Chaos Detection and Optimal Control in a Cannibalistic Prey–Predator System with Harvesting

Abstract

This paper deals with a stage-structured predator–prey system which incorporates cannibalism in the predator population and harvesting in both population. The predator population is categorized into two divisions; adult predator and juvenile predator. The adult predator and prey species are harvested via hypothesis of catch-per-unit-effort, whereas juveniles are safe from being harvested. Mathematically, the dynamic behavior of the system such as existing conditions of equilibria with their stability is studied. The global asymptotic stability of prey-free equilibrium point and nonzero equilibrium point, if they exist, is proved by considering respective Lyapunov functions. The system undergoes transcritical and Hopf–Andronov bifurcations. The impacts of predator harvesting rate and prey harvesting rate on the system are analyzed by taking them as bifurcation parameters. The route to chaos is discussed by showing maximum Lyapunov exponent to be positive with sensitivity dependence on the initial conditions. The chaotic behavior of the system is confirmed by positive maximum Lyapunov exponent and non-integer Kaplan–Yorke dimension. Numerical simulations are executed to probe our theoretic findings. Also, the optimal harvesting policy is studied by applying Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Harvesting effort being an emphatic control instrument is considered to protect prey–predator population, and preserve them also through an optimal level.