Stability in a population model (Q1126637)

The difference equation \(x_{n+ 1}=(\alpha+ \beta/(1+ x_{n-k}))x_n\), \(n\in\mathbb{N}_0\), where \(0\leq\alpha< 1<\alpha+ \beta\), \(0<\gamma\) and \(k\in\mathbb{N}_0\), has the positive equilibrium \(x^*= ((\alpha+\beta- 1)/(1- \alpha))^{1/\gamma}\). The authors establish sufficient conditions for \(x^*\) to be globally asymptotically stable. In the case \(k= 0\) they even establish necessary and sufficient conditions. In the last case, the equation was used by \textit{G. G. Milton} and \textit{J. Belair} [Theoret. Popul. Biol. 37, No. 2, 273-290 (1990; Zbl 0699.92020)] as a model for the bobwhite quail population of northern Wisconsin. The introduction of a nonzero delay was proposed 1994 by G. Ladas on a conference in San Antonio, Texas.