3.5.3 ΔFST indicator
A statistically significant increase of F ST is observed in one metapopulation (Skåarnja 2), and significant decrease ofF ST in two systems (Jougdadalen and Hotagen 4). However, when translating these changes to reflect changes in gene flow among subpopulations none of these three cases exceed the proposed limiting values for the ΔF ST indicator and they are thus classified as “Good” (Figure 7b). Skåarnja 2 exhibit an initial F ST of 0.159 (in the 1970-80s sample), a 25% decrease in gene flow correspond to a limiting upper value forF ST of 0.202 while the observed present (2010s)F ST was F ST=0.180 (corresponding to a 14% decrease in gene flow) and thus below the limit. In Jougdadalen and Hotagen 4 F ST has decreased significantly, indicating that gene flow has increased in these systems. In Jogdadalen, F ST decreased from 0.054 (past) to 0.042 (present), corresponding to a 31% increase in genetic exchange. Similarly, gene flow increased by 30% in Hotagen 4 (past F ST=0.103 and presentF ST=0.080). Since the increase in gene flow did not exceeded 50% in neither of these metapopulations, they are both classified as “Good” (Figure 7b).