The first season for the reintroduction of the Italian partridge in the SPA Valle del Mezzano started last August and saw the release of a total of 5,250 individuals, immediately monitored in their behavior. In the first period, in fact, the monitoring was carried out with direct observations in the areas surrounding the acclimatization enclosures, walking through transepts of about 1 km and noting both the presence of partridges released outside the enclosures and that of any predators (raptors, foxes, corvids, etc.).

To verify the frequentation of the feeding troughs outside the enclosures by the reintroduced partridges, some camera traps were positioned, which demonstrated their effective use.

In late autumn, from 5 to 8 November, 40 specimens of Italian partridge – 5 for each of the 8 release areas – were recaptured inside the aviaries present in each enclosure and were equipped with radio-collars (Lotek PIP3- Necklace-Ag393).

Feathers were taken from each for genetic characterization and for some biometric measures and, after the application of the radio-collar, each partridge was put back in the aviary for a period of 24 hours, then subsequently released.

Subsequently, the animals were located about 3 times a week using the homing technique (arriving in the vicinity of the animal following the radio signal and visually checking its presence) and the data thus obtained made it possible to evaluate the dispersion of the animals. from the release sites, which stands at an average of 728 m.

The following table shows the average and maximum values ​​of the dispersion of individuals divided by enclosure:

The monitoring revealed that, in general, the females moved further from the enclosures (775 m) than the males (684.4 m).

Radio-telemetry data also highlighted a high mortality of individuals: 13 were found of partridge dead (32.5% of individuals with radio collar) mostly due to predation by birds of prey.

Furthermore, to determine the dispersion of individuals without radio collar, all opportunistic reports were collected from volunteers, hunters, birdwatchers, farmers, etc.

Finally, thanks to the collaboration of ENCI, research sessions for partridges with pointing dogs were carried out. All this information has made it possible to ascertain the presence of partridge groups that have stabilized in other areas of the Mezzano, a few kilometers away from the release fences, with cases of presence even outside the Mezzano Valley.