Six Genomes of Chameleons from Ethiopia Have Been Published in Genbank
Genome Sequencing of Reptiles: Methodology and Concerns
A brief study conducted by three researchers focuses on genome sequencing in reptiles. A total of 101 wild reptile species were sampled from Ethiopia, Guyana, Mexico, and the USA. However, the methodology regarding sample collection remains unclear, as the authors did not specify whether whole animals or tissue samples were used. DNA extraction was carried out using the Qiagen DNAeasy Kit, while sequencing was performed with Illumina TruSeq Kits.
All genome sequences have been deposited in GenBank, including entries for
- Chamaeleo dilepis (JBHLFC000000000),
- Chamaeleo laevigatus (JBIELG000000000),
- Trioceros affinis (JBHUPM000000000),
- Trioceros balebicornutus (JBHZFU000000000),
- Trioceros harennae (JBHRFO000000000),
- Chamaeleo gracilis (JBINKK000000000).
These species had previous records in GenBank, but new genomic data may provide additional insights.
Commentary: Limitations and Potential Issues
While adding genomes to GenBank is useful, purely methodological studies have limited scientific impact unless the data is properly interpreted and analyzed. Without comparative studies or detailed assessments, such raw data remains solely technical, offering little to biological research.
Additionally, Ethiopian reptile samples present significant challenges. Chamaeleo dilepis is highly atypical for Ethiopia and likely represents different taxa or cryptic species, as does Chamaeleo gracilis. Trioceros affinis is composed of at least four to seven cryptic taxa, including the recently described Trioceros wolfgangboehmei, while other unidentified lineages remain hidden. Trioceros balebicornutus and Trioceros harennae are more clearly defined, although T. harennae includes two subspecies of unclear status.
If these genomic records are not properly assessed and identified, the resulting data could lead to confusion and taxonomic misinterpretations. Without robust phylogenetic validation, conclusions drawn from these sequences may be misleading.
To avoid confusion, following approaches should be executed:
Phylogenetic Analysis – Compare genomic sequences with well-documented species to verify taxonomic placement and identify possible cryptic species.
Morphological Confirmation – Cross-check DNA results with physical characteristics to prevent misidentifications, especially for taxa with known variability.
Geographical Context – Consider ecological distribution and known habitats to validate whether a species is correctly classified.
Taxonomic Review – Consult historical classification records and experts in African herpetofauna to assess discrepancies.
Comparative Genomics – Look for evolutionary divergence among sampled populations to determine whether undescribed species exist.
Colston, T. J., Pirro, S., & Pyron, R. A. (2025). The Complete Genome Sequences of 101 Species of Reptiles. Biodiversity Genomes, February. https://doi.org/10.56179/001c.129597