Supplementation of White-tailed deer increases the size of the assemblages and the presence of predators in the area

The use of supplements to increase the body and antler size in Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) is rampant; however, the impact of this strategy on the size of surrounding species assemblages needs to be better understood. This work aimed to determine the effect of the multi-nutrient block (MNB) for white-tailed deer on the richness and abundance of birds and mammals and the presence of predators. We realized this work in Santa Cruz Nuevo, Puebla, Mexico, from 2017 to 2019. A completely randomized design with two treatments and eight replicates per treatment was used, for which 16 completely randomized sites were chosen, within which a camera trap was installed, and the animals' visits to the site were recorded. Plots of 50 m2 were established, and two MNBs (protein and minerals) were placed in the central part of eight squares. The other eight sites served as control treatments. The response variables were animal richness and relative abundance. The results showed that animal richness was higher in the MNBs sites (10.6 species; P < 0.05) and lower (7 species) in the control. The relative abundance of the sites with MNBs was higher for predators: coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), puma (Puma concolor), and mammals less than 10 kg (rabbits, rodents and other omnivores). However, there were no significant differences in the relative abundance of white-tailed deer (P= 0.1568). In conclusion, the presence of the MNBs modifies the relative abundance of predators but does not increase the presence of white-tailed deer.