TITLE:
Optimal Control of a Threatened Wildebeest-Lion Prey-Predator System in the Serengeti Ecosystem
AUTHORS:
T. D. Sagamiko, N. Shaban, C. L. Nahonyo, O. D. Makinde
KEYWORDS:
Optimal Control, Prey-Predator System, Threat, Poaching, Serengeti
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
1,
2015
ABSTRACT: We develop a two-species prey-predator model in which prey is wildebeest
and predator is lion. The threats to wildebeest are poaching and drought while to
lion are retaliatory killing and drought. The system is found in the Serengeti
ecosystem. Optimal control theory is applied to investigate optimal strategies
for controlling the threats in the system where anti-poaching patrols are used
for poaching, construction of strong bomas for retaliatory killing and
construction of dams for drought control. The possible impact of using a
combination of the three controls either one at a time or two at a time on the
threats facing the system is also examined. We observe that the best result is
achieved by using all controls at the same time, where a combined approach in
tackling threats to yield optimal results is a good approach in the management
of wildlife populations.