On the spatial dynamics and oscillatory behavior of a predator-prey model based on cellular automata and local particle swarm optimization

A two-dimensional lattice model based on Cellular Automata theory and swarm intelligence is used to study the spatial and population dynamics of a theoretical ecosystem. It is found that the social interactions among predators provoke the formation of clusters, and that by increasing the mobility of predators the model enters into an oscillatory behavior. •We developed a lattice model of a predator–prey system where predators move using a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm.•We give a qualitative analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the proposed model.•It is found that the size of the clusters formed by predators increases as the social component of the movement is increased.•It is found that as the mobility of predators increases the system enters into an oscillatory regime.