An asymptotic analysis of the persistence threshold for the diffusive logistic model in spatial environments with localized patches (Q612897)

The authors consider that a weight eigenvalue problem of a population based on the single-species diffusive logistic model. In this eigenvalue problem, the spatial heterogeneity of the environment is reflected in the growth rate function,. An asymptotic expansion for the persistence threshold \(\lambda_{1}\), representing the positive principal eigenvalue for this indefinite weight eigenvalue problem, is calculated in the limit of small patch radii by using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. By analytically optimizing the coefficient of the leading-order term in the asymptotic expansion of \(\lambda_{1}\), general qualitative principles regarding the effect of habitat fragmentation are derived. In certain degenerate situations, it is shown that the optimum spatial arrangement of the favorable habit is determined by a higher-order coefficient in the asymptotic expansion of the persistence threshold.