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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:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
4 mm
Distribution:
Exclusive to the Western Cape province.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.91 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.69 kilobases
Assembly N50:
4 195.23 kilobases
Contig number:
1 636
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.33 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 97.7%, D: 2.2%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Amitermes hastatus
Black mound termite
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Importance:
Amitermes hastatus plays a significant role in South African biodiversity as a key decomposer in the fynbos biome, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Sequencing the genome of this species important because it can: ① Illuminate genetic adaptations to nutrient-poor, fire adapted environments; ② Provide insight into the evolution of sociality in termites within an ecologically unique context; ③ Support comparative genomics across termite lineages, particularly within the diverse and underrepresented southern African termite fauna; ④ Enhance understanding of species responses to climate change and habitat transformation in fynbos systems.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Barbara van Asch
Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department
Date Published:
2025-10-24
Photo credit:
© D. Gergonne
Fauna
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