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Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Size:

10 - 20 cm (total body length)

Distribution:

Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

48.66 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.93 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

1.56 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]

Importance:

It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State

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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