Predator–prey interaction with harvesting: mathematical study with biological ramifications

In this article, we study a simple predator–prey interaction where predator population is subjected to harvesting. Our qualitative analysis shows different outcomes including switching of stability, oscillations and deterministic extinction. Theoretically observed results have been tested with the parameter values of Paramecium aurelia and its predator Didinium nasutum. Study reveals that harvesting effort and predator’s attack rate may be used as control parameters for the system. Simulation results also indicate that the system may exhibit bistability for some parametric region. Our study also gives the possible answer to the question – why do we frequently observe coexisting predator–prey system in natural system? The study may be helpful to design control strategy for harvested predator–prey system.