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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:

Bird

Estimated genome size:

Size:

70 cm (height) 125 cm (wingspan)

Distribution:

Prince Edward and Crozet Islands

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

65.49 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.48 thousand bases (kilobases)

Assembly N50:

2 723.9 kilobases

Contig number:

3 739

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

Flye

Genome Length:

1.22 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 98.0%, D: 0.8%]

BUSCO database:

eukaryota

Leucocarbo melanogenesis

Crozet shag

Species Card Details

Importance:

This species is critically endangered due to reduced breeding success and inhabits a relatively small geographic area. This genome will be used as a reference genome for future conservation genetics work.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Monica Mwale
SANBI, Centre for Conservation Science

Date Published:

2025-10-14

Photo credit:

© A. Makhado

Fauna

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