top of page
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:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Size:
0.5 - 1 cm in length
Distribution:
The southern harvester termite (Microhodotermes viator) is found throughout Southern Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
29.43 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.45 kilobases
Assembly N50:
8 207.35 kilobases
Contig number:
1 183
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.93 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
97.3% [S: 95.0%, D: 2.3%]
BUSCO database:
insecta
Microhodotermes viator
nov. subspecies
Southern Harvester Termite
Importance:
Microhodotermes viator is widely distributed across Southern Africa and plays an important role in soil composition. Namaqualand populations are associated with some of the oldest active termite mounds in the world, highlighting the species’ ecological significance.
Date Published:
2026-06-09
Photo credit:
© D. Gergonne
Fauna
bottom of page