Alectoris Barbara Research Articles

Diet of a Maghreb Owl Strix mauritanica individual at Kahf Lakhal cave on Jbel Moussa, northern Morocco

The diet of a single Maghreb Owl Strix mauritanica (family Strigidae) was examined within its natural habitat at Kahf Lakhal cave on Jbel Moussa, a mountain in northern Morocco. The two distinct batches of pellets collected contained a total of 190 prey items. Pellet analysis revealed a diet comprised of four primary taxonomic classes of prey: mammals, insects, birds and reptiles. We identified 29 prey species, representing 21 families. Mammals were the most prominent component, accounting for 49.5% of the diet items and included at least nine distinct species. Insects constituted 28.9% of the diet, representing at least eight species; birds comprised 20%, representing at least 11 species; and reptiles were represented by a single species (3.4%). Numerically, the most frequently captured prey species were the common bent-wing bat Miniopterus schreibersii (22.1%), black rat Rattus rattus (8.4%) and European rhinoceros beetle Oryctes nasicornis (7.9%). In biomass, black rats were the biggest component of the owl’s diet (31.8%), followed by Barbary Partridges Alectoris barbara and hares Lepus sp. (each 11.9%); together these three species comprised more than half the estimated biomass of the prey types consumed by the owl. This investigation significantly improves our knowledge of the diet of the Maghreb Owl in the North African region.

Modeling of ecological niches of Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) under conditions of bioclimatic variability in the Fes-Meknes region (Morocco)

Abstract The Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) is a bird species belonging to the Phasianidae family and is endemic to North Africa, including Morocco. Effective conservation of this species requires a thorough understanding and accurate assessment of the environmental factors that influence reproductive parameters. In this study, we used the species distribution models (SDM) to study the geographical distribution of the Barbary Partridge in Morocco. These models are tools that allow us to study the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of species, they are based on the Maxent (maximum entropy) algorithm. These models are based on environmental and biological data and can predict the probability of a species’ occurrence in a given geographic area. They can also predict how climatic and environmental conditions will change over time and how these changes will affect the species’ distribution. The results obtained revealed that the environmental factors that have a significant influence on the distribution area of Barbary Partridge under Moroccan conditions are: annual precipitation (Bio12) with a contribution rate of 23.3%; precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17) at 19.9%; altitude at 9.9%; minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio 6) at 7.6%; precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) at 7.2%; and mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) at 4.4%. This information can be used to assist in long-term conservation planning by identifying areas that may become more or less suitable for the species.

Feed Preference, Daily Intake, and Laying Performance of Captive-Born Sardinian Partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) Offered Whole Defrosted Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L., 1758) as Raw Feed Material with Diet

The competence to locate natural feeding sources is one of the main limiting factors for survival in the wild, especially for captive-born birds. Therefore, environmental enrichment through the diet can be strategic before their release into nature. In this research, a feeding trial was undertaken to evaluate the potential use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae (TM) provisions to captive bred couples of Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbarabarbara Bonaterre, 1790) during the laying period. Twenty-four couple-caged Sardinian breeding partridges were enrolled during the laying period (April–May 2019) and randomly allotted to two feeding groups of 12 couples each: (a) the control (CON) group was fed a conventional complete pelleted diet for laying quails; (b) the yellow mealworm enriched group was additionally fed 5% whole, defrosted TM larvae (TM5%) on top of the same amount of the control diet. As a prerequisite, partridges were unaccustomed to eating mealworms before the start of the trial. Daily feed intake (DFI), bodyweight (BW), and number of laid eggs (LE) were monitored over five weeks of experimental feeding. Partridges fed the TM5% diet displayed a higher preference for whole mealworms (first choice and complete consumption) than expressed for the CON pelleted feed. Differences in daily dry matter intake (p = 0.028) between CON and TM5% groups were observed (DMI: 42.6 ± 1.73 vs. 43.4 ± 1.62 g, respectively); the final body weights (BW) (p = 0.098) of birds in the CON group was higher than those in the TM5% group (435 ± 36.9 vs. 416 ± 36.3 g, respectively). Differences in daily energy intake relative to BW (p < 0.001) as well as relative to metabolic weight (BW0.75) (p < 0.001) were observed between groups, but this was not followed by higher BW, probably due to the absence of grit and inaccessible nutrients and energy (larval exoskeleton). No difference in the average LE per week and egg weight was observed between CON and the enriched TM5% groups, though in the last weeks, a statistically lower number of eggs was laid in TM5% group. Our results suggest that whole yellow mealworms can be a promising feed material to broaden the spectrum of competence for natural feeding sources with similar physical form and nutritional characteristics available in the environment.

Physiological Characters and Alimentary Needs of Both Divergent Lines of the Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara, Bonnaterre, 1792) in Algeria

Background: The Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) is a wild endemic species of North-Africa. The lack of information about this species, allows putting research focus in the hunting center of Zeralda, on the selection of a line for an improvement on the zootechnical characteristics of this population. Methods: Over 13 weeks of follow-up, we have performed weekly measurements on 3 successive generations F12-F14 with daily measurements of food intake. We are interested at the fundamental level of the biological characterization of both divergent lines. The analysis of the effects of selection pressures on the growth to estimate the metabolizable energy of each line. Result: During 273 days of study period, we noticed that the metabolizable energy has an average divergence between the fast line and the slow one with 0.328 Kcal/day since birth and an average divergence of 8.899 Kcal/day towards the 13th week in favour of the fast line. Significance noticed between males and females with a favour of the males which are more important. In addition to that, the values of weight-based consumption index imply higher indices for the slow line compared to the values of the fast line. Our results highlight the efficiency of the selection scheme. This progress will allow developing the restoration methods and/or the natural restocking populations on scientific bases.

AVIFAUNISTIC DIVERSITY OF MERINE FOREST, NORTH-WEST ALGERIA

This study is an avifaunistic diversity assessment was carried out in the Merine forest, Sidi Bel Abbes (Northwest Algeria). During three years (2019-2021). The major objective of our investigation is to inventory avian species and to define their phenological categories. Among the important results is a record of, 71 species of bird, belonging to 17 orders and 28 families. The Passeriformes are the most noted with 43 species, distributed across 15 families, of which the Muscicapidae is the most represented with 10 species. The phenological categories indicates that the majority of this species are resident breeders (65 %), 21% are migrant breeders and 14% are passing visitors. Depending on trophic status, 32% are polyphagous, 27% insectivorous, 17% carnivorous, 15% granivorous and 8% omnivorous. In addition, we noted that, 31 species are protected by Flat 12-235 in Algeria, with one species (Falco naumanni) protected by the Ordinance 06-05. Internationally and one species protected according of the IUCN red list (Streptopelia turtur). The Merine forest is shelter to five species endemic to North Africa: Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara), Levaillant's Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), Moussier's Redstart (Phoenicurus moussieri), Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia deserticola), African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae).

Spatial distribution of the Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Sardinia explained by land use and climate

More than half of the European population of the Barbary Partridge is in Sardinia; nonetheless, the researches concerning this species are very scarce, and its conservation status is not defined because of a deficiency of data. This research aimed to analyse the habitat selection and the factors affecting the abundance and the density of the Barbary Partridge in Sardinia. We used the data collected over 8 years (between 2004 and 2013) by spring call counts in 67 study sites spread on the whole island. We used GLMM to define the relationships between the environment (topography, land use, climate) both the occurrence and the abundance of the species. Moreover, we estimated population densities by distance sampling. The Barbary Partridge occurred in areas at low altitude with garrigue and pastures, avoiding woodlands and sparsely vegetated areas. We found a strong relationship between the occurrence probability and the climate, in particular, a positive relation with temperature and a negative effect of precipitation, especially in April–May, during brood rearing. Furthermore, dry crops positively affected the abundance of the species. We estimated a density of 14.1 partridges per km2, similar to other known estimates. Our findings are important both because they increase the knowledge concerning this species, which is considered data deficient in Italy, and because they are useful to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations if necessary.

Excreta quality and digestive function of singly versus couple caged Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) as non-invasive indicators of birds' coping ability to forced pairing.

The Sardinian partridge is a monogamous wild bird species of least concern according to IUCN list at present, though formerly accounted among threatened species for decades. The creation of couples is crucial in captivity, because forced pairing in cages can lead to poor welfare of birds, specially of females. This study investigated the impact of single versus couple caging of Sardinian partridges during non-laying period based on the collection and interpretation of indirect and non-invasive parameters (feed intake; space availability; excreta quality; and nutrient utilization). A total of 24 couples of breeding partridges were enrolled for two consequent phases of a same investigation (lasting 15days each). During phase 1, all couples were fed ad libitum with a pelleted complete diet (DM, 905gkg-1 of diet; CP, 160gkg-1 ; and EE, 25gkg-1 ). In phase 2, each male from 12 out of 24 couples was moved to an identical cage close to that where the female remained alone, to keep visual contact. The rest of couples continued to be kept like in phase 1. During phases 1 and 2, feed intake and excreta outputs were recorded daily. Pooled excreta of the last 3days from couples and single birds were assessed for pH and DM, CP and ash content. Nutrient digestibility was calculated. No significant differences were noted between single versus couple caging regarding body weight (438 vs. 422g respectively) or nutrient digestibility. However, singly housed males reduced daily feed intakes and females increased daily feed intake per g-1 BW (0.041 vs. 0.052g, respectively, p<0.001). Our results suggest that singly caged partridges from permanent couples can improve the access to feed and reduce competition during the non-mating season.

Comparison of the reproduction success of the Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara (Bonnaterre, 1792) (Aves Phasianidae), of the two protected areas in Algeria

Comparison of the reproduction success of the Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara (Bonnaterre, 1792) (Aves Phasianidae), of the two protected areas in Algeria

Habitat selection and density of the Barbary partridge in Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea

The Barbary partridge is one of the four species of Alectoris found in Mediterranean Basin. Its range is restricted to Sardinia, northwestern Africa, Gibraltar, and Canary Islands. It is classified as SPEC3 because its population is declining; nonetheless, its ecology is poorly known. Our aims were to define the habitat factors linked to the species presence, and which affects the breeding density in northeastern Sardinia. Data were collected in the breeding seasons 2012 and 2013 carrying out 376 listening points in 34 study sites representative of the typical landscapes of the island. The habitat selection was assessed by generalized linear model with binomial error distribution following an information theoretic approach. In particular, the environmental variables concerning the land use cover, the landscape configuration, and the topography of the points with the species presence were compared with an equal number of availability points. The densities were estimated by distance sampling, and then, we formulated two multiple linear regressions, one for each year, relating densities with the environmental variables. The analyses showed that the species inhabits shrublands, garrigue, and meadows on slopes faced to east, especially between the sea level and 200 m, avoiding forests and northwestern slopes. In 2012 and 2013, we estimated 22.9 and 5.1 pairs per km2, respectively. It is likely that this change in densities is related to a lower singing activity of the males due to the bad weather conditions in the spring 2013.

Lead in terrestrial game birds from Spain.

We analysed exposure to Pb and its relationship with lead-based ammunition in seven species of terrestrial game birds-common woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), rock dove (Columba livia), stock dove (Columba oenas), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) and common quail (Coturnix coturnix)-from rural and urban areas in different parts of Spain (Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Madrid, Islas Canarias and Navarra). A total of 530 liver samples were analysed, and the presence of Pb pellets was studied in the crop, gizzard and intestine; the state and appearance of these organs were also analysed. The number of specimens suspected to have ingested Pb shot was 28 (5.6%), and the geometric mean concentration of hepatic Pb was 0.054 μg g-1 (wet weight, ww). A low percentage of samples (4.8%) were above the abnormal exposure threshold (0.65 μg g-1 ww), and, in these specimens, renal Pb concentrations were determined. Common woodpigeons and rock doves from Madrid were found to have high concentrations of Pb in their livers, and, so, both species can be considered to be good bioindicators of Pb contamination in rural (common woodpigeons) and urban (rock doves) environments. Partridges bred for hunting may be more prone to ingesting pellets from the environment, a fact that should be taken into account in management decisions.

Factors affecting the reproductive performance of barbary partridges in cereal croplands of Northwestern Morocco: the role of timing of breeding and vegetation cover at fine-scale

In Morocco, the barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) is the major game species, highly valued by the nation’s hunters. Until recently little was known about factors affecting reproductive parameters of this species on cereal croplands in North Africa. In 2018, 51 nests were found and analyzed across two agricultural areas of Northwestrn Morocco (AGR1 and AGR2). In this work, I assessed the relevance of a set of environmental and anthropogenic variables in predicting the clutch size and number of chicks hatched per nest, by means of generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). The average clutch size and hatching success per nest were 12.26 (± 0.57) and 9.26 (± 0.95), respectively. In the two sites, clutch-size increased as the date advanced, but was significantly larger in AGR1 (13.17 ± 0.84, n = 26) than in AGR2 (11.20 ± 0.70, n = 25). The number of chicks hatched per nest increased over time but also with the increase of the vegetation cover at fine-scale. Barbary partridge reproductive parameters were neither affected by landscape nor anthropogenic variables. I discuss these findings and their ecological, and future research implications. I recommended to pursuit the investigations, while considering imperatively the age/sex ratios and predation pressure.

Local versus landscape-scale determinants of nest-site selection in the Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara

ABSTRACTCapsule: Nest-site selection of Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara in a Moroccan agroforestry system is dictated by nest scale rather than landscape-scale factors.Aims: To identify the most important factors affecting Barbary Partridge nest habitat selection in a Moroccan agroforestry landscape.Methods: I investigated the effect of two spatial scales (nest-site and landscape) on the probability of presence of nests. Topography, habitat structure, human disturbance and land-use parameters were measured at nests (n = 64) and random points (n = 64) within landscape plots (50 m radius) and nest-site plots (5 m).Results: At the nest scale, quadratic shrub cover and proximity to trees best explained nest habitat use. At the landscape scale, quadratic forest cover and linear distance to the nearest track positively influenced the nest presence probability. The most relevant scale was nest-scale followed by landscape scale. The variation partitioning analysis confirmed this spatial pattern.Conclusion: This approach was important to: (i) understand nest habitat use in the Barbary Partridge at nest and landscape scales, and (ii) highlight the most important variables driving habitat use in a Mediterranean agroforestry system. From a practical perspective, it is recommended to extend the same methodological approach to other Mediterranean agroforestry systems to find out if the species follows the same nest habitat selection pattern.

Barbary partridge meat quality as affected by Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor larva meals in feeds

A partial substitution (25 or 50%) of dietary protein with Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Hermetia illucens (HI) meals as protein sources in the diet of Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) has been tested in terms of raw and cooked meat quality. Twelve partridges per feeding group (control - SBM, HI25, HI50, TM25 and TM50) were slaughtered. The peeled carcasses of the HI25, HI50, TM25 and TM50 groups were heavier than those of the SBM group, both raw and cooked. The pH, color and shear force of the raw meat were not affected to any greater extent by the diet, whereas the presence of insect meal seemed to increase the yellowness index of the cooked meat. The proximate composition was unaffected by both the species and the level of insect meal, although the fatty acid profile was changed considerably. The HI and TM groups had significantly higher C18:1n-9 and lower C16:0 contents than SBM. Furthermore, Hermetia illucens, added as 50% of the dietary protein, induced a significant increase in C12:0 and C16:1n-7. As a result, the highest AI and TI were obtained for the HI50 diet (0.38 and 0.75, respectively), whereas the TM groups both had intermediate AI values (around 0.35) and the lowest TI (0.67). Finally, the cholesterol content of the birds was not affected by insect inclusion in the feeds.

Banding cytogenetics of the Barbary partridge Alectoris barbara and the Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar (Phasianidae): a large conservation with Domestic fowl Gallus domesticus revealed by high resolution chromosomes.

The development of avian cytogenetics is significantly behind that of mammals. In fact, since the advent of cytogenetic techniques, fewer than 1500 karyotypes have been established. The Barbary partridge Alectoris barbara Bonnaterre, 1790 is a bird of economic interest but its genome has not been studied so far. This species is endemic to North Africa and globally declining. The Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830 is an introduced species which shares the same habitat area as the Barbary partridge and so there could be introgressive hybridisation. A cytogenetic study has been initiated in order to contribute to the Barbary partridge and the Chukar partridge genome analyses. The GTG, RBG and RHG-banded karyotypes of these species have been described. Primary fibroblast cell lines obtained from embryos were harvested after simple and double thymidine synchronisation. The first eight autosomal pairs and Z sex chromosome have been described at high resolution and compared to those of the domestic fowl Gallus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758. The diploid number was established as 2n = 78 for both partridges, as well as for most species belonging to the Galliformes order, underlying the stability of chromosome number in avian karyotypes. Wide homologies were observed for macrochromosomes and gonosome except for chromosome 4, 7, 8 and Z which present differences in morphology and/or banding pattern. Neocentromere occurrence was suggested for both partridges chromosome 4 with an assumed paracentric inversion in the Chukar partridge chromosome 4. Terminal inversion in the long arm of the Barbary partridge chromosome Z was also found. These rearrangements confirm that the avian karyotypes structure is conserved interchromosomally, but not at the intrachromosomal scale.

Prevalence of foot disorders in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) as useful indicators of fitness to natural environment.

Foot health represents an issue in wild avifauna breeding practices. In particular, prevalence of digital ulceration (DU) and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) are valid indicators of welfare in wildlife conservation centres and may be interpreted as to fitness for bird's reintroduction into the wild. This study meant to test the effects of raising practices on foot pad health in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) reared for biodiversity conservation, to assess welfare and fitness to reintroduction into nature. A total of 22 couples were allotted into two experimental groups. In one group, 10 couples were housed in 10 cages for breeding partridges, consisting of two animals each, with metal wire flooring system, above trays where droppings were collected. The remaining 12 couples were housed in six aviaries, consisting of four animals each, on natural (earth and stones) ground. In both groups, partridges were fed identical diets. No significant differences of food pad scoring were found between birds housed in cages (2.3±0.4) and those reared in aviaries on natural ground (2.5±0.6). Moreover, scores of male foot pads for both groups (2.4±0.6) had no significant differences in comparison with female foot pads, independently on housing (2.5±0.4). Body mass (BM) was higher (+4.36%) than average BM reported for wild Sardinian partridges. Digital ulceration was found in the 20% of females, exclusively from the cage group. Body mass of females in cages with metal wire flooring appeared to be significantly (p<.001) and negatively correlated (r=-.528) with DU prevalence. These results suggest that housing conditions impacts differently on behaviour of females and males in one same couple, and this relates to foot health, in particular as to DU prevalence.

Growth performance, blood profiles and carcass traits of Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara) fed two different insect larvae meals (Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens)

To investigate the effect of two insect meals (from Hermetia illucens, HI and Tenebrio molitor, TM larvae) on productive performance and blood profiles of Barbary partridge, ninety, seven days old partridges were divided into 5 groups (6 replicates, 3 partridges/replicate). Up to 64d, the groups fed 5 isoproteic and isoenergetic diets: the control fed a corn-soybean meal diet (SBM group); in TM25 and TM50 groups the 25 and 50% of SBM proteins were substituted by the protein from TM, respectively; in HI25 and HI50 groups the 25 and 50% of SBM were substituted by the protein from HI, respectively. The birds fed TM25 and both the HI levels reached a higher (P<0.01) live weight at 64d than the control. Considering the entire experimental period the TM groups had a more favorable FCR than SBM. The carcass weights of all the insect groups were higher (P<0.01) than the control. The weight of the full digestive tract in SBM group was the highest (P<0.01). The caecal weight, the intestinal and caecal length were the highest (P<0.01) in the SBM group. The SBM group the highest value of albumin/globulin (P<0.01) and creatinine (P<0.05). TM seems to be more effective than HI in improving FCR. The reduced albumin/globulin ratio in the insect meal fed groups could be ascribed to the chitin content and this result was not affected by the amount of chitin intake, suggesting that also the lowest values are able to express their potential effects in partridges.

Morphometric traits of gizzard in relation to feeding habits of wild Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara, Bonnaterre, 1790) with particular regard to clast selection.

Housing and feeding practices of wild birds for conservation management of biodiversity or restocking play a crucial role in determining the survival rates of animals when released into nature. Failure in coping with the environment might be one of the main flaws captive animals can experience when put into natural habitat. The present investigation aimed at exploring feeding habits and related morphometric traits of gizzard with respective content from wild partridges in comparison with captive ones. A total of 52 hunted wild Sardinian adult partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) were used. By comparison, 42 captive adult partridges reared in cages were enrolled. From each animal, the morphology of gizzard was investigated and respective content analysed for gross composition and taxonomical determination of fractions. Wet sieving analysis of each gizzard content was carried out (four-sieve towers with different mesh sizes: 1mm, 500μm, 250μm and 125μm), and relative and absolute weight of fresh filled and empty gizzards were recorded. Thickness of muscular layer of gizzard wall was measured by stereomicroscope. Carcass weight significantly (p<0.05) differed between captive vs. wild partridges (478±21 and 305±35g respectively). Post-mortem inspection highlighted gross morphological differences of gizzards between the two groups. Fresh weight of empty gizzards was 6.37±0.80 vs. 11.25±1.82g, with average pH values of digesta 4.97±0.11 vs. 4.38±0.28 in captive vs. wild partridges respectively. Gizzard content from wild partridges accounted a 61.7% vs. 38.3% of biological vs. non-biological material proportions (DM basis). The non-biological material was mostly represented by lithic fragments and minerals (quartz, feldspar, calcite and mica) with specific peculiarities in terms of granulometry and morphometry. Feeding the captive partridges should point to support morphological and functional adaptation of gizzards to the feeding stuffs naturally available in the environment.

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Alectoris barbara (Aves: Phasianidae) from the Canary Islands (Spain).

The present study was conducted with the objective of identifying the species of Eimeria present in a cynegetic farm. A new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara, from the Canary Islands. Experimental infections were carried out in order to determine the prepatent period, sporulation time, site of infection, and morphology of endogenous stages. One species is described as new. Eimeria barbarae n. sp. has ellipsoidal oocysts, 20.0 × 14.4 (16-23 × 13-16) μm, with a shape-index (SI) of 1.39. Sporocysts are almond-shaped, 9.0 × 5.4 (6.5-11 × 4.5-6) μm, SI = 1.56. The endogenous development takes place along the intestine. The present study showed that E. barbarae causes severe pathologies in A. barbara chickens, with impact on their health condition. Control strategies needs to be implemented to reduce the loss due to coccidiosis at studied farm.

Mitochondrial and nuclear markers for the authentication of partridge meat and the specific identification of red-legged partridge meat products by polymerase chain reaction

Two PCR assays for the identification of partridge meat (red-legged partridge, chukar partridge, barbary partridge, and gray partridge species) and the specific identification of red-legged partridge meat products were developed based on species-specific primers targeting the 12S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene. Moreover, various PCR techniques based on the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA markers and nuclear growth hormone and rhodopsin genes were tested to find a method for the differentiation between pure and hybrid red-legged partridges. Among these techniques, the PCR method based on the amplification and sequencing of a nuclear rhodopsin gene fragment was selected as a suitable tool for the discrimination among meats from pure and hybrid red-legged partridge individuals. The PCR assays reported in this work could be useful in inspection programs to verify the correct labeling of raw and heat-treated partridge meat products.

Sequenced RAPD markers to detect hybridization in the barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara, Phasianidae)

In the Alectoris partridges (Phasianidae), hybridization occurs occasionally as a result of the natural breakdown of isolating mechanisms but more frequently as a result of human activity. No genetic record of hybridization is known for the barbary partridge (A. barbara). This species is distributed mostly in North Africa and, in Europe, on the island of Sardinia (Italy) and on Gibraltar. The risk of hybridization between barbary and red-legged partridge (A. rufa: Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy) is high in Sardinia and in Spain. We developed two random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to detect A. barbara × A. rufa hybrid partridges. We tested them on 125 experimental hybrids, sequenced the relative species-specific bands and found that the bands and their corresponding sequences were reliably transmitted through a number of generations (F1, F2, F3, BC1, BC2). Our markers represent a highly valuable tool for the preservation of the A. barbara genome from the pressing threat of A. rufa pollution.