In classic population cycles, what allows the predator population to thrive and reproduce successfully?

Answer

An initial abundance of the primary prey population providing plentiful food

When the prey population is abundant, it serves as plentiful food, allowing the predator population to thrive and reproduce successfully until hunting pressure causes the prey to crash.

In classic population cycles, what allows the predator population to thrive and reproduce successfully?
populationEcologyPredatorregulationprey