Finnish native grey partridge (Perdix perdix) population differs clearly in mitochondrial DNA from the farm stock used for releases.

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region I (CR1) of 138 wild and 36 captive grey partridges (Perdix perdix) was sequenced. Representing two major mitochondrial DNA lineages that differed by 15 nucleotide substitutions (3.7%), the Finnish lineage dominated in the wild, whereas the European lineage dominated in the captive stock. Most individuals represented a single haplotype in each lineage. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities were high in mixed subpopulations with individuals of both lineages. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that when the captive stock was excluded, about 80% of the total variation could be explained by the variation within subpopulations. When captive stock was included, 67% of the variation was explained by the variation between subpopulations. According to [PHI]ST values, captive stock differed from the wild subpopulations. These results clearly show that the native stock in Finland differs in mtDNA CR1 from the farm stock. In the area of large-scale captive rearing and releasing, only one bird represented the same mitochondrial lineage as the farm stock. It is evident that released farm birds have left only minor marks in the native population in Finland.

Liukkonen, T. 2006, Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 271-279