Dynamics of predatory effect on saturated plant-pollinator mutualistic relationship

In the realm of pollinator declination, understanding the dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions is a critical area of research to maintain healthy ecosystems. This study employs a mathematical modeling approach to investigate the dynamics of a saturated plant-pollinator mutualism, particularly aiming on the effect of predation on pollinator species. Using dynamical system theory, stability analysis of various ecological equilibria is investigated, and bifurcation phenomena such as transcritical and hopf are revealed. Furthermore, numerical results suggest that higher initial predator density can lead to pollinator extinction, although the predator population may not survive eventually. However, increased mutualistic strengths along with reduced predation rate can promote stability and support the sustainability of the plant-pollinator-predator ecosystem. These findings can be helpful for conservation strategies aimed at preserving pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.