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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
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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