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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:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
4 cm length
Distribution:
Bullacris unicolor occurs predominantly along the west coast of South Africa, in the Northern Cape and Western Cape, with isolated populations along the southern coast into the Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
259 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
4.97 kilobases
Assembly N50:
19 687.55 kilobases
Contig number:
5 192
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
6.3 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
97.7% [S: 93.2%, D: 4.5%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Bullacris unicolor
Bladder grasshopper
Importance:
Bladder grasshoppers are unusual insects, largely endemic to Southern Africa and highly specialised for sound communication. Male Bullacris unicolor produce loud calls using an inflated abdomen that amplifies sound. Common in Namaqualand during spring, the species is known locally for its distinctive night-time “hekiejee” call.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Vanessa Couldridge
University of the Western Cape
Date Published:
2026-06-09
Photo credit:
© V. Couldridge
Fauna
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