Population Dynamics of Fiddler Crab Assemblage in Mangrove Ecosystem: A Modelling Approach

Abstract

This research work focused on investigating the population dynamics of the fiddler crab in an ecosystem with effect of predation, habitat loss and availability of food resources. A predator-prey model for the population dynamics of the fiddler crab as well as the existence of food resources was developed. The population of the prey (fiddler crab) was divided into two sub-populations: male and female. The model included three set of predators (Herons, Egrets and Raccoons). We established the region where the model (16) is biologically feasible and mathematically well posed. The analytical result reveals that the coexistence equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable if the recovery potentials R_m< 1 and R_f < 1. Numerical simulations revealed that: predation rate affects the population of the prey population negatively, the population size is negatively dependent on the rate of habitat loss and the rate of food availability will determine the level of growth and maturation of the prey population.