top of page

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:

Mammal

Genome size:

260 Million DNA base pairs (2.6 Gb Giga bases)

Size:

12-13 meter TL

Distribution:

The inshore Bryde's whale population displays a restricted distribution to the continental shelf waters of South Africa, mostly focused on the Agulhas Bank. This population does move up the east coast during autumn and winter as they follow their main prey source, sardine.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

135.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.67 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

2364.73 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.1%

BUSCO database:

TBA

Balaenoptera brydei

Bryde's whale

Species Card Details

Importance:

As the only South African resident baleen whale dependent on economically important pelagic fish, the species has high economic and ecological value in the local marine environment. Many aspects of this elusive population remain unknown. A high quality reference genome is essential from a conservation perspective, as it will serve as a basis for downstream genomic comparisons on both local and global scales, ultimately providing a comprehensive overview of this population's viability.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Paulette Bloomer
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2024-07-11

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© C. Wilkinson

Fauna

bottom of page