The sterile release method with unequal male competitive ability

Abstract

A model is presented which is a generalization of a model analyzed previously. The present model examines the condition in which the released sterile males do not compete equally with the wild fertile males for mates or incur unequal mortality. It is found that the general qualitative behavior of the system does not change with changes in competitive ability or mortality of the sterile males; the quantitative behavior does change, however. Predictably, eradication and control are made more difficult by a reduction in competitive ability of the sterile males or by increased mortality of steriles. The effects of density and frequency dependent changes in competitive ability are briefly considered.