Dynamic complexity of a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey system with fear effect

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of the fear effect and Leslie–Gower function on the dynamic behavior of the predator–prey model is considered. First, the well-posedness analysis of this model is demonstrated, and the existence and local stability of the equilibrium point are given. Then by using the bifurcation theory and selecting the appropriate bifurcation parameters, many types of bifurcation phenomena in the system are discovered, including transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. Meanwhile, the numerical simulations on the basis of theoretical analysis are further carried out to intuitively show the influence of fear effect on population. As the degree of fear increases, the system will undergo multiple dynamic behaviors switching until the final extinction of prey population, while the predator population will survive due to the presence of substitute prey. In addition, the initial density of predator and prey can determine whether the solution of system tends to a coexisting steady state or a periodic oscillation.