Saola

Recently discovered, already threatened

Common Name		Saola ; Vu Quang Ox; Saola (Fr); Saola (Sp)
Scientific Name		Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Habitat		Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane
Location		Indochina
Status>		IUCN Endangered (EN C1+2a(i))
Population		70-1,000 in the wild, but likely to be less than 500

Background

This profile has been reviewed by Barney Long, Project Manager, MOSAIC Programme, WWF-Indochina.

With its unusually long horns and characteristic white markings on the face, the saola is a strong symbol for biodiversity in Lao and Vietnam. Discovered in May 1992, during a joint survey carried out by the Ministry of Forestry of Vietnam and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the Vu Quang Nature Reserve (north-central Vietnam), the species remains almost as elusive today as it was more than a decade ago.

Despite the little information available on this saola, there is no doubt that its existence is severely threatened. Since its discovery, it is believed to have rapidly declined in the face of ever-growing hunting pressure, although the actual size of the remaining population is unknown.

The saola's rarity, distinctiveness and vulnerability make it one of the greatest priorities for conservation in the region.

WWF has been involved with the protection of the species since its discovery. The organisation has helped improve the management of Vu Quang Nature Reserve, one of the protected areas where the species is found, and has also supported the livelihoods of local people. In addition, surveys are scheduled in 2005 to set up a saola protected area in Thua Thien - Hue province, while distribution surveys have been made in Quang Nam.

WWF is currently helping the Government of Vietnam to write an action plan for the saola, and in Lao the organization is working with the Wildlife Conservation Society to help update an existing action plan for the species. For more information on WWF's work in the Annamites, including saola conservation, view the MOSAIC On The Ground project feature.

Physical Description

The saola is a primitive member of the Bovidae family, which includes antelopes, buffalo, bison, cattle, goats and sheep. The species is recognized by two parallel horns with sharp ends, which can reach 50 cm. These are found on both males and females, probably as a means of defense. Striking white markings are observed on the face, and there are large maxillary glands on the muzzle that may be used to mark territory or attract mates.

Size
An adult saola is estimated to weigh from 80 to 100 kg, and one captive adult females measured 84 cm tall at the shoulder.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan Realm

Range States
Lao People's Democratic Republic, Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Geographical Location
Indochina

Ecological Region
Annamite Range Moist Forests

Interesting Facts

Some individuals have been reported to break small saplings in half by wedging them between their horns and suddenly twisting their head. Although the significance of this behaviour is not known, similar traits in other ungulates are used for territorial marking.