Density-dependent dispersal and population aggregation patterns

We have derived reaction–dispersal–aggregation equations from Markovian reaction-random walks with density-dependent jump rate or density-dependent dispersal kernels. From the corresponding diffusion limit we recover well-known reaction–diffusion–aggregation and reaction–diffusion–advection–aggregation equations. It is found that the ratio between the reaction and jump rates controls the onset of spatial patterns. We have analyzed the qualitative properties of the emerging spatial patterns. We have compared the conditions for the possibility of spatial instabilities for reaction–dispersal and reaction–diffusion processes with aggregation and have found that dispersal process is more stabilizing than diffusion. We have obtained a general threshold value for dispersal stability and have analyzed specific examples of biological interest.

► We get conditions for the onset of spatial instability in reaction–dispersal–aggregation models. ► Our analytical predictions are tested to numerical simulations. ► We provide a stochastic interpretation of the non-linear aggregation terms. ► Long-dispersal is more stabilizing than diffusion.