Hybridisation with introduced chukars (Alectorischukar) threatens the gene pool integrity of native rock(A. graeca) and red-legged (A. rufa) partridge populations

The decline of over-hunted red-legged (Alectoris rufa) and rock (A. graeca) partridge populationshas been contrasted with massive releases of captive-reared birds, often hybrids withnon-indigenous A. chukar. Released interspecific hybrids raise the risks of introgressivehybridisation, and can contribute to further depress the fitness of native populations

Marina Barilani, BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 137 (2007) 57-69