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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
20-30 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Republic of South Africa (Limpopo Province), Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Angola
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
90.09 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.17 kilobases
Assembly N50:
964.52 kilobases
Contig number:
9 137
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
2.38 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 98.0%, D: 1.6%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Acontias occidentalis
Western burrowing skink
Importance:
Acontias occidentalis is a Southern African endemic legless skink that represents a highly specialized fossorial lineage within the region. It contributes to soil ecosystem processes and reflects unique evolutionary adaptations to subterranean life. Sequencing its genome enables study of limb loss and body elongation, improves skink phylogenetic resolution, and provides essential genomic resources for conservation and detection of cryptic diversity.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-05-06
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
Fauna
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