top of page

Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa

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

bottom of page