Discrepancies in the estimation of gene flow in partula

Methods for estimating gene flow (Nm) from genetic data should provide important insights into the dynamics of natural populations. If they are to be used with confidence, however, the methods must be shown to produce valid results. Estimates of Nm have been obtained for the snails Partula taeniata and Partula suturalis, based on F(ST) and on the frequencies of private alleles, p(1). Jackknifing was used to reduce the bias of estimates and to obtain confidence limits. The estimates derived from F(ST) are consistent with the low vagility of snails, and with direct field studies of gene flow in P. taeniata. In contrast, the estimates derived from p(1) were up to seven times as large, less precise and less consistent. Although the underlying causes of these discrepancies are not clear, the results suggest that F(ST) is the more reliable indirect estimator of gene flow, at least for Partula.