Saola

Saola has the scientific name of Pseudoryx Nghetinhensis, also known as the Asian Unicorn, which is one of the rarest mammals in the world living in the Truong Son mountains in Vietnam and Laos. discovered in 1992. Saola is classified as Endangered (endangered in the wild) in the Red Book of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Red Book of Vietnam.

However, so little is known about the Saola that there is no real data on the elusive animal's current population. Because the Saola has only been seen in the wild a handful of times since its remains were first discovered in 1992, population estimates vary wildly from as little as 25 individuals to as many as 750. However, researchers believe that the Saola population is much lower, and most likely less than 250.

Researchers have tried to keep Saola in captivity a few times, but each of these captive Saolas eventually died. This has led conservationists to believe that Saola cannot survive captivity and thus a breeding program can't be established. Most of the information known about the Saola comes from William G. Robichaud, who managed to keep a female Saola in captivity for about 15 days before she died of unknown causes. According to Robichaud's observations, the Saola was not afraid of humans, only dogs.

Location: Annamite Range of Vietnam and Laos

Estimated Number of Mature Individuals: population estimates range from 25 to 700, but believed to be actually fewer than 250

Current Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Scientific Name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis