A biologist studies a salamander population that declines by 5% per year due to habitat loss. If conservation efforts stabilize the rate and add 60 new individuals annually, what will the population be after 3 years, starting from 1,200?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:00:44 +0000

**How A Biologist Studies a Salamander Population That Declines by 5% Per Year With Conservation Additions—A Closer Look** Why are salamander populations in the U.S. becoming a focal point for scientists and conservationists? Rising habitat loss driven by climate change, urban development, and pollution is pushing many amphibian species to the brink. A biologist researching a local salamander population observes a worrying 5% annual decline—mirroring broader trends across sensitive ecosystems. Yet conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and protected area expansion, are showing measurable success, stabilizing losses while introducing 60 new individuals each year through reintroduction and breeding programs. This unique blend of measurable challenges and proactive intervention makes salamander population dynamics a compelling case study in habitat resilience. Understanding how declining populations respond to external pressures—and conservation support—requires careful modeling. Starting from 1,200 individuals, each year sees a 5% natural decline, followed by the addition of 60 new salamanders. This steady addition counteracts loss, creating a predictable yet nuanced pattern worth analyzing. Without intervention, the population would shrink significantly; with stable efforts, a gradual recovery becomes plausible within just a few years. ### Why This Matters: Salamanders as Environmental Indicators