Have you ever heard of the Asian unicorn? But don’t be fooled by its name. It is one of the rarest and most mysterious mammals in the world. Despite its mythical nickname, the Saola is very real, though so elusive that scientists have documented only a few confirmed sightings since its discovery in 1992 in the remote forests along the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. This fascinating species is a member of the bovid family, making it a distant cousin of cattle, yet it bears a closer resemblance to antelopes, with its slender body, long legs, and graceful movements.

One of its most distinguishing features is its two parallel, slightly curved horns, which can grow up to 51 cm (20 in) long, giving it the nickname spindlehorn. Additionally, the Saola has striking white facial markings, particularly around its eyes and muzzle, as well as large scent glands on its snout, which researchers believe may help it communicate with others of its kind. However, much about the Saola remains unknown due to its extreme rarity. It avoids human contact and inhabits dense, remote forests that are difficult for researchers to access. Even local villagers who have lived in the region for generations seldom encounter this elusive species.

Unfortunately, despite its mystery and beauty, the Saola is classified as critically endangered. The greatest threats to its survival are habitat destruction and hunting. The expansion of agriculture, logging, and infrastructure projects has led to severe deforestation, fragmenting its habitat. Additionally, although the Saola itself is not a target for poachers, it often falls victim to snare traps set for other animals like wild boars and deer, leading to unintended but fatal consequences.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Laos

2015

Vietnam

2015