Abstract
A recent study of rock ptarmigan population genetics in Europe found that the Pyrenean ptarmigan had a very low genetic diversity compared with that found in the Alps and Scandinavia. This genetic impoverishment is particularly marked at the eastern limit of the Pyrenean range where the population is small and isolated from the main mountain chain. To improve the genetic diversity of this population at risk, an experimental translocation program has recently been carried out as part of the European project “Gallipyr”. From 2008 to 2011, 12 rock ptarmigan were transferred from the main chain to the isolated population and radio-monitored. Subsequently, we did not find any differences in either survival rates or dispersion distances between transferred and resident birds. Out of 9 reproductive attempts involving at least one transferred female or male, 5 were successful and resulted in a total of 23 fledged young. We are monitoring the allelic richness and heterozygosity of the ptarmigan in the isolated population to see if the translocation results in an increase in genetic diversity.