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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:
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
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