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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:
Near-endemic to South Africa, occurring in South Africa (Mpumalanga, extending south to northern KwaZulu Natal) and Eswatini.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
24.25 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.63 kilobases
Assembly N50:
185.25 kilobases
Contig number:
25 296
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.5 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
91.4% [S: 88.2%, D: 3.1%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Scelotes mirus
Montane Burrowing Skink
Importance:
It serves as an important model species in specific limb development stage in Scelotes genus (full limb digit development stage, with forelimb digit = 5, hindlimb digit number = 5) 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:
2026-04-28
Photo credit:
© L. Kemp
Fauna
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