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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.11.02.763642

A chromosome-level genome assembly of an endangered large carnivore, the wolverine, Gulo gulo gulo (Linnaeus, 1758)

Torresen, O. K.·Flagstad, O.·Kleven, O.·Strand, M. A.·Skage, M.·Ferrari, G.·Tooming-Klunderud, A.·Jakobsen, K. S.
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Abstract

We describe a chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome assembly from a male wolverine (Gulo gulo gulo). The assembly comprises two pseudo-haplotypes of 2,523.2 Mb and 2,288.4 Mb, with 95.8% and 97.8% scaffolded into 20 autosomal chromosomes and sex chromosomes (placed in haplotype one). Assembly completeness is high (BUSCO 98.2% and 88.9%), with 20,337 and 17,692 annotated protein-coding genes for haplotypes one and two, respectively. Compared to existing wolverine genomes, the current genome is more complete and contains both sex chromosomes. This reference genome will be an important resource for population studies and conservation biology of this large carnivore.

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Torresen, O. K., Flagstad, O., Kleven, O., Strand, M. A., Skage, M., Ferrari, G., Tooming-Klunderud, A., Jakobsen, K. S.. 2026-11-04. A chromosome-level genome assembly of an endangered large carnivore, the wolverine, Gulo gulo gulo (Linnaeus, 1758). https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.11.02.763642

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