A discrete-time dynamical model of prey and stage-structured predator with juvenile hunting incorporating negative effects of prey refuge

Abstract

This paper examines a discrete predator-prey model that incorporates prey refuge and its detrimental impact on the growth of the prey population. Age structure is taken into account for predator species. Furthermore, juvenile hunting as well as prey counter-attack are also considered. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the existence and stability conditions pertaining to all possible fixed points. The analytical and numerical investigation into the occurrence of different bifurcations, such as the Neimark-Sacker bifurcation and period-doubling bifurcation, in relation to various parameters is discussed. The impact of the parameters reflecting prey growth and prey refuge is thoroughly addressed. Numerous numerical simulations are presented in order to validate the theoretical findings.