title: Predator-prey systems depend on a prey refuge.
abstract: Models of near-exclusive predator-prey systems such as that of the Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare have included factors such as a second prey species, a Holling Type II predator response and climatic or seasonal effects to reproduce sub-sets of six signature patterns in the empirical data. We present an agent-based model which does not require the factors or constraints of previous models to reproduce all six patterns in persistent populations. Our parsimonious model represents a generalised predator and prey species with a small prey refuge. The lack of the constraints of previous models, considered to be important for those models, casts doubt on the current hypothesised mechanisms of exclusive predator-prey systems. The implication for management of the lynx, a protected species, is that maintenance of an heterogeneous environment offering natural refuge areas for the hare is the most important factor for the conservation of this species.
authors: Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: william.chivers@newcastle.edu.au.
authors: W J
authors: WJ
authors: Chivers
authors: School of the Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: william.gladstone@uts.edu.au.
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Gladstone
authors: Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: rdh698@gmail.com.
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Herbert
authors: Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA. Electronic address: mmfuller@unm.edu.
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Fuller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017753:Ecosystem; D020387:Food Chain; D034621:Hares / Q000502:physiology; D046008:Lynx / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Individual-based model; Lynx–hare system; Mustela-Clethrionomys system; Pattern-oriented modelling; Prey-switching