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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 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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