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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Greater than 18 mm
Size:
Greater than 18 mm
Distribution:
Anthia decemguttata inhabits sandy areas of the Karoo and fynbos regions in South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, it occurs in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
71.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.56 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.51 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100.0% [S: 98.8%, D: 1.2%]
Importance:
Anthia decemguttata belongs to the family Carabidae, a group of beetles that includes important predators. Carabids are abundant in agricultural fields worldwide and may help control agricultural pests naturally.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Charlene Janion-Scheepers
University of Cape Town
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 white lion is naturally restricted to the Timbavati Greater Kruger region of northeastern South Africa, making it one of the most geographically localised large-mammal colour variants in the world.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
98.7 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
11.72 kilobases
Assembly N50:
77 724.15 kilobases
Contig number:
286
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.47 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 93.3%, D: 5.5%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Panthera leo
White lion (African lion)
Importance:
Lions are classified as vulnerable. The white lion is a naturally occurring colour variant caused by a recessive gene (leucism), not albinism. They are extremely rare, and their genomes have never been sequenced. Both the tawny and white lions are an important part of Kruger National Park's natural biodiversity.
Date Published:
2026-04-22
Photo credit:
© P. Bakker
Fauna
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