ERGA-BGE Genome of the viperine water snake ( <i>Natrix maura</i>): a key species for evolutionary insights of freshwater snakes

The reference genome of the freshwater snake, <i>Natrix maura,</i> offers a crucial resource for uncovering the genetic basis of adaptability to freshwater environments, while providing insights into hybridization and gene flow within the genus <i>Natrix</i>. A total of 18 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules were assembled from the genome sequence, corresponding to the 16 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 1.7 Gb, composed of 284 contigs and 209 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 36.5 Mb and 174.4 Mb, respectively.