Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)

Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis): In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, an international team of scientists has successfully mapped the genome of the elusive saola often referred to as the "Asian unicorn.“

• About Saola : One of the rarest large land mammals, was first discovered in 1992 by the Vietnamese Ministry of Forestry and WWF. It is known for its long, parallel horns (up to 20 inches) in both sexes and distinctive white facial markings.

  o Scientific Name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis.

  o Common Names: Saola, Asian Unicorn, Spindlehorn.

  o Appearance: Known for its dark brown coat, white markings on its face, and two long, straight horns that are present on both males and females.

  o Habitat: Forests in the Annamite Range in Vietnam and Laos.

  o IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.

  o Threats: Primarily hunting, particularly commercial snaring to supply the wildlife trade.