Age-dependent predation is not a simple process. II. Wolves,ungulates, and a discrete time model for predation on juveniles with a stabilizing tail

A discrete time model for a predator-prey model, where the predator eats only juvenile prey is developed. The model is developed to capture some of the behavior of wolf-ungulate systems. Age-dependent predation is shown to be a stabilizing influence. The behavior of the model depends critically on the age of senescence of the prey—an extremely small number of old prey individuals represent a very powerful stabilizing factor. The model behaves in a similar fashion to, but is less stable than, an age structured Ricker model.