Sagamiko, T. D.; Shaban, Nyimvua; Nahonyo, C. L.; Makinde, O. D.
Description:
We develop a two-species prey-predator model in which prey is wildebeest and predator is lion.
The threats to wildebeest are poaching and drought while to lion are retaliatory killing and
drought. The system is found in the Serengeti ecosystem. Optimal control theory is applied to investigate
optimal strategies for controlling the threats in the system where anti-poaching patrols
are used for poaching, construction of strong bomas for retaliatory killing and construction of
dams for drought control. The possible impact of using a combination of the three controls either
one at a time or two at a time on the threats facing the system is also examined. We observe that
the best result is achieved by using all controls at the same time, where a combined approach in
tackling threats to yield optimal results is a good approach in the management of wildlife populations.