Species diversity and predation strategies in a multiple species predator–prey model

• Investigation takes place on a discrete time multiple species predator–prey model.
• Model behaviour is reliant on two control parameters.
• Different ways of modelling the predators predation strategy are presented and investigated.
• Diversity of the final system is focused upon, how many predator and prey species survive.
• Species survival across the various predation strategies, for the full range of the models control parameters is compared.

A single predator, single prey ecological model, in which the behaviour of the populations relies upon two control parameters has been expanded to allow for multiple predators and prey to occupy the ecosystem. The diversity of the ecosystem that develops as the model runs is analysed by assessing how many predator or prey species survive. Predation strategies that dictate how the predators distribute their efforts across the prey are introduced in this multiple species model. The paper analyses various predation strategies and highlights their effect on the survival of the predators and prey species.