Abstract

In this work, we use an analytical approach to study the dynamic consequences of the simplest forms of refuge use by the prey. Although this problem is not new, there are surprisingly few intents to clarify the role of prey refuges in simple predator-prey models other than the original Lotka-Volterra equations. Here we incorporate prey refuges in a widely known continuous model that satisfies the principle of biomass conversion. We will evaluate the effects with regard to the local stability of equilibrium points in the first quadrant, equilibrium density values, and the long-term persistence of the populations. We show that there is a trend from limit cycles through non-zero stable points up to predator extinction and prey stabilizing at high densities. This transitions occur as hidden prey increase in number or proportion, and/or increases the ratio of mortality to conversion efficiency of predators. The domains of stability in terms of the parameter space differ between the two modes of refuge use analyzed. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.