Predator Interference in a Predator–Prey Model with Mixed Functional and Numerical Responses

Abstract

Predator interference refers to the competition effect on individuals of the same species through preventing or limiting access to a resource. In this paper, a novel predator–prey model that includes predator interference is considered. In the novel model, a high prey density is taken into consideration by investigating Crowley–Martin as a numerical response, while the growth rate of prey is logistically described and Holling type II is used as a functional response. In contrast to literature, this model has distinct and notable features: predator and prey species have an intraspecific competition, and this model has a numerical response that generalizes several of the commonly utilized depictions of predator interference. The boundedness of the model is proved. Predator interference effects are theoretically and numerically studied in terms of stability, coexistence, and extinction. Theoretical results show that the system has no effect on coexistence or extinction in these types of models. Numerical simulations present two different dynamics with identical results on the theoretical side of model stabilization for both dynamics. Moreover, the numerical simulations show that there is a change from periodic to steady state dynamics as the value of predator interference increases. This means that the coexistence probability of the model increases. The attained results are explained from both a mathematical and an ecological points of view.