top of page
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Maximum 15 cm for female, 10.5 cm for male
Distribution:
The Karoo tent tortoise occurs only in the lower and central Karoo region, between Touws River and Makhanda.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
107.98 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.35 kilobases
Assembly N50:
3 436.17 kilobases
Contig number:
7201
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
2.24 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 97.3%, D: 2.4%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Psammobates tentorius tentorius
Karoo tent tortoise
.jpg)
Importance:
The Karoo tent tortoise is an important seed disperser for various plant species and endemic to South Africa. It is arguably one of the most taxonomically confusing and morphologically polymorphic species of Testudines. It is listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN and is confined to the central and lower Karoo regions. Remarkably, no genomic studies have been conducted on any tortoise species in Africa or across the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2025-07-17
Photo credit:
© Zhongning Zhao
Fauna
bottom of page