Enables single-stranded telomeric DNA binding activity. Acts upstream of or within chromosome organization. Located in chromosome, telomeric region. Part of nuclear telomere cap complex. Is expressed in several structures, including basisphenoid bone; brain; genitourinary system; musculature; and otic capsule. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in familial melanoma and high grade glioma. Orthologous to human POT1 (protection of telomeres 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]