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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:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
22 cm maximum (total body length)
Distribution:
Western and Southern coastal areas of South Africa
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
36.6 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
7.34 kilobases
Assembly N50:
100.98 kilobases
Contig number:
37 324
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.37 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
90.2% [S: 83.1%, D: 7.1%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Chersina angulata
Angulate tortoise
Importance:
The angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) is an endemic keystone herbivore of South Africa's Cape region, shaping vegetation structure and seed dispersal in the Cape Floristic Region. Its sequenced genome will support conservation genomics, clarify population structure and local adaptation, inform responses to climate change, and improve phylogenetic resolution within the tortoise family for effective long-term management.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-04-29
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
Fauna
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