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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:
Amphibian
Estimated genome size:
Size:
115 to 147mm
Distribution:
This species is restricted to a narrow coastal strip from the Cape Peninsula to Agulhas National Park, with intermediate populations now locally extinct.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
135.64 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
3.53 kilobases
Assembly N50:
81.63 kilobases
Contig number:
110 518
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
TBA
Genome Length:
3.6 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
86.7% [S: 86.3%, D: 0.4%]
BUSCO database:
TBA
Sclerophrys pantherina
Western Leopard Toad
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Importance:
The Western Leopard Toad is a narrow endemic of the Western Cape, South Africa, with several populations already lost. The remaining few are critical to the species’ survival. Although it has shown some adaptability to urban and agricultural landscapes, it persists only in these heavily modified areas. Growing threats in these environments place the remaining, genetically distinct, populations at high risk of extinction.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Jessica da Silva
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Date Published:
2025-06-23
Photo credit:
© L. Verburgt
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