On September 7th 2013, a World Wildlife Fund camera trap set up in Vietnam photographed a saola in the Central Annamite mountains. This is big news because the last confirmed sighting of this animal was in 1999.
The saola is an antelope type looking animal; however, it is related to cattle. It was discovered in 1992 and since then it has only been seen four times. Due to it's long horns, which can grow up to 50 inches, and its elusiveness, the saola was nicknamed the Asian Unicorn. Since it is so rare, there isn't much known about the animal. Their population is estimated to be anywhere from a few hundred to less than a hundred.
The biggest threat to saolas is questionably ethical wire snares set up by hunters. The sighting of the saola is great news for conservationists in the Annamite mountains because it proves that their hard work is paying off. However, the saola is still threatened with extinction.
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| A rare shot of the elusive saola. |
For more information about the saola, conservation efforts in the Vietnamese forests, and camera trap pictures check out these links:
This is so interesting, well written and all around awesome!!!
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