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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
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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