already challenging issue. Local communities, stuck in a difficult position, often view these projects with skepticism. Traditional farming practices fall by the wayside as authorities implement strict land-use regulations. While compensation schemes exist on paper, they rarely translate into adequate financial support for affected communities.

Conservation biologists have begun advocating for a paradigm shift in approach. Rather than imposing artificial corridors, they propose integrating wildlife passages into existing human infrastructure. This strategy has already proven successful in countries like Malaysia, where elevated highways incorporate natural underpasses. These structures allow for wildlife movement while maintaining human activity above, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Yet the jury is still out on the long-term viability of such solutions. Critics argue that these modified corridors merely paper over the cracks of a deeper issue - humanity's relentless expansion into natural habitats. As urban sprawl continues unabated, even these innovative approaches may prove to be nothing more than a band-aid on a gaping wound.

Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?