Dynamics of a delayed predator–prey model with predator migration

Abstract

Based on the availability of prey and a simple predator–prey model, we propose a delayed predator–prey model with predator migration to describe biological control. We first study the existence and stability of equilibria. It turns out that backward bifurcation occurs with the migration rate as bifurcation parameter. The stability of the trivial equilibrium and the boundary equilibrium is delay-independent. However, the stability of the positive equilibrium may be delay-dependent. Moreover, delay can switch the stability of the positive equilibrium. When the positive equilibrium loses stability, Hopf bifurcation can occur. The direction and stability of Hopf bifurcation is derived by applying the center manifold method and the normal form theory. The main theoretical results are illustrated with numerical simulations.