Bifurcation analysis of autonomous and nonautonomous modified Leslie–Gower models

Abstract

In ecological systems, the predator-induced fear dampens the prey’s birth rate; yet, it fails to extinguish their population, as they endure and survive even under significant fear-induced costs. In this study, we unveil a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model by incorporating the fear of predators, cooperative hunting, and predator-taxis sensitivity. We embark upon an exploration of the positivity and boundedness of solutions, unearthing ecologically viable equilibrium points and their stability conditions governed by the model parameters. Delving deeper, we unravel the scenario of transcritical, saddle-node, Hopf, Bogdanov–Takens, and generalized-Hopf bifurcations within the system’s intricate dynamics. Additionally, we observe the bistable nature of the system under some parametric conditions. Further, the nonautonomous extension of our model introduces the intriguing interplay of seasonality in some crucial parameters. We establish a set of sufficient conditions that guarantee the permanence of the seasonally driven system. By conducting a numerical study on the seasonally forced model, we observe a myriad of phenomena manifesting the predator–prey dynamics. Notably, periodic solutions, higher periodic solutions, and bursting patterns emerge, alongside intriguing chaotic dynamics. Specifically, seasonal variations of the predator-taxis sensitivity and hunting cooperation can lead to the extinction of prey species and even the control of chaotic (higher periodic) solutions through the generation of a simple periodic solution. Remarkably, the seasonal forcing has the capacity to govern the chaotic behavior, leading to an exceptionally quasi-periodic arrangement in both prey and predator populations.