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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
0.3 meters in height.
Size:
0.3 meters in height.
Distribution:
Found in grassland habitats across Southern Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
122.04 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.24 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
2.75 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 60.8%, D: 38.8%]
Importance:
Some populations of this species in the Barberton region of South Africa have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel, making this species ideal for a comparative genomics approach to understand the evolution of this extreme phenotype.
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
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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
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