Bifurcation analysis in a predator-prey system with stage-structure and harvesting (Q609773)

A predator-prey model with stage-structure and harvesting is considered: \[ x'= rx(1-x/k)-\alpha xy/(a + bx + cy), \] \[ y' = b_0e^{-\gamma \tau}y(t-\tau) - [d_0 -\beta x/(a+ bx +cy)]y - qEy, \] where all the parameters are positive constants. Results on the global stability of the positive equilibrium \((x^*, y^*)\) can be found in the literature when \(\tau = 0\) or \(\tau >0\) with \(\gamma =0\). This paper gives a bifurcation analysis for the general case of \(\tau >0\) and \(\gamma>0\) showing that \((x^*, y^*)\) can be destabilised through a Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, by using normal form theory and the centre manifold theorem, the stability and directions of periodic solutions are investigated.