Regression approximations for continuous-time, stochastic compartmental models of discrete interacting populations (Q804517)

Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare interact in a predator-prey relationship in which lynx abundance is more strongly dependent upon hare abundance than vice versa. A four-compartment stochastic compartmental model is specified that represents net balances of live individuals in each population, together with cumulative, nondecreasing balances of dead individuals of both populations. Reproduction is modeled as time-variant Poisson arrival processes. Residence times in live compartments, equivalent to ages of individuals, are modeled as conditional distributions, dependent upon abundances of the other population in each case. Models of residence-time distributions are hypothesized for each population and fitted to available data on abundance in live compartments over an 85-year period. Multiple regression techniques are used to fit the models.