On the stability of one-predator two-prey systems (Q805525)

The stability of an inner equilibrium of a rather general system of one predator and two competing preys is considered. The assumptions on the dynamics are natural and include especially the existence of carrying capacities of both preys (and being reached in the absence of competitor and predator). Also, intraspecific competition in the predator species may occur. A couple of inequalities in terms of partial derivatives of the vector field are given which ensure the asymptotic stability of an inner fixed point. The stability conditions are made clear intuitively and geometrically. In the neutral case of absent competition between prey species a natural generalization of the MacArthur-Rosenzweig criterion follows.