A compensatory Leslie matrix model for two interacting populations

A compensatory Leslie matrix for two-interacting populations is examined for species having density-dependent mortalities in the zero-age classes. Analytical criteria are developed to determine stability of equilibria to small perturbations for a multiple age-class model. The conditions state that each of the interacting species must be stable in the absence of the other species, and that a combination of intraspecific interactions must be stronger than a combination of interspecific interactions. The stability criterion are applied to a three-species, three-age-class model of competing fish populations, where the zero-age class of each species suffers from predation by the other species and from cannibalism and other self-regulating factors. Computer simulations supplement the analytical results developed in this thesis.