Mitochondrial DNA Variability in Populations of Alectoris rufa: A Single-Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) Approach.

A variable domain of the mitochondrial DNA of the red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa was analysed by single-stranded DNA polymorphism (SSCP), in animals of different populations. Ten mitochondrial types were detected unevenly distributed among samples. A preserved natural population in Northern Spain, Fuentes Carrionas, showed the highest degree of polymorphism. Farm bred animals seem to be less variable and show some genotypes not usually found in the natural sites, suggesting an alien origin of many breeders.