Role of Alternative Food in Controlling Chaotic Dynamics in an Eco-Epidemiological Model with Strong Allee Effects in Prey Populations

Abstract

This paper explores a predator–prey system with disease in the predator population, focusing on the impact of alternative food sources. Investigating the eco-epidemiological systems with strong Allee effects in prey populations, the study analyzes local stability, introduces ecological and disease basic reproduction numbers, and observes the community structure. Extensive numerical simulations reveal varied global behaviors, including stable focus, limit cycles, period-doubling, and chaos in response to changes in the infection levels. The research emphasizes the role of alternative food in mitigating chaotic dynamics, noting that increased availability promotes stability, while decreased availability leads to a shift from chaos to a stable focus. Overall, the study underscores the significance of incorporating alternative food sources in conservation efforts for ecosystems with predator populations experiencing strong Allee effects, offering insights into the complex dynamics of eco-epidemiological systems and their implications for biodiversity conservation and disease management.