Analysis of the genetic structure of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa, Galliformes) populations by means of mitochondrial DNA and RAPD markers: a study from central Italy

摘要: Abstract The strong hunting pressure on the red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, warranted its inclusion into list of species European conservation concern. During last decades, restocking plans with farmed specimens have counterbalanced drawings from wild populations. Our concern was study A. rufa in easternmost part range, central Italy, to gain insights effects this compensation practice genetic structure Partridges both a geographically isolated, long-time protected, population (Pianosa island, Tuscan Archipelago National Park) and two farms (Bieri Scarlino) were investigated. All very similar outward appearance, looking much like rufa. Ninety-six sequences Cytochrome b D-loop Control Region mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysed get evidence ancestry at level, whereas, Random Amplified Polymorphic (RAPD) technique employed fingerprinting individual level. Pianosa Bieri populations showed chukar mtDNA lineages, whereas Scarlino one only rufa-mtDNA line. However, spread overall pattern rufa × A. hybridisation among specimens, whatever their lineage could result be, disclosed by means RAPD species-specific markers. This is first genetically documented record hybrids. occurrence pure, native genome species’ geographical range may be guessed virtual.