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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:
Bird
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Adults are typically 60 – 70 cm tall and weigh 2.2 – 4 kg.
Distribution:
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is found along the southwestern coast of Africa, breeding at coastal sites and islands in Namibia and South Africa, including Halifax, Ichaboe, Dassen, Robben, St Croix, and Boulders Beach.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
105.39 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.82 kilobases
Assembly N50:
1 200.62 kilobases
Contig number:
2 543
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Flye
Genome Length:
1.25 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.2% [Single: 98.0%, Duplicated: 1.2%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Spheniscus demersus
African Penguin
Importance:
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is an important indicator of ocean health and marine ecosystem change. As a top coastal predator, it helps maintain food web balance and supports ecotourism in southern Africa. Its rapid decline highlights the need for urgent conservation action.
Date Published:
2026-06-03
Photo credit:
© P. Ryan
Fauna
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