Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers evidence a different pattern of hybridization in red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) populations from NW Italy

Abstract

Abstract.Genetic introgression with exotic genomes represents a major conservation concern for the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa, Phasianidae). In particular, massive releases of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) and/or red-legged x chukar partridge hybrids for hunting purposes have cast serious doubts on the Italian present-day occurrence of wild A. rufa populations not affected by introgressive hybridization. This study investigates the genetic structure of red-legged partridges populations in two ecologically different areas in Northern Italy. Analysis of maternal mitochondrial DNA and biparental microsatellite markers excluded the presence of hybridization in a typical agricultural habitat where hunting and release of reared birds are strictly banned. By contrast, signs of chukar introgression were detected in a perifluvial habitat unusual for the red-legged partridge in Italy. The present study documents the first red-legged partridge population with no genetic evidences of recent chukar introgression presently living in Italy. We recommend that urgent conservation actions are taken to preserve the genetic integrity of this population from the risk of hybridization with farm-reared birds and to support its long-term conservation.

Introductions over introductions: the genomic adulteration of an early genetically valuable alien species in the United Kingdom

“…Our discovery that the naturalized population of East Anglia is also unsuitable for the genetic management of native A. r. rufa has further reduced the range of options available to carry out concrete conservation action for the populations from the easternmost part of the species' range. Luckily, a study has recently suggested the existence of a genetically well-preserved and selfsustaining A. rufa population in the Italian Peninsula (Negri et al 2013). The phylogenetic placement of this resource (sensu Fraser and Bernatchez 2001) within the A. rufa puzzle needs further investigation.…”

“…In captivity the chukar is the most prolific Alectoris breeder, and when crossed with RLPs, the offspring are equally prolific. Such an intensive management has led to the virtual loss of the native genome of A. r. rufa, which includes the most heavily genetically polluted populations of the species (Dias 1992;Baratti et al 2004;Barbanera et al 2005Barbanera et al , 2009aBarbanera et al , 2011Barilani et al 2007;Tejedor et al 2007;Blanco-Aguiar et al 2008;Martínez-Fresno et al 2008;Casas et al 2012;Negri et al 2013).…”

New Evidences of Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy by Putative Paternal Leakage between the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) and the Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar)

“…This decline is mostly associated with anthropogenic causes, including the massive release of captive-bred chukar partridge Alectoris chukar , Gray 1830, resulting in the formation of hybrids [3, 4, 5]. Genetic pollution and hybridization magnified the damages already caused by the decline of natural populations due to habitat loss and overhunting, and likely resulted from an uncertain morphological distinction between these species.…”

“…In recent years, molecular markers have been proved to represent an effective tool to support management of Alectoris populations [3, 4, 5, 7, 8]. As in most conservation-oriented genetic studies, both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were used [3, 4, 5, 7], offering different and complementary information on the history of populations.…”

“…As in most conservation-oriented genetic studies, both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were used [3, 4, 5, 7], offering different and complementary information on the history of populations. While biparentally inherited nDNA markers can trace both the paternal and maternal contribution along generations, maternally inherited mtDNA is usually informative of matrilinear lineages only.…”