How do the number of predators and prey change?

The number of predators and prey change as they rise and fall in cycles for example if the population of rabbits increases, they will reproduce, giving foxes more food to kill and eat. Which will cause the rabbit population to decrease, giving foxes less food, which decreases their population, and allows the rabbit population to increase. Therefore predators and prey population cycles are only consistent if they are in a stable community – where the biotic and abiotic factors are in balance. So if a new predator arrived, or a drought happened, the cycle would change.