The Saola, scientifically named Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is a critically endangered mammal who requires our help!
Saola’s were discovered in May of 1992 through a survey conducted by the Ministry of Forestry of Vietnam and WWF. The skull of a Saola was found in a hunter's home, where the unusually long skull and parallel horns intrigued researchers to pursue studies on the species. The distinct feature of the Saola remains their two parallel horns with sharp ends, found in both males and females. They also have striking white marks on their face and large maxillary glands on the muzzle. These are used to mark territories or attract mates. Currently, their habitat is very limited as they can only be found in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos.
The IUCN estimates the total population of these magnificent creatures to be less than 750, therefore awareness and conservation initiatives are highly important. They are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list. The primary threats to the population are hunting and fragmentation of its range through habitat loss. Many times Saola’s get trapped in snares set out for other animals. And their horns have become a prized trophy, which makes them vulnerable to hunters.
So far, the Governments of both Vietnam and Laos have agreed to work together on a Saola Conservation breeding programme. By their joint consent, the world’s first Saola conservation breeding center will be established at Vietnam’s Bach Ma National Park, where it will be managed by the Wroclaw Zoo.
We hope reading about Saola’s has led you to realize how important it is for us to have knowledge about species who are on the verge of extinction. Follow our other platforms to learn about many more endangered species.
Article by Naisha Dahiya and art by Amrit Srivastava
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