The effect of colored noise on spatiotemporal dynamics of biological invasion in a diffusive predator-prey system

Spatiotemporal dynamics of a predator-prey system is considered under the assumption that the predator is sensitive to colored noise. Mathematically, the model consists of two coupled diffusion-reactions. By means of extensive numerical simulations, the complex invasion pattern formations of the system are identified. The results show that a geographical invasion emerges without regional persistence when the intensity of colored noise is small. Remarkably, as the noise intensity increases, the species spreads via a patchy invasion only when the system is affected by red noise. Meanwhile, the relationship between local stability and global invasion is also considered. The predator, which becomes extinct in the system without diffusion, could invade locally when the system is affected by white noise. However, the local invasion is not followed by geographical spread. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.