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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:
Bird
Estimated genome size:
Size:
1 - 1.2 m tall,
wingspan 1.8 - 2.1 m
Distribution:
Endemic to southern Africa, with the main range in South Africa’s grasslands and Karoo, a small population in Etosha National Park (Namibia), and sporadic sightings in Botswana.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
66.72 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.32 kilobases
Assembly N50:
10 888.1 kilobases
Contig number:
2 170
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.22 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100.0% [S: 98.8%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Anthropoides paradiseus
Blue Crane
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Importance:
The Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, is an important part of the country’s rich avian diversity and holds cultural significance. Although the species has adapted to human-altered landscapes such as urban areas and agricultural fields, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Paulette Bloomer
University of Pretoria
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© M. Valentini
Fauna
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