Modeling wetland systems of Keoladeo National Park (KNP), India: the role of space

The essential dynamics of biotic interactions in Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, India has been modeled by a reaction–diffusion system. Entire species are grouped into three categories: (i) good biomass, (ii) bad biomass and (iii) avian predators (resident as well as migratory birds). The good biomass, which consists of fishes and a few plant species eaten by small fishes, serves as food for birds. The functional response of avian predators is assumed to be of Beddington–DeAngelis type, which considers per capita rate of predation to be a function of the intensity of interference among individuals of predator populations. Simulation studies reveal that this parameter plays an important role in deciding the dynamics of the KNP system. Higher values of the intensity of interference mean bad health of the park. In other words, all water bodies of the park, big and small, are equally important to keep this parameter within the range which ensures good health. Therefore, conservation efforts should be directed to protect them. To keep the ecological health of the park in sound conditions and its economic value at the optimum level, removal of bad biomass, Paspalum distichum, from the water bodies at regular intervals is recommended.