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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:
Mollusc
Estimated genome size:
Size:
17 - 23 mm
Distribution:
The smooth shuffler is found along the East African coast, ranging from South Africa to Tanzania. It is also found in Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Comoros.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
54.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
8.28 kilobases
Assembly N50:
6 843.31 kilobases
Contig number:
985
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
17 - 23 mm
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.6% [S: 95.7%, Duplicated: 3.9%]
BUSCO database:
eukaryota
Tropidophora ligata
Smooth shuffler
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Importance:
South Africa's indigenous terrestrial snails are valuable bioindicators due to their restricted ranges and microhabitat specialization. Habitat loss threatens many species, highlighting the need to understand their diversity and ecology. The genus Tropidophora is especially interesting, as its closest relatives are intertidal periwinkles (Littorinidae), yet little is known about its terrestrial adaptations.
Date Published:
2026-02-04
Photo credit:
© H. Lehmann
Fauna
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