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Unlocking

THE SECRETS OF LIFE

1KSA Decodes South Africa's Biodiversity
Imagine a treasure trove of genetic information, holding the key to understanding the incredible diversity of life in South Africa.

SPECIES

CARDS

91

ASSEMBLED

GENOMES

102

SAMPLES

SEQUENCED

148

SAMPLES

RECEIVED

177

SPECIES

NOMINATED

379

BACTERIA

SEQUENCED

534

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Recently added Species

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Thinopyrum distichum

It is the sole species of the genus that occurs in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a wild relative of bread wheat and is a halophyte.

Coastal Wheatgrass

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Secale africanum

This is the only rye species from southern Africa. It is palatable and has been used for grazing. It is not known whether it was used as a cereal by the indigenous peoples in the past (pza.sanbi.org/secale africanum).

African rye

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Pteronia glauca

This species is an iconic pasture plant of South Africa's dry interior (the Karoo). Its leaves have a pungent yet pleasantly herbal aroma when bruised. This aromatic flavour is associated with the distinctive taste of Karoo lamb.

Boegoekaroo

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Unveiling the Secrets of Oxalis

Join Dr Kenneth Oberlander and his team at the University of Pretoria as they delve into the evolutionary biology of Oxalis, a plant genus rich in diversity and peculiarities.

Discover the dual nature of Oxalis species—from invasive weeds to endangered natives—and how the 1KSA initiative is pivotal in studying these contrasts through genomics.

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Discovering the Genetic Secrets of the Cape Grysbok

Join Prof. Paulette Bloomer from the University of Pretoria, Dr Deon de Jager from the University of Copenhagen, and Dr Anri Van Wyk from the University of Pretoria as they delve into the fascinating world of the Cape Grysbok - Raphicerus melanotis.

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Exploring the mysteries of Bryde’s Whales

Join PhD student Dominique Paynee and Prof. Paulette Bloomer from the University of Pretoria as they explore the genetic secrets of South Africa’s Bryde's whale.

 

Discover how cutting-edge genomic techniques are being used to study population dynamics, understand local and global connectivity, and assess the conservation needs of these marine giants.

Explore 1KSA Stories

1KSA is sequencing all orders of biodiversity!

1KSA Phylogenetic Tree

If exploring nature's marvels inspires you, then this genomic adventure awaits your curiosity and expertise!

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