| dc.description.abstract | Predation by Nile perch is one of the main causes of fish stock depletion
in Lake Victoria. Uncontrolled human exploitation (overfishing) of the
stock leads to loss of fish biodiversity in Lake Victoria. Increasing the
harvesting rates of mature Nile perch can lead to stable stationary states.
However, increasing the predation rates of Nile perch can lead to unstable
ecosystem. Predation, coupled with uncontrolled harvesting have been a
major ecological force in shaping the present day fishing communities
on Lake Victoria, in particular and other lakes at large. The challenges
currently facing Lake Victoria is how to sustain the Nile perch, Nile tilapia
and how to conserve and restore threatened fish species. In this study,
we will apply the Lotka Volterra competition model (1925) for predator
and prey population.
The objective of this study is therefore to develop a predator- prey model
for Nile perch and Nile tilapia based on standard Lotka- Volterra predator
prey model. The methodology involves formulation of a system of ordinary
differential equations where prey ratio is incorporated. in this model. The
finding in this study could be used to predict and explain the effect of
predation by Nile perch on tilapia so that control of Nile perch can result
in conservation and restoration of threatened fish species. The model is
also a contribution of knowledge in mathematical modeling. | en_US |
