A herpetologist tracks the population of a rare frog species in a Bornean rainforest. The population doubled in the first year due to conservation efforts but declined by 20% in the second year due to habitat loss. What was the overall percentage change in population over the two years?
["Title: Conservation Win and Setback: Tracking the Rare Frog Population in Borneo’s Rainforest", "In a remarkable case study from the dense Bornean rainforest, a dedicated herpetologist has closely monitored the population dynamics of a critically rare frog species, revealing insightful trends in species conservation. The project, spanning two years, highlights both promising progress and sobering challenges in preserving biodiversity amid environmental pressures.", "Initial Recovery: A Success in Conservation\nIn the first year of targeted conservation efforts—featuring habitat restoration, predator control, and intensive monitoring—the population of this elusive frog species tripled. Starting from a fragile count of approximately 125 individuals, conservationists introduced improved breeding environments and secured key microhabitats. By the end of year one, the population surged to over 375 frogs, marking a significant triumph for local and international conservation teams.", "A Steady Decline: Habitat Loss Takes a Toll\nUnfortunately, the momentum stalled in the second year. Despite ongoing monitoring, the frog population dropped by 20%, dropping from 375 to 300 individuals. The decline stems primarily from escalating habitat degradation due to illegal logging and deforestation, which fragmented the frogs’ wetland habitats and reduced breeding sites. This setback illustrates the vulnerability of even recovering species to broader environmental threats.", "Calculating the Net Population Change\nTo understand the true impact over the two years, we analyze the percentage change:", "- Starting population: 125\n- Population after Year 1: 375 (a 200% increase)\n- Population after Year 2: 300 (a 20% decline from 375)", "Using the formula for overall percentage change:\n[\n\ ext{Overall change} = \frac{\ ext{Final value} - \ ext{Initial value}}{\ ext{Initial value}} \ imes 100 = \frac{300 - 125}{125} \ imes 100 = \frac{175}{125} \ imes 100 = 140%\n]", "Thus, the frog population increased by 140% over the two years, a net gain despite the setback.", "Why This Matters\nThis fluctuating trajectory underscores the importance of sustained conservation strategies. While a doubling in the first year demonstrates effective intervention, long-term survival depends on protecting and restoring the frog’s fragile ecosystem. The 140% overall increase—despite a 20% decline—signals hope, but also a call to action to mitigate habitat loss and prevent future population collapses.", "Scientists and conservationists emphasize that proactive habitat management, community engagement, and policy support remain vital to securing the frog’s future. Through continued tracking and adaptive measures, there remains a strong foundation to turn this story from one of decline into one of enduring recovery."]
