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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Up to 18 m tall
Size:
Up to 18 m tall
Distribution:
The species is native to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa (including, but not limited to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). In South Africa, it is found in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, North West and some parts of Northern and Eastern Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
86.86 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
17.18 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.39 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 97.4%, D: 1.4%]
Importance:
Sclerocarya birrea is an economically and culturally important African tree, valued for products such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, cosmetic oil, and its traditional medicinal uses, while also supporting rural livelihoods. Its drought tolerant and deep rooting system make it important in agroforestry and ecosystem resilience. Sequencing its genome will improve understanding of its biology, support conservation and breeding efforts, and enhance sustainable commercial development.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Eshchar Mizrachi
University of Pretoria
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
Fauna
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