Mismatches between Morphology and DNA in Italian Partridges May Not Be Explained Only by Recent Artificial Release of Farm-Reared Birds
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
article
Volume
12
Issue
5
Start Page
1
End Page
17
Journal
Abstract
One of the major drivers of genetic pollution is artificial translocation, which causes hybridization and introgression. We analyzed genetic markers of Grey and Rock Partridges from collections, wild populations and farms, mostly in Italy. We documented a mismatch between morphology and DNA in the identification of some individuals, as well as hybridization between the two genera of the Grey and Rock Partridges: Perdix and Alectoris. Our results suggest that species of the two genera can hybridize in nature and that artificial translocations and releases of farm reared birds for restocking or reintroduction purposes may be only partially responsible for the DNA-morphology mismatches of Italian partridges
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animals-12-00541-v2.pdf
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6.98 MB
Format
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