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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:
Mammal
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Males:
Length: 2.5-3.3 m
Shoulder Height: 1.2 m
Mass: 150-225 kg
Females:
Length: 2.3-2.7 m
Shoulder Height: 1.0 m
Mass: 110-152 kg
Distribution:
The African lion is largely restricted to eastern and southern Africa, with scattered and declining populations elsewhere. Its distribution is far more limited than in the past. They mainly inhabit savannas and grasslands, open woodlands, and semi arid regions.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
115.83 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10 kilobases
Assembly N50:
108 499.01 kilobases
Contig number:
679
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100% [S: 94.5%, D: 5.5%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Panthera leo
Tawny lion (African lion)
Importance:
Lions are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They face threats such as habitat loss and human-lion conflicts. There are no previous annotated African lion genomes available.
Date Published:
2026-04-22
Photo credit:
© A. Pollard
Fauna
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