Stability in a metapopulation model with density-dependent dispersal

A spatially explicit metapopulation model with positive density-dependent migration is analysed. We obtained conditions under which a previously stable system can be driven to instability caused by a density-dependent migration mechanism. The stability boundary depends on the rate of increase of the number of migrants on each site at local equilibrium, on the intrinsic rate of increase at local level, on the number of patches, and on topological aspects regarding the connectivity between patches. A concrete example is presented illustrating the dynamics on the dispersal-induced unstable regime.