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Group:

Eudicot

Estimated genome size:

1.5 m in height

Size:

1.5 m in height

Distribution:

Brunia noduliflora occurs from the Cederberg southwards to the Cape Peninsula and eastwards as far as the Cockscomb in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains of the Eastern Cape, at altitudes from near sea level to approximately 1 500 m.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

39.88 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

16.91 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.72 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.40% [S: 47.0%, D: 50.0%]

Importance:

Brunia noduliflora is the most widespread species in the subgenus Brunia and occurs across diverse fynbos habitats in the Cape Floristic Region. Its broad ecological range makes it valuable for studying diversification and adaptation within the Bruniaceae.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Leanne Dreyer
Stellenbosch University

Group:

Reptile

Estimated genome size:

Size:

Maximum 13 cm

Distribution:

This species occurs exclusively on the west coast of South Africa, found only within the Succulent Karoo Biome, one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

47.2 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

6.32 kilobases

Assembly N50:

450.04 kilobases

Contig number:

16 117

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Assembler used:

TBA

Genome Length:

2.2 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

97.3% [S: 95.3%, D: 2.3%]

BUSCO database:

TBA

Psammobates tentorius trimeni

Namaqualand tent tortoise

Species Card Details

Importance:

The Namaqualand tent tortoise is a vibrant and highly polymorphic seed disperser. Widely regarded as the most colourful tortoise in the world, it has a more restricted range than other tent tortoise species. Listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, it faces pressures from habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and increasing aridity. No genomic studies have been conducted on any tortoise species in Africa or the Southern Hemisphere.

Sample Contributor contact details:

Dr Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State

Date Published:

2025-06-23

Photo credit:

© Zhongning Zhao

Fauna

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