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Phylum:
Chordata
Estimated genome size:
3 – 4 meters
Organism size:
3 – 4 meters
Distribution:
Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
110.47 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
8.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
3.16 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 82.7%, D: 15.3%]
Importance:
African savanna elephants are the largest land animals and crucial ecosystem engineers. Listed as endangered by the IUCN Red list, they are vital for South African tourism. This project aims to sequence the genome of a wild bull elephant from a native KZN population, providing valuable genetic data beyond existing zoo based or outdated sequences.
Sample Contributor contact details
Dr Carel J. Oosthuizen
University of Pretoria
Phylum:
Magnoliophyta
Estimated genome size:
800 million DNA base pairs (0.8 Gigabases)
Organism size:
~ 0.5 - 2 meters (height)
Distribution:
Spekboom is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, particularly in the Karoo regions, where the semi-arid conditions are ideal for this resilient plant.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
75.56 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
22.81 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.45 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99%
Portulacaria afra
Spekboom
Importance:
Spekboom is known for its carbon sequestration, adaptability to harsh environments and soil binding properties that can help prevent erosion. It has low water requirements and edible leaves that are high in Vitamin C, enjoyed by wild animals (especially elephants) and humans alike.
Sample Contributor contact details
Ernst Van Jaarsveld,
University of Western Cape | Babylonstoren
Date Published
2023-3-1
Photo credit:
© D. Erasmus
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