A discrete-time dynamical model of prey and stage-structured predator with juvenile hunting incorporating negative effects of prey refuge

Abstract

This paper examines a discrete predator–prey model that incorporates prey refuge and its detrimental impact on the growth of the prey population. Age structure is taken into account for predator species. Furthermore, juvenile hunting along with its negative effects in the form of prey counterattack is considered. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the existence and stability conditions pertaining to all possible fixed points of this system. The impact of the parameters reflecting prey growth and prey refuge is thoroughly discussed. This paper delves into the occurrence of the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and period-doubling bifurcation, specifically in relation to the parameters associated with prey growth rate and prey refuge. Numerous numerical simulations are presented in order to validate the theoretical findings.