The diffusive logistic model with a free boundary in heterogeneous environment (Q2438007)

The authors study a free boundary problem for a diffusive logistic equation in the one-dimensional case. This model describes the behavior of an invasive species in a heterogeneous environment. The free boundary corresponds to the spreading front. The environmental heterogeneity is considered in two cases: for a weak heterogeneous environment (when the intrinsic growth rate of the population is a strictly positive function) and for a strong heterogeneous environment (when the growth rate changes sign). Sharp criteria for species spreading and vanishing are given in the case of a weak heterogeneous environment. In the case of a strong heterogeneous environment, sufficient conditions for species spreading or vanishing are obtained. The authors choose as variable parameters the diffusion rate and the ratio of the speed of the free boundary and the population gradient at the expanding front. The proof is based on the analysis of the corresponding eigenvalue problem and its principal eigenvalue. The estimate for the asymptotic spreading speed of the free boundary is given.