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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:
12 cm (maximum total carapace length).
Distribution:
Found along the southern coastal area of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
90.94 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.55 kilobases
Assembly N50:
21 732.26 kilobases
Contig number:
2 174
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.44 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100.0% [Single: 97.3%, Duplicated: 2.7%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Homopus areolatus
Common Padloper
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Importance:
The parrot-beaked tortoise (Homopus areolatus) is a South African endemic that contributes to vegetation dynamics and seed dispersal in the Cape Floristic Region. It is also distinctive among tortoises, with four digits on all four feet. Its newly generated genome assembly provides an important resource for conservation studies on population structure, local adaptation and climate resilience.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-06-04
Photo credit:
© Z. Zhao
Fauna
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