Dynamics and bifurcations of a family of piecewise smooth maps arising in population models with threshold harvesting

Abstract

We study a discrete-time model for a population subject to harvesting. A maximum annual catch H is fixed, but a minimum biomass level T must remain after harvesting. This leads to a mathematical model governed by a continuous piecewise smooth map, whose dynamics depend on two relevant parameters H and T. We combine analytical and numerical results to provide a comprehensive overview of the dynamics with special attention to discontinuity-induced (border-collision) bifurcations. We also discuss our findings in the context of harvest control rules.