Time-delayed predator–prey interaction with the benefit of antipredation response in presence of refuge

Abstract

A field experiment on terrestrial vertebrates observes that direct predation on predator–prey interaction can not only affect the population dynamics but the indirect effect of predator’s fear (felt by prey) through chemical and/or vocal cues may also reduce the reproduction of prey and change their life history. In this work, we have described a predator–prey model with Holling type II functional response incorporating prey refuge. Irrespective of being considering either a constant number of prey being refuged or a proportion of the prey population being refuged, a different growth rate and different carrying capacity for the prey population in the refuge area are considered. The total prey population is divided into two subclasses: (i) prey x in the refuge area and (ii) prey y in the predatory area. We have taken the migration of the prey population from refuge area to predatory area. Also, we have considered a benefit from the antipredation response of the prey population y in presence of cost of fear. Feasible equilibrium points of the proposed system are derived, and the dynamical behavior of the system around equilibria is investigated. Birth rate of prey in predatory region has been regarded as bifurcation parameter to examine the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation in the neighborhood of the interior equilibrium point. Moreover, the conditions for occurrence of transcritical bifurcations have been determined. Further, we have incorporated discrete-type gestational delay on the system to make it more realistic. The dynamical behavior of the delayed system is analyzed. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to verify the analytical results.