9.pdf

2013

Scarce information is available on the current status of Apennine populations of Alectoris graeca. In this paper, data on recent distribution of the species in each Apennine region and data on census in several Apennine areas are reported. In Marche region, the size of population was estimated in 110-137 pairs and maximum density (1.25 pairs/ km 2 ) was observed in M. Sibillini National Park. In Umbria region, the size of population was estimated in 9-23 pairs. In Lazio region, the size of population was estimated in 171-342 pairs and the highest densities were recorded in the Reatini Mountains (2.02 pairs/ km 2 ) and in 'Montagne della Duchessa' natural Reserve (1.90 pairs/ km 2 ). In Abruzzo-Molise regions, the size of population was estimated in 1500-1700 pairs and highest regional densities were recorded in the Maiella National Park (4.2 pairs/ km 2 ) and Velino Sirente Regional Park (2.10 pairs/ km 2 ). In Campania region, the specie was present only in Cilento e Vallo di Diano National Park, where the size of regional population was estimated in 84 pairs. In Basilicata-Calabria regions, population was estimated in 55-120 pairs. The Apennine population of rock partridge was evaluated in 1939-2436 pairs. The distribution of rock partridge showed that many Apennine, pre-Apennine and anti-Apennine areas, apparently suitable for the species, were not occupied. Factors limiting the expansion and the growth of populations of rock partridge in Apennine areas are highlighted. A correct management of populations of Abruzzo region, in particular of local hunting pressure, plays a pivotal role for the conservation of Apennine rock partridge.

2013

The natural distribution of the red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa extend through Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France and Italy. The species presents a fragmented distribution in Piedmont, with populations that greatly vary in size. In this region it is historically limited to the hilly and low-mountain areas of the Southern part of the region; in particular it inhabits the Langhe and the Apennines on the Liguria border, in the districts of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria. In the Maritime Alps, hybrid populations with Alectoris graeca were once reported (Martorelli 1913) but the few recent observations of A. rufa in alpine areas are mainly due to restocking operations (Lasagna pers. comm.). After several years characterized by a high risk of local extinction, some populations from Northwest Italy are now undergoing a demographic increase with areal expansion. This paper reports some information on these demographic changes. MaterIal and Methods The geographical distribution of the species was updated Avocetta 37: 83-86 (2013) abstract-The red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa in Piedmont (NW Italy) is historically limited to the hilly and low-mountain areas of the southern half of the region, in particular lying in the Langhe and the Apennines on the Ligurian border, in the districts of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria. In the Cuneo district, on the Maritime Alps, hybrid populations with Alectoris graeca were also known. The distribution of the species has been mapped in some occasions with the "Atlases" projects of the GPSO (Gruppo Piemontese Studi Ornitologici) and special enquiries. On this occasion we tried to update the geographical distribution of the species using data conferred by bird-watchers on www.regione.piemonte.it/aves/, managed by the GPSO, enquiries among hunters' organizations and specific field researches. The resulting distribution is shown on a 10 km square grid. The species shows signs of distribution dynamism, with the occupation of some lowland areas, where it was totally absent until the '90s. A little range expansion is noticeable also in the Western Monferrato. The situation seems to be more stable (or even declining) in the Langhe area and the species is now disappeared from the alpine border. In general we are seeing an areal contraction or density reduction on hills and mountains and an extension on lowlands. The observed changes seem to be attributable mainly to environmental and climate changes.

During the project “LIFE09 NAT/IT/000099–SICALECONS–Urgent actions for the conservation of Alectoris graeca whitakeri”, this species was censused in the ZPS ITA010029 Monte Cofano, Capo San Vito and Monte Sparagio (Trapani province, Sicily) with playback technique between March and April 2011. Superimposing a UTM grid of 1 km mesh on the study area produced cells of 100 hectares. Using a GPS satellite receiver we reached, where possible, the centre of each cell from where the cospecific call was broadcasted. A total of 163 listening stations were implemented. Using software GIS ARCMAP 10.0 (ESRI) presence data were interpolated with vegetational and phytosociological maps (CORINE) to establish rock partridge’s suitable area. The range of the rock partridge in the ZPS was calculated to be 9,893 hectares, corresponding to approximately 65% of the ZPS. A total of 29 individuals were counted, corresponding to 5 pairs and 19 calling males.The Sicilian rock partridge population in the ZPS...

TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 2021

The genus Alectoris includes seven recognized species distributed in southern Europe, Northern Africa, Asia, and Arabian Penisula (Madge & McGowan, 2002; del Hoyo et al., 2014). Three species are native to Italy: A. barbara in Sardinia, A. rufa (red-legged partridge) occurring the northern Apennines and central Italy and A. graeca (the rock partridge) whose distribution includes the Alps, central Italy, and southern Italy. While those from the Alps prefer high altitudes, its distribution areas in southern regions are rocky areas and barren plains. Sicily (Italy) hosts a "relict", endemic subspecies as A. graeca whitakeri (Schiebel, 1934), commonly known as Sicilian Rock Partridge (Randi and Lucchini, 1998; Randi et al., 2003, Randi, 2006). A. graeca is considered 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but the Sicilian subspecies is even more endangered based on the IUCN Red List rating of endangered species (Rondinini et al., 2013). A graeca whitakeri has been included in Annex I of the 'Birds Directive' (79/409/EEC) as well as Annex III of the Berne Convention, and, in recent years, all subspecies of A. graeca have been included in Annex I of the 'Birds Directive' (2009/147/EEC).

Data

We report an updated and expanded list of Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) haplotypes found in wild animals throughout the Apennines of central Italy. Samples were collected and identified during a monitoring program of autochthonous Galliformes and from a private collection. The haplotypes were identified on a longer fragment of the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) based on previously reported haplotypes. This novel evidence, based on a wider sampling area and a higher number of analyzed specimens, will be of relevance in both conservation projects and gamebird breeding for restock, as imposed by the Italian Action Plan. Studying longer fragments can also be useful for phylogeographic analysis.

Wildlife Biology, 2004

About 27% of Galliform species are threatened with extinction compared to 12% of bird species on a global scale. Moreover, up to twothirds of unthreatened Galliform species are declining (Rands 1992, Potts & Aebischer 1995, UNEP-WCMC 2001). In Europe, most Galliform species have an unfavourable conservation status and are classified as 'Species of European Conser

Animal Conservation, 2003

Changes in abundance and the risk of extinction of the rock partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis in the Dolomitic Alps were investigated using a density-dependent model that incorporated dispersal and environmental stochasticity. The study was based on spring and summer counts collected from sample areas in geographically distinct mountain groups. Extinction probability was investigated by simulating a discrete population and a metapopulation consisting of local populations connected by dispersal. Persistence was not guaranteed when the species was examined as a discrete population. When we used a metapopulation approach, the persistence was assured but local extinctions with subsequent recolonizations of a number of empty areas were observed. The analysis was repeated using hunting statistics, when there were no restrictions on hunting policies, and a similar high extinction pattern was found. Our simulations suggested that long-term persistence of rock partridge could be guaranteed only when immigration was included into the demographic model. However, if the increased population's fragmentation recorded since the 1950s persists the extinction of some of the subpopulations appears inevitable.