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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:
18-25 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, southern Angola, Zambia, Eswatini
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
71.28 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.17 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1114.67 kilobases
Contig number:
10 320
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.5 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 98.4%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Agama aculeata
Ground Agama
Importance:
Agama aculeata is a widespread, common ground agama in southern Africa that helps control insects and thrives in natural and disturbed habitats. Sequencing its genome would resolve taxonomic uncertainty within the species complex, uncover genetics of coloration, thermal tolerance and urban adaptation, improve agama phylogeny, and aid conservation and monitoring.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-05-20
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
Fauna
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