Canard Cycles and Relaxation Oscillations in a Singularly Perturbed Leslie–Gower Predator–Prey Model with Allee Effect

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with Allee effect on prey. And the Holling type II functional response is considered in this model. When prey reproduces much faster than predator, by combining the normal form theory of slow–fast systems and the geometric singular perturbation theory, we observe much richer new dynamical phenomena than the existing ones. In the case of strong Allee effect, we prove the existence of canard cycles, homoclinic orbits and heteroclinic orbits. Furthermore, we focus on the case of weak Allee effect. In addition to the similar dynamics of that exhibited by the system with strong Allee effect, we also demonstrate the occurrence of relaxation oscillations created by entry-exit function. Moreover, the existence of canard explosion is further explained analytically and numerically with the help of sophisticated slow–fast techniques.