In this paper, we investigate traveling wave solutions of a diffusive predator-prey model which takes into consideration hunting cooperation. Sublinearity condition is violated for the function of cooperative predation. When the basic reproduction number for the diffusion-free model is greater than one, we find a critical wave speed below which no positive traveling wave solution shall exist. On the other hand, if the wave speed exceeds this critical value, we prove the existence of a positive traveling wave solution connecting the predator-free equilibrium to the unique positive equilibrium under a technical assumption of weak cooperative predation. The key idea of the proof contains two major steps: (i) we construct a suitable pentahedron and find inside it a trajectory connecting the predator-free equilibrium; and (ii) we construct a suitable Lyapunov function and use LaSalle invariance principle to prove that the trajectory also connects the positive equilibrium. In the end of this paper, we propose five open problems related to traveling wave solutions in cooperative predation.

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In this paper, we investigate two predator–prey models which take into consideration hunting cooperation (i.e., mutualism) between two different predators and within one predator species, respectively. Local and global dynamics are obtained for the model systems. By a detailed bifurcation analysis, we investigate the dependence of predation dynamics on mutualism (cooperative predation). From our study, we prove that mutualism may enhance the survival of mutualist predators in a severe condition and break the competitive exclusion principle. We further provide quantitative information about how the cooperative predation (mutualism) may (i) establish multiple stability switches on the positive equilibrium; (ii) generate backward bifurcation on equilibria; (iii) induce supercritical or subcritical Hopf bifurcations; and (iv) establish bi-stability phenomenon between the predator-free equilibrium and a positive equilibrium (or a limit cycle).

In this work, we conduct a rigorous analysis on the dynamics of a predator-prey model with cooperative predation. From the root classification of an algebraic equation, we derive existence criteria of the positive equilibria. By Jacobian matrix and central manifold theory, we find critical conditions under which the positive equilibria are locally asymptotically stable or unstable. We also use a careful computation to obtain a concise and explicit formula for the first Lyapunov coefficient. Especially, we prove that the Hopf bifurcation induced by the cooperative predation is always supercritical, which means that the sustained oscillations near the Hopf bifurcation points are locally asymptotically stable.