top of page

Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

0.3 meters in height.

Size:

0.3 meters in height.

Distribution:

Found in grassland habitats across Southern Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

122.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

9.24 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2.75 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.6% [S: 60.8%, D: 38.8%]

Importance:

Some populations of this species in the Barberton region of South Africa have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel, making this species ideal for a comparative genomics approach to understand the evolution of this extreme phenotype.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Robert Ingle
University of Cape Town

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