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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:

Mammal

Genome size:

Size:

Head-body 133-202 mm, tail 58-120 mm, ear 17-5-26 mm, hindfoot 21-38 mm; weight 63-211 g

Distribution:

Widely distributed within grasslands in the north eastern parts of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, into the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

91.99 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.48 kilobases

Assembly N50:

2 781.9 kilobases

Contig number:

3 740

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

1.22 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

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

BUSCO database:

TBA

Otomys auratus

South East African Vlei Rat

Species Card Details

Importance:

The South East African Vlei Rat is a vital component of South African biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem health through seed dispersal, soil aeration, and serving as prey for predators. Genomic data will inform conservation strategies, ensuring the species' survival and ecosystem stability maintenance.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Carel J Oosthuizen
University of Pretoria

Date Published:

2025-07-23

Photo credit:

© M.K. Oosthuizen

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