Dynamics of an ecological model with impulsive control strategy and distributed time delay

In this paper, using the theories and methods of ecology and ordinary differential equations, an ecological model with an impulsive control strategy and a distributed time delay is defined. Using the theory of the impulsive equation, small-amplitude perturbations, and comparative techniques, a condition is identified which guarantees the global asymptotic stability of the prey-(x) and predator-(y) eradication periodic solution. It is proved that the system is permanent. Furthermore, the influences of impulsive perturbations on the inherent oscillation are studied numerically, an oscillation which exhibits rich dynamics including period-halving bifurcation, chaotic narrow or wide windows, and chaotic crises. Computation of the largest Lyapunov exponent confirms the chaotic dynamic behavior of the model. All these results may be useful for study of the dynamic complexity of ecosystems. © 2012 IMACS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.