Species Description
The Saola is usually brown or reddish in color, and is included in the family of cattle, goats, and antelopes. Not much is known about the Saola because the species was only recently discovered. It was discovered in 1992, and has only been recorded in the wild four times. They are so rare that they have been nicknamed the "Asian Unicorn," with an estimated population of less than a few hundred.
Species Habitat and Range
Saolas are known to live in forests and mountains. They have been spotted in Laos and Vietnam.
Species Role in Ecosystem
Not much is known about their role and behavior since so few have been spotted. However, being in the family of cattle and antelopes, their roles would be to supply nutrition to the plants that they graze on.
Cause of Decline
The biggest cause of decline in the saola is due to hunting, as well as habitat destruction. Although they are not valued too much by hunters, it is still a threat since so few have been found in existence to begin with.
Why We Should Care
The saola is so rare that scientists are unsure of the exact population. Because so little is known about this animal, it has become a large priority for conservation. It is important to allow them to live and prosper in order for us to learn more about them.
Current Conservation Efforts
Because of their small population, protection programs have been implemented ever since their discovery. There are laws established regarding specific protection areas for saolas. There is also a plan to better manage the region in which they were originally found.
How to Help
The best thing we can to do help these animals is to help with conservation. The biggest threat to them is the destruction of their habitat, so if we can continue to help protect their environment hopefully their population will increase. Protecting their habitat will also decrease their chances of being hunted, since they will no longer be targeted out in the open.
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