Summary Genetic characterization is an essential issue in the conservation and breeding programs of countries. In current study, RAPD markers were used to investigate population genetic parameters of gray partridge (Alectoris chukkar) in four different areas as a part of genetic conservation program in Khorasan, Iran. The objective was to analyze the genetic similarity between these populations. Partridge considered as an endangered species, that population size is reduced because of illegal hunting. Twenty five partridge blood samples from different areas were used for DNA extraction and RAPD-PCR analysis. The results indicate, mean heterozygosity for four different areas were 0.4137, 0.4152, 0.3599 and 0.3204 respectively, while average heterozygosity was about 0.4278. Findings suggested that partridge population in Khorasan province had low level of diversity, may be due to introgression between populations or limited population size because of large amount of illegal hunting.

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