Dynamics of a Predator-Prey System Incorporating Fear Effects and Holling Type-IV Functional Response

Samir Tamang

Abstract: The predator-prey model with Holling type IV functional response incorporates a unique form of prey-predator interaction, specifically accounting for the impact of fear on prey behaviour. In this model, the functional response of the predator is characterized by a non-linear, saturating functional response (Holling type IV), where the predation rate increases rapidly at low prey densities and then stabilizes as prey density increases. The introduction of fear effect models how prey may alter their behaviour to avoid predators, potentially reducing predation rates at higher predator densities. This modified model considers both direct and indirect interactions between predator and prey populations, emphasizing the role of fear in influencing prey distribution and vulnerability. The system of differential equations derived from this framework allows for an exploration of the dynamics between predator and prey, including the potential for oscillations, equilibrium states, and stability analyses under different parameter conditions. Lotka-Volterra [1,2] type and Holling [3] type functional response are the most commonly used functional responses to describe the average feeding rate of a predator.

Keywords: Prey-predator model, Functional response, Holling type, Lotka Volterra

How to Cite?: Samir Tamang, "Dynamics of a Predator-Prey System Incorporating Fear Effects and Holling Type-IV Functional Response", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1309-1314, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251216105124, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251216105124