What is saola?

An international team of scientists has successfully mapped the genome of the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), one of the rarest large land mammals.

• Researchers used fragments from saola remains found in hunters’ households to generate complete genomes for 26 individuals.

• Genetic analysis revealed a split into two populations between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago, likely linked to changes in dense forest distribution during and after the Last Glacial Maximum.

• The saola inhabits the highland forests of the Annamite mountain range, along the Vietnam-Laos border.

• Despite extensive efforts, scientists have never observed a saola alive in the wild.

• It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.

• As of 2015, the estimated population was 50–300 individuals.

The species faces severe threats from:

• Indiscriminate snaring,
• Disturbance from human activities,
• Loss of forest habitat.

The saola’s survival remains uncertain, making conservation efforts urgent.