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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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
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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
Photo credit:
© C. Wilkinson
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