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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

54

ASSEMBLED

GENOMES

73

SAMPLES

SEQUENCED

91

SAMPLES

RECEIVED

113

SPECIES

NOMINATED

250

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Recently added Species

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Loxodonta africana

African savanna elephants are the largest land animals and crucial ecosystem engineers. Listed as endangered by the IUCN Red list, they are vital for South African tourism.

African savanna elephant

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Strelitzia juncea

The rush-leaved strelitzia or narrow-leaved bird of paradise is a striking, drought-resistant plant indigenous to South Africa.

Rush-leaved strelitzia

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Strelitzia caudata

The mountain strelitzia or wild banana is an impressive banana-like plant. It has unique white flowers with a pink tinge emerging from a purple spathe (sheath).

Mountain strelitzia

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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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