On predator-prey systems and small-gain theorems (Q1773819)

The paper deals with higher-dimensional Lotka-Volterra predator-prey systems (\(k\) predator and \(n-k\) prey species). The main result is a condition for the existence of an almost globally attracting equilibrium. The \(n\)-dimensional L-V system is transformed into two control systems (one for the predators and one for the preys). The ``quasi-characteristics'' of these systems are introduced that are related to a kind of union of omega limit sets of the corresponding systems, and a discrete dynamical system acting on constant controls is defined applying these quasi-characteristics. Then it is proved that if the latter discrete system has a globally attracting fixed-point, then the original L-V system has an almost globally attracting equilibrium. Two examples are provided.