Hopf bifurcation in an age-structured predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response and constant harvesting

In this paper, an age-structured predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis (B–D) type functional response, prey refuge and harvesting is investigated, where the predator fertility function f(a) and the maturation function \(\beta (a)\) are assumed to be piecewise functions related to their maturation period \(\tau \). Firstly, we rewrite the original system as a non-densely defined abstract Cauchy problem and show the existence of solutions. In particular, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of a positive equilibrium of the system. Secondly, we consider the maturation period \(\tau \) as a bifurcation parameter and show the existence of Hopf bifurcation at the positive equilibrium by applying the integrated semigroup theory and Hopf bifurcation theorem. Moreover, the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are studied by applying the center manifold theorem and normal form theory. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate of the theoretical results and a brief discussion is presented.