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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:
20 cm (length)
Distribution:
Two disjunct populations occur. The subspecies Polihierax semitorquatus semitorquatus (sequenced here) occurs from Angola to northern South Africa, while P. s. castanonotus is found from South Sudan to Somalia and south to Tanzania.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
78.63 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.48 kilobases
Assembly N50:
2 723.9 kilobases
Contig number:
3 739
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
1.22 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 98.4%, D: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Polihierax semitorquatus
Pygmy falcon
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Importance:
The pygmy falcon is important to South African biodiversity, helping control insect and small vertebrate populations in arid environments. It exhibits cooperative breeding, where non breeding individuals assist in raising chicks, which may enhance breeding success. Finally, the pygmy falcon does not build its own nest but instead breeds in the large communal nests of the sociable weaver in South Africa. This a fascinating example of a commensal relationship, with some mutualistic benefits.
Date Published:
2025-07-17
Awaiting DOI
Photo credit:
© Robert Thomson
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