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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:
Wingspan: 10-12 cm
Distribution:
Primarily mopane woodlands in southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.4 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.65 kilobases
Assembly N50:
249.78 kilobases
Contig number:
6 924
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
0.4 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.4% [S: 94.1%, D: 4.3%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Gonimbrasia belina
Mopane worm
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Importance:
Mopane worms are harvested from the wild at a commercial scale in southern Africa for human consumption. Demand has been increasing and harvesting and trade have intensified. Together with habitat loss and climate change, this has raised concerns about the sustainability of the species. The genome sequence will assist in understanding population dynamics and the conservation status of the species.
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© B. van Asch
Fauna
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