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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

Up to 18 m tall

Size:

Up to 18 m tall

Distribution:

The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

86.86 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

17.18 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.39 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]

Importance:

Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria

Group:

Bony fish

Genome size:

1 560 million DNA base pairs (1.56 Gigabases)

Size:

Up to 50 centimeters in length

Distribution:

The Tugela labeo is Endemic to the Tugela River system in South Africa.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.69 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

6.08 kilobases

Assembly N50:

TBA

Contig number:

TBA

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

1.06 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.3% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.4%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Labeo rubromaculatus

Tugela labeo

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Tugela labeo is a freshwater fish species endemic to South Africa. Currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, it is facing population decline due to a variety of recorded threats. It is primarily targeted in occasional recreational angling but also serves as an important species for subsistence fisheries in large dams and riverine habitats.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Gwynneth Matcher
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Date Published:

2025-03-12

Awaiting DOI

Photo credit:

© R. Palmer

Fauna

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