RAPD analysis for detection and eradication of hybrid partridges (Alectoris rufa x A-graeca) in Spain

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is the only indigenous Alectoris species in the Iberian Peninsula. Local populations are often reinforced wi th captive-bred individuals, sometimes including hybrids between the red-le gged partridge and the exotic rock partridge (A. graeca). Hunters and wildl ife managers oppose releases of hybrids, but their identification by visual inspection is difficult beyond the first hybrid generation. Here we report the development of a set of RAPD markers to identify hybrid partridges usi ng blood samples. We initially screened 46 RAPD primers on a subsample of p ure red-legged and rock partridges, and finally selected six primers that p roduced 11 markers specific of the rock partridge. The selected primers wer e tested on hybrids of different generations bred in captivity. This set of loci permitted the detection of 100% (n = 31) Fl hybrids, 100% (n = 14) ba ckcrosses of Fl to red-legged partridge, all but one (95%, n = 18) hybrid o f the second backcross, and 18 out of 27 (67%, n = 27) hybrids of the third backcross. Efficient detection of backcross 1 and 2 individuals is essenti al, as these are the ones released for re-stocking purposes in hunting stat es. Although we have only used blood samples, other sources of high-quality DNA, such as muscle, should provide the same results. Therefore, it would be feasible to monitor the genetic purity of partridges in farms and huntin g states at different stages of production, including embryos, chicks or hu nted specimens. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.