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Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Size:
17 cm maximum (total body length).
Distribution:
It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape
provinces of South Africa.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
89.36 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
6.51 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
4.53 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [Single: 50.6%, Duplicated: 49%]
Importance:
The greater padloper tortoise is endemic to South Africa and contributes to ecosystem stability in the Karoo. As the largest species in the genus Homopus, it is of scientific interest for studies of limb development, as it is one of only two Homopus species with four digits on each foot.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
10-20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to southern Africa, including South Africa (Limpopo River Valley, northern Limpopo Province), southern Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
26.19 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.27 kilobases
Assembly N50:
24.88 kilobases
Contig number:
65 311
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
1.22 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
<80%
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Scelotes limpopoensis
Limpopo burrowing skink
Importance:
It serves as an important model species in specific limb development stages in the Scelotes genus (intermediate limb development stage, with forelimb digit = 2-3, hindlimb digit number = 4) and is used to study genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution, occurring in distinct habitats and regions, making them excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Zhongning Zhao
University of the Free State
Date Published:
2026-04-24
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
Fauna
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