  We propose and investigate a discrete-time predator-prey system with
cooperative hunting in the predator population. The model is constructed from
the classical Nicholson-Bailey host-parasitoid system with density dependent
growth rate. A sufficient condition based on the model parameters for which
both populations can coexist is derived, namely that the predator's maximal
reproductive number exceeds one. We study existence of interior steady states
and their stability in certain parameter regimes. It is shown that the system
behaves asymptotically similar to the model with no cooperative hunting if the
degree of cooperation is small. Large cooperative hunting, however, may promote
persistence of the predator for which the predator would otherwise go extinct
if there were no cooperation.
