The Basins of Attraction in a Modified May-Holling-Tanner Predator-Prey Model with Allee Effect

Abstract

We analyse a modified May-Holling-Tanner predator-prey model considering an Allee effect in the prey and alternative food sources for predator. Additionally, the predation functional response or predation consumption rate is linear. The extended model exhibits rich dynamics and we prove the existence of separatrices in the phase plane separating basins of attraction related to oscillation, co-existence and extinction of the predator-prey population. We also show the existence of a homoclinic curve that degenerates to form a limit cycle and discuss numerous potential bifurcations such as saddle-node, Hopf, and Bogadonov-Takens bifurcations. We use simulations to illustrate the behaviour of the model.