Application of RAPD Methodology to Preserve the Purity of Wild Red-LeggedPartridges (Alectoris rufa, L.)

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a typical avian species of the Mediterranean area. Crossings of red-legged partridges with other Alectoris partridges have been done in order to increase the productivity of this species when captive bred. Restocking of hunting grounds with such hybrid partridges could damage the genetic heritage of the pure red-legged partridge in the wild. In order to avoid this problem RAPD-PCR has been developed to identify hybrid individuals. This methodology has been used to study wild red-legged partridges as well as partridges from different farms. RAPD analysis results in different patterns for different species. Hybrids can be detected among presumed red-legged partridges if they present a diagnostic band which characterises another species.