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Group:
Moncot
Estimated genome size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Size:
50 to 100 cm in height
Distribution:
Endemic to South Africa, the Miracle Clivia Lily is known to occur in the Oorlogskloof area near the town of Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape. The species has only been recorded in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, where two subpopulations are found on the Bokkeveldberge plateau.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
426.45 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.38 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
15.12 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 69.9%, D: 29.4%]
Importance:
Clivia mirabilis survives in an unusually arid environment compared with other Clivia species, which is why it is known as the “miracle lily”. Its distinctive hardiness has made it desirable for breeders seeking to improve ornamental Clivia lines. However, heavy illegal poaching has removed thousands of plants from the wild. This leaves the remaining population dangerously small and at risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Felix Middleton
Clivia Society of South Africa
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
Size:
Adults usually measure 30 - 45 cm, but in populations at the extremes of their distribution, they often attain 60 - 75 cm.
Distribution:
The leopard tortoise ranges widely across eastern and southern Africa, from
Ethiopia and Kenya southward through Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, and South Africa. It inhabits savanna, grassland, and semi-arid scrub habitats, preferring loose soil for burrowing.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
66.19 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
9.32 kilobases
Assembly N50:
5 360.99 kilobases
Contig number:
2 219
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
2.46 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
100.0% [S: 97.3%, D: 2.7%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Stigmochelys pardalis
Leopard tortoise
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Importance:
The leopard tortoise is a keystone species in South African savannas, grazing, dispersing seeds, and shaping microhabitats. Genome sequencing can reveal resilience traits, population connectivity, and guide conservation strategies to safeguard the species and maintain ecosystem stability under climate change.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© Z. Zhao
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