Authors: Ossi, Federico; Ranc, Nathan;Moorcroft, Paul;Cagnacci, Francesca;

The heterogeneous distribution of resources can influence individual movement and space-use patterns. We investigated behavioral and spatial responses of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to supplemental feeding, a widespread management practice that alters resource distribution by artificially providing abundant and concentrated food. We firstly analyzed roe deer spatial responses by experimentally manipulating feeding site accessibility, finding that these resource alterations drove shifts in roe deer movements and space-use, mediated by both individual resource preferences, and site familiarity. We also demonstrated that roe deer relied on memory, not perception, to track the spatio-temporal availability of these resources. Then, we examined the environmental and behavioral drivers influencing roe deer use of feeding sites, finding evidence for both a seasonal and circadian cycle in the pattern of visits that was further influenced by competition of conspecifics. Finally, by contrasting these patterns during and before the COVID-19 Anthropause, we linked the aforementioned patterns of use of feeding sites to risk perception by roe deer. By applying movement ecology principles and techniques, we showed that this management practice importantly affects individual space-use and behavior, with potential detrimental unintended effects on the target populations that deserve further investigation.