Mathematics of populations of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus (Marsupialia) I. A simple deterministic model for quokka populations

Abstract

A deterministic model is given for populations of the quokka, S. brachyurus, at the West End of Rottnest I., W.A. A mathematical imitation of the quokka is defined. The mathematical "animal" is then required to breed in order to produce a population. Computer simulation has been used: thus the population is observed as output from the computer. Results include population numbers, age distributions, and the effects on the population of two different kinds of catastrophe.