RAPD analysis for detection and eradication of hybrid partridges (Alectoris rufa × A. graeca) in Spain Original Research Article

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is the only indigenous Alectoris species in the Iberian Peninsula. Local populations are often reinforced with captive-bred individuals, sometimes including hybrids between the red-legged partridge and the exotic rock partridge (A. graeca). Hunters and wildlife 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 using blood samples. We initially screened 46 RAPD primers on a subsample of pure red-legged and rock partridges, and finally selected six primers that produced 11 markers specific of the rock partridge. The selected primers were tested on hybrids of different generations bred in captivity. This set of loci permitted the detection of 100% (n=31) F1 hybrids, 100% (n=14) backcrosses of F1 to red-legged partridge, all but one (95%, n=18) hybrid of 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 essential, as these are the ones released for re-stocking purposes in hunting states. 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 hunting states at different stages of production, including embryos, chicks or hunted specimens.