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Group:

Insect

Estimated genome size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Size:

Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.

Distribution:

Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

34.81 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

1.09 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]

Importance:

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa

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

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