Predator Population Density Research Articles

Contrasting effects of prey refuge on biodiversity of species

Abstract Refugia have been perceived as a major role in structuring species biodiversity, and understanding the impacts of this force in a community assembly with prey–predator species is a difficult task because refuge process can interact with different ecological components and may show counterintuitive effects. To understand this problem, we used a simple two-species model incorporating a functional response inspired by a Holling type-II equation and a prey refuge mechanism that depends on prey and predator population densities (i.e., density-dependent prey refuge). We then perform the co-dimension one and co-dimension two bifurcation analysis to examine steady states and its stability, together with the bifurcation points as different parameters change. As the capacity of prey refuge is varied, there occur critical values i.e., saddle-node and supercritical Hopf bifurcations. The interaction between these two co-dimension one bifurcations engenders distinct outcomes of ecological system such as coexistence of species, bistability phenomena and oscillatory dynamics. Additionally, we construct a parameter space diagram illustrating the dynamics of species interactions as prey refuge intensity and predation pressure vary; as the two saddle-node move nearer to one another, these bifurcations annihilate tangentially in a co-dimension two cusp bifurcation. We also realised several contrasting observations of refuge process on species biodiversity: for instance, while it is believed that some refuge processes (e.g., constant proportion of prey refuge) would result in exclusion of predator species, our findings show that density-dependent prey refuge is beneficial for both predator and prey species, and consequently, promotes the maintenance of species biodiversity.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mobbing-Like Behavior against Acanthamoeba castellanii Bacterivore and Its Rapid Control by Quorum Sensing and Environmental Cues.

ABSTRACTMobbing, group attack of prey on predator, is a behavior seen in many animal species in which prey animals use numbers and coordination to counter individually superior predators. We studied attack behavior of Pseudomonas aeruginosa toward the bacterivore Acanthamoeba castellanii. This behavior consists of directed motility toward and specific adhesion to the predator cells, enacted in seconds and responding to both prey and predator population densities. Attack coordination relies on remote sensing of the predator and the use of the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), a P. aeruginosa species-specific quorum sensing molecule. Mutants unable to produce the PQS show unspecific adhesion and reduced survival, and a corresponding increase in predator population occurs as a result of predation. The addition of an external PQS restored some predator-specific adherence within seconds, suggesting a novel response mechanism to this quorum sensing (QS) signal. Fast behavioral response of P. aeruginosa to PQS is also supported by the rate of signal accumulation in the culture, reaching relevant concentrations within minutes, enabling bacteria response to self population density in these short timescales. These results portray a well-regulated group attack of the bacteria against their predator, reacting within seconds to environmental cues and species-specific signaling, which is analogous in many ways to animal mobbing behavior.IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa was shown previously to attack amoebae and other predators by adhering to them and injecting them with virulent substances. In this work, we show that an active, coordinated group behavior is enacted by the bacteria to utilize these molecular components, responding to both predator and bacterial population density. In addition to their ecological significance, immediate behavioral changes observed in response to PQS suggest the existence of a fast QS signal cascade, which is different from canonical QS that relies on slow-to-respond gene regulation. Similar regulatory circuits may drive other bacterial adaptations and pathogenicity mechanisms and may have important clinical implications.

Non-smooth dynamics emerging from predator-driven discontinuous prey dispersal

In ecology, the refuge protection of the prey plays a significant role in the dynamics of the interactions between prey and predator. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a non-smooth prey–predator mathematical model characterized by density-dependent intermittent refuge protection of the prey. The model assumes the population density of the predator as an index for the prey to decide on when to avail or discontinue refuge protection, representing the level of apprehension of the prey by the predators. We apply Filippov’s regularization approach to study the model and obtain the sliding segment of the system. We obtain the criterion for the existence of the regular or virtual equilibria, boundary equilibrium, tangent points, and pseudo-equilibria of the Filippov system. The conditions for the visibility (or invisibility) of the tangent points are derived. We investigate the regular or virtual equilibrium bifurcation, boundary-node bifurcation and pseudo-saddle-node bifurcation. Further, we examine the effects of dispersal delay on the Filippov system associated with prey vigilance in identifying the predator population density. We observe that the hysteresis in the Filippov system produces stable limit cycles around the predator population density threshold in some bounded region in the phase plane. Moreover, we find that the level of apprehension and vigilance of the prey play a significant role in their refuge-dispersion dynamics.

Diversity, Abundance, and Effect of Genetically Modified Maize on Nontarget Predators in Sinaloa, Mexico

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) that has been genetically modified (GM) with the insertion of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) genes for pest control has become a useful tool in modern agriculture. In México, planting of GM maize is not approved; however, field tests focused on the biotechnological efficacy of GM maize in controlling pests and the effects on nontarget organisms were authorized and conducted from 2009 to 2013. In Sinaloa, Mexico, plantings of the Bt corn hybrids Agrisure™ 3000 GT, Agrisure® Viptera™ 3110, and Agrisure® Viptera™ 3111, along with their respective isolines without the Bt toxin, were compared for their impact on nontarget predators. An additional treatment with conventional insecticide also was included in the comparisons. Predator abundance, diversity, richness, and uniformity of diversity were estimated by sampling populations with yellow sticky traps, pitfall traps, and a standard insect sweep net. A total of 17,626 predators, representing nine taxonomic orders and 30 families, were collected over all treatments in the different localities. Although predator abundance was slightly higher on the GM hybrids than in non-GM lines, the differences were not statistically significant. Our results from these studies in Sinaloa, Mexico, conclude that GM maize expressing the Bt toxin had no adverse effect on the population density of nontarget predators.

Stochastic dynamics of predator-prey interactions.

The interaction between a consumer (such as, a predator or a parasitoid) and a resource (such as, a prey or a host) forms an integral motif in ecological food webs, and has been modeled since the early 20th century starting from the seminal work of Lotka and Volterra. While the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model predicts a neutrally stable equilibrium with oscillating population densities, a density-dependent predator attack rate is known to stabilize the equilibrium. Here, we consider a stochastic formulation of the Lotka-Volterra model where the prey’s reproduction rate is a random process, and the predator’s attack rate depends on both the prey and predator population densities. Analysis shows that increasing the sensitivity of the attack rate to the prey density attenuates the magnitude of stochastic fluctuations in the population densities. In contrast, these fluctuations vary non-monotonically with the sensitivity of the attack rate to the predator density with an optimal level of sensitivity minimizing the magnitude of fluctuations. Interestingly, our systematic study of the predator-prey correlations reveals distinct signatures depending on the form of the density-dependent attack rate. In summary, stochastic dynamics of nonlinear Lotka-Volterra models can be harnessed to infer density-dependent mechanisms regulating predator-prey interactions. Moreover, these mechanisms can have contrasting consequences on population density fluctuations, with predator-dependent attack rates amplifying stochasticity, while prey-dependent attack rates countering to buffer fluctuations.

Dynamics of a stage-structured predator-prey model: cost and benefit of fear-induced group defense

In the predator-prey system, predators can affect the prey population (1) by direct killing and (2) by inducing predation fear, which ultimately force preys to adopt some anti-predator strategies. However, the anti-predator strategy is not the same for all individual preys of different life stages. Also, anti-predator behavior has both cost and benefit, but most of the mathematical models observed the dynamics by incorporating its cost only. In the present study, we formulate a predator-prey model dividing the prey population into two stages: juvenile and adult. We assume that adult preys are only adapting group defense as an anti-predator strategy when they are sensitive to predation. Group defense plays a positive role for adult prey by reducing their predation, but, on the negative side, it simultaneously decreases their reproductive potential. A parameter, anti-predator sensitivity is introduced to interlink both the benefit and cost of group defense. Our result shows that when adult preys are not showing anti-predator behavior, with an increase of maturation rate, the system exhibits a population cycle of abruptly increasing amplitude, which may drive all species of the system to extinction. Anti-predator sensitivity may exclude oscillation through homoclinic bifurcation and avert the prey population for any possible random extinction. Anti-predator sensitivity also decreases the predator population density and produces bistable dynamics. Higher values of anti-predator sensitivity may lead to the extinction of the predator population and benefit adult preys to persist with large population density. Below a threshold value of anti-predator sensitivity, it may possible to retain the predator population in the system by increasing the fear level of the predator. We also observe our fear-induced stage-structured model exhibits interesting and rich dynamical behaviors, various types of bistabilities in different bi-parameter planes. Finally, we discuss the potential impact of our findings.

Fore reef location influences spawning success and egg predation in lek-like mating territories of the bird wrasse, Gomphosus varius

Many fish spawn in aggregations, but little is understood about the dynamics governing the success of spawning interactions. Here, we evaluate the influence that location of lek-like mating territories has on spawning interactions of Gomphosus varius. We used direct observations of spawning and egg predation events as well as local population counts to compare the rates of spawning, spawning interruptions, and predation on the eggs of G. varius at Finger Reef, Apra Harbor, Guam. We hypothesized that spawning rates would be highest among seaward locations that facilitate transport of pelagic larvae from reefs and that those territories would subsequently experience higher densities of egg predators, egg predation rates, and spawning interruptions. Male spawning success was highly skewed by mating territory location, with holders of the outer, seaward mating territories being more successful than those males holding territories in the middle and inner areas of the aggregation site. Within the outer territories, male mating success was also skewed by location. Egg predation was observed occasionally and increased linearly with bird wrasse spawning frequency. The population densities of egg predators were distributed equally across the study area. Spawning interruptions occurred most frequently within the inner zone of the spawning aggregation due to greater male-male aggression in intraspecific competition for females and territories. This study provides evidence that reef location influences the spawning success, egg predation rates, and spawning interruption rates of fishes that reproduce using lek-like mating territories.

Large-scale shift in the structure of a kelp forest ecosystem co-occurs with an epizootic and marine heatwave

Climate change is responsible for increased frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs). Within eastern boundary current systems, MHWs have profound impacts on temperature-nutrient dynamics that drive primary productivity. Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests, a vital nearshore habitat, experienced unprecedented losses along 350 km of coastline in northern California beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2019. These losses have had devastating consequences to northern California communities, economies, and fisheries. Using a suite of in situ and satellite-derived data, we demonstrate that the abrupt ecosystem shift initiated by a multi-year MHW was preceded by declines in keystone predator population densities. We show strong evidence that northern California kelp forests, while temporally dynamic, were historically resilient to fluctuating environmental conditions, even in the absence of key top predators, but that a series of coupled environmental and biological shifts between 2014 and 2016 resulted in the formation of a persistent, altered ecosystem state with low primary productivity. Based on our findings, we recommend the implementation of ecosystem-based and adaptive management strategies, such as (1) monitoring the status of key ecosystem attributes: kelp distribution and abundance, and densities of sea urchins and their predators, (2) developing management responses to threshold levels of these attributes, and (3) creating quantitative restoration suitability indices for informing kelp restoration efforts.

Noise-induced control of environmental fluctuations in a three-species predator–prey model

A three-species ecological model is proposed that comprises one prey and two predators (low predator and top predator) to understand the persistence and/or extinction of prey and predators under a suitable environment. The realistic ecological system is typically inhomogeneous in terms of spatiotemporal variations of population density. With this motivation, white noise is introduced to the system to conceive the impact of environmental heterogeneity on the interaction of prey and predators. The boundedness of solutions of the system is presented. The condition for the local stability of the deterministic model is established. The stochastic analysis of the system suggests the impression of the environmental noise on the dynamical behaviour of solutions. Numerical results reveal that the proposed system exhibits an oscillatory pattern of solutions. It is shown that the white noise in the low predator has a dominating role in comparison with other noises to keep the oscillation in order. Moreover, to investigate the spatial dependency of the population density, diffusion term is introduced to the system that also displays oscillatory behaviour of the solutions. The results also confirm that the population density of prey, low predator, and top predator have a biological control in the oscillatory behaviour. In the presence of diffusion and white noise, numerical simulation illustrates the sensitivity of the diffusion coefficients and the amplitude of noises. Numerical results lead to a reasonable agreement with the analytical findings in both non-spatial and spatial systems.

Impact of the Fear Effect on the Stability and Bifurcation of a Leslie–Gower Predator–Prey Model

In this paper, we investigate analytically and numerically the dynamics of a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model which is characterized by the reduction of prey growth rate due to the anti-predator behavior. We prove the existence and local/global stability of equilibria of the model, and verify the existence of Hopf bifurcation. In addition, we focus on the influence of the fear effect on the population dynamics of the model and find that the fear effect can not only reduce the population density of both predator and prey, but also destabilize the coexistence equilibrium, which are beneficial to the occurrence of limit-cycle-induced oscillation, or prevent the occurrence of limit cycle oscillation and increase the stability of the system.

Mathematical analysis of prey predator system with immigrant prey using a new approach to Homotopy perturbation method

A mathematical model for predator prey system with immigrant prey previously proposed is solved analytically to get an approximate analytical solution for local prey population density, immigrant prey population density and the predator population density. The analytical solution derived is compared with the numerical solution obtained using MATLAB and is found to make a good fit. The derived results have been illustrated with their graphs for certain parametric values.

Territory acquisition mediates the influence of predators and climate on juvenile red squirrel survival.

Juvenile survival to first breeding is a key life-history stage for all taxa. Survival through this period can be particularly challenging when it coincides with harsh environmental conditions such as a winter climate or food scarcity, leading to highly variable cohort survival. However, the small size and dispersive nature of juveniles generally make studying their survival more difficult. In territorial species, a key life-history event is the acquisition of a territory. A territory is expected to enhance survival, but how it does so is not often identified. We tested how the timing of territory acquisition influenced the winter survival of juvenile North American red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, hereafter red squirrels, and how the timing of this event mediated the sources of mortality. We hypothesized that securing a territory prior to when food resources become available would reduce juvenile susceptibility to predation and climatic factors overwinter. Using 27years of data on the survival of individually marked juvenile red squirrels, we tested how the timing of territory acquisition influenced survival, whether the population density of red squirrel predators and mean temperature overwinter were related to individual survival probability, and if territory ownership mediated these effects. Juvenile red squirrel survival was lower in the years of high predator abundance and in colder winters. Autumn territory owners were less susceptible to lynx Lynx canadensis and possibly mustelid Mustela and Martes spp., predation. Autumn territory owners had lower survival in colder winters, but surprisingly non-owners had higher survival in cold winters. Our results show how the timing of a life-history event like territory acquisition can directly affect survival and also mediate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors later in life. This engenders a better understanding of the fitness consequences of the timing of key life-history events.

Stability and Hopf Bifurcation in a Predator–Prey Model with the Cost of Anti-Predator Behaviors

In this paper, we investigate the influence of anti-predator behavior in prey due to the fear of predators with a Beddington–DeAngelis prey–predator model analytically and numerically. We give the existence and stability of equilibria of the model, and provide the existence of Hopf bifurcation. In addition, we investigate the influence of the fear effect on the population dynamics of the model and find that the fear effect can not only reduce the population density of both predator and prey, but also prevent the occurrence of limit cycle oscillation and increase the stability of the system.

Stability and Numerical Simulation of Prey-predator System with Holling Type-II Functional Responses for Adult Prey

In this paper, we analyze the local stability of the prey-predator model. This model was constructed from two prey involving stage-structure and one predator. The population of prey is divided into two subpopulations, adult prey and immature. The ratio of intrinsic growth of predator population density divided by adult prey conversion factors into a predator. Reduction of predator populations has a reciprocal relationship with the availability of favorite foods determined by the environmental resources. We also consider that Holling type II the functional response for the predator. We have investigated the local stability and the solution of the system. We have studied the existence and feasibility of various equilibrium points. The system has three positive equilibria, namely the original, the extinction of the predator and the interior point. We explore the stabilities of all nonnegative equilibrium point by the real parts of the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix at each equilibrium point must be negative. We also use the Routh-Hurwitz criterion to investigate the stability at the interior equilibrium point. This study aims to detect the limit cycle with its phase portrait and its time-series graphs of the prey-predator system. Numerical simulated are represented as phase portraits to draw the stability of the equilibrium point. In our Numerical outcomes confirmed the analytical results and the local behavior prey-predator model which start from their positive initial condition. The parameter value is taken mainly from the literature and assumption. By a computational Python using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, we solved the prey-predator system and showed some new phase portraits such as the existence of the stable or unstable equilibrium point under a suitable value of the parameter. The next research, we will explore the global stability analysis behavior of the interior equilibrium point.

Host population density and presence of predators as key factors influencing the number of gregarious parasitoid Anaphes flavipes offspring

The number of parasitoids developed per host is one of the major factors that influences future adult body size and reproductive success. Here, we examined four external factors (host species, heritability, host population density, and presence of predators) that can affect the number of the gregarious parasitoid Anaphes flavipes (Förster, 1841) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) wasps developing in one host. The effect of host population density on the number of parasitoid offspring developed per host was confirmed, and for the first time, we also showed that the number of offspring per host is influenced by the presence of predators. Low host density and presence of predators increases the number of wasps developed in one host egg. However, a higher number of A. flavipes in one host reduces A. flavipes body size and hence its future individual fertility and fitness. Our results highlighted the importance of some external factors that distinctly affect the number of wasp offspring. Therefore, in this context, we suggest that in comparison to solitary parasitoids, the gregarious parasitoid A. flavipes can better respond to various external factors and can more flexibly change its population density.

Impact of the fear effect in a prey-predator model incorporating a prey refuge

In this paper, we investigate the influence of anti-predator behaviour due to the fear of predators with a Holling-type-II prey-predator model incorporating a prey refuge. We first provide the existence and stability of equilibria of the model. Next, we give the existence of Hopf bifurcation and limit cycle. In addition, we study the impact of the fear effect on the model analytically and numerically, and find that the fear effect can not only reduce the population density of predator at the positive equilibrium, but also stabilize the system by excluding the existence of periodic solutions. Moreover, we also find that prey refuge has great impact on the persistence of the predator.

Modeling impact of varying pH due to carbondioxide on the dynamics of prey–predator species system

In this paper, we have considered a nonlinear mathematical model to investigate the effect of pH on prey–predator dynamics with Holling type II functional response. In the model, capture rate, handling time, growth rate and death rate are considered to be pH dependent. From the analysis of the model, it has been observed that as pH level goes below the normal tolerance limit of prey species then the equilibrium density of prey population decreases due to increase in capture rate and decrease in handling time by predator. Further, we have shown that as the growth rate of prey population decreases due to lowering of pH then the density of predator population also decreases and both the populations may tend to extinction if growth rate of prey population becomes negative due to lowering of pH on account of elevated carbondioxide concentration in the aquatic body. Moreover, it is noticed from the simulation that if the mortality of predator population increases because of decrease in pH level then the prey population gets advantage and in-turn their population increases.

Tritrophic relationships among tomato cultivars, the rust mite, Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Eriophyidae), and its predators

Trichome-mediated defence in wild and cultivated tomato cultivars has been extensively studied against some mite species for several decades. Previous studies have shown that this mechanism negatively affects phytophagous mites and their predators. To better explain the tritrophic relationship of tomatoes, the interactions between population densities of the tomato rust mite, Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Acari: Eriophyidae), and its predators on the tomato cultivars, namely, Dora, Etna, Grande, H2274, Jana and M1103, and the trichome densities of these cultivars were investigated in both a climatic room and an organic tomato field from 2014-2015. Under both controlled and field conditions, the A. lycopersici population density was significantly higher in the stake tomato cultivars, Jana and Etna, than in other tomato cultivars. When the tomato rust mite’s population density was the highest during mid-August and mid-September in the tomato field, the population density of the predator species, Tydeus kochi Oudemans (Tydeidae), showed a similar population pattern and significant positive correlation with the A. lycopersici density. However, density of this predator mite was significantly lower than that of A. lycopersici over the entire season. Remarkably, the glandular trichome type VI density was significantly higher in the stake cultivars than other cultivars. In contrast, significantly fewer glandular trichomes were found in the indeterminate tomato cultivars, Grande and H2274, which had fewer tomato rust mites and larger tydeid mite predator densities. These results support the hypothesis that trichomes provide excellent shelter for tomato rust mites and are obstacles for its predator mites. However, the population density of the insect predator, Macrolophus sp., was not affected by the trichome density or tomato cultivar, but its population density was not significantly correlated with that of the A. lycopersici population.

Tomato Inoculation With the Endophytic Strain Fusarium solani K Results in Reduced Feeding Damage by the Zoophytophagous Predator Nesidiocoris tenuis

Belowground symbiosis of plants with beneficial microbes is known to confer resistance to aboveground pests such as herbivorous arthropods and pathogens. Similarly, microbe-induced plant responses may also impact natural enemies of pests via the elicitation of plant defense responses and/or alteration of plant quality and growth. Nesidiocoris tenuis is a zoophytophagous predator and an efficient biological control agent of greenhouse pests. Its usefulness in plant protection is often hindered by its ability to damage plants at high predator population densities or when prey is scarce. In this study, we investigated the effect of Fusarium solani strain K (FsK), an endophytic fungal isolate that colonizes tomato root tissues, on the capability of N. tenuis to cause necrotic rings, an easily discernible symptom, on tomato stems and leaves. We found significantly less necrotic rings formed on FsK-inoculated plants for all tomato cultivars tested. FsK has been previously shown to confer ethylene-mediated tomato resistance to both foliar and root fungal pathogens; thus, the ethylene-insensitive Never ripe (Nr) and epinastic (epi) tomato plant mutant lines were included in our study to assess the role of ethylene in the recorded FsK-mediated plant damage reduction. The jasmonic acid (JA)-biosynthesis tomato mutant def-1 was also used since JA is known to mediate major anti-herbivore plant responses. We show that ethylene and JA are required for FsK to efficiently protect tomato plants from N. tenuis feeding. No necrotic rings were recorded on FsK-inoculated epi plants suggesting that ethylene overproduction may be key to tomato resistance to N. tenuis feeding.

Insights into how predator diversity, population density and habitat type may affect defensive behaviour in a Mediterranean lizard

Various factors may alter anti-predatory responses among conspecifics. Here we assess some of these factors using three populations of a Mediterranean lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi) in Cyprus that differ in their habitat type, predator diversity and population density. We expected that predation would affect flight initiation distance (FID; the approach distance allowed to an observer before the lizard flees), escape distance (ED; the distance covered by the lizard from the point an escape attempt starts to the first place the lizard stops) and tail autotomy (autotomy rates, economy of autotomy, post-autotomy tail movement). We also predicted that juveniles, being more exposed to predators, would be more effective in their defensive responses. Our findings suggest that predation and population density appear to be associated with most autotomy traits but were not associated with FID and ED, which are better explained by refuge availability. The only ontogenetic difference was detected in the economy of autotomy: juveniles are more prone to autotomise, possibly because they do not experience such high costs as tailless adult individuals. Our results suggest that anti-predatory responses are influenced by a variety of factors. Unravelling the compound effects of all the factors involved should be the focus of future research.