Dynamics of Diseased-Impacted Prey Populations: Defense and Allee Effect Mechanisms

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive predator-prey model integrating disease dynamics, the Allee effect, and prey aggregation, revealing critical thresholds and strategies for population survival and disease control.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mathematical framework combining ecological and epidemiological factors, with detailed stability and bifurcation analyses for predator-prey systems.

Findings

Allee effect intensity influences population recovery and disease persistence.

Prey aggregation can significantly reduce disease transmission.

Modulating aggregation and Allee effect leads to coexistence, disease elimination, or extinction.

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative framework for merging ecological and epidemiological modeling via the formulation of a sophisticated predator-prey model that addresses the intricacies of disease dynamics, the Allee effect, and defensive mechanisms through prey aggregation. Employing rigorous stability and bifurcation analyses, we identify multiple feasible equilibria and establish critical thresholds that influence population survival and extinction. Our mathematical model reveals that the intensity of the Allee effect plays a crucial role in shaping population recovery and disease persistence, offering pivotal insights into finite time extinction mechanisms. We further illustrate, through extensive numerical simulations, that adjusting susceptible prey aggregation strategically can substantially reduce disease transmission, emphasizing the applicability of our findings for practical conservation interventions. The combined modulation of the aggregation constant and Allee effect determined three primary ecological outcomes: stable coexistence, elimination of infected prey, and complete population extinction. Moreover, these results have significant implications for wildlife management and ecosystem resilience, providing a solid theoretical framework for interdisciplinary strategies aimed at protecting endangered species.