Prey preference and mutual interference may alter prey–predator dynamics: inference using an ecological model

Summary The regulation of pests and vectors using their predators promotes conservation and sustenance of environmental quality. In such prey–predator interactions, local extinction of the prey population is observed, while predators may exhibit mutual interference and prey preference. A mathematical equation, considering a 2-prey and 1-predator system, was used to evaluate and justify this proposition, assuming logistic growth for the prey and a functional response of the predator. Empirical evidence from two distinct prey– predator systems was also considered: (i) a snail and limpet as prey and the malacophagous leech Glossiphonia weberi as predator, and (ii) vector mosquito larvae and chironomid midge larvae as prey against the predatory larvae of the mosquito Lutzia fuscana . The results highlight prey population decrease at varying time points depending on species composition and the prey preference. The growth of the preferred prey declined earlier, signifying the effect of apparent competition facilitating the alternative prey, followed by a decrease in the predator population. Instances with both mutual interference and prey preference produced a greater decline in the prey population than the instance where only mutual interference acted on the system. As an extension, it may be inferred that target prey regulation in biological control will be influenced by the predators’ preference and mutual interference.