Linking winter severity to space use of European bison around feeding sites in Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland)

Abstract Supplementary feeding is a commonly used wildlife management practice, but while it may bring benefits and fulfil goals, can also result in unintended negative consequences. In the temperate zone, winter supplementary reduce movement of some ungulate species, leading to increased utilization sites by individuals and, consequently, animal aggregation. However, intensity site vary depending on various extrinsic factors, e.g. habitat type, population density or weather conditions. Here, we predicted that index utilization, expressed as distance European bison ( Bison bonasus ) sites, would be positively associated with severity conditions; thus, will closer colder days presence snow cover. We analysed (December March) tracking data 43 VHF- GPS-collared (24 males 19 females) collected from 2005 2012 Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland), where are supplementally fed different throughout winter. Female were than winter, regardless sex, closest mid-winter (January February) independently time season. Additionally, distances significantly related cover depth; i.e. present deeper snow. Hence, area occupied differed changing — being 4 28 times larger warmest periods compared coldest (for females males, respectively). This have direct indirect ecological consequences for ecosystem due potential impact nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, interspecific competition, vegetation growth, forest succession carrion distribution. Given these impacts weather-dependent fodder, recognize possible need future revise adapt annual seasonal variation meet goals optimizing costs.