The saola, also known as the ‘Asian Unicorn,’ was the most surprising zoological discovery of the 20th century. It earned this nickname as this enigmatic species remains widely unknown, with little known about its behaviour and biology. In fact, scientists are still working on identifying basic information such as its footprints, highlighting just how mysterious this animal is. Yet, this exceptionally rare creature is already one of the most critically endangered large species.

Discovered in 1992 in Vietnam, this weird-looking antelope of around 90 kg has unique characteristics, with two parallel sharp horns and white marks on its fur. This solitary and elusive animal lives only in the forests of the Annamite Mountains. With no specimens in captivity, the species relies on wild populations.

Saola’s population is quickly decreasing due to human activities. Though saola are not directly targeted, wildlife trade and poaching remain the primary threats. The animals often get caught in traps and die due to the remoteness of their habitats. Bill Robichaud, the Saola Foundation‘s co-founder, states in the video by One Planet Conservation Awareness, “There is no site in the Annamite mountains where the remaining saola are safe from this overwhelming poaching.”

With no official population count, conservationists rely heavily on sightings from local villagers. According to Lorraine Scotson, the Saola Foundation’s co-founder and CEO, the last confirmed saola sighting was in 2013 in Vietnam, captured by a WWF camera trap.

Photo Credit: Last known wild photo of the saola, 2013, WWF Vietnam; provided by the Saola Foundation for Annamite Mountains Conservation.

Local governments and organisations are working to save the species. However, Scotson explained, “Because we know so little about saola, we don’t know which methods […] are the most efficient” to protect them. Tracking and recording saola populations is difficult, especially without knowing what their footprints look like.

Even though the saola was discovered less than 30 years ago, this animal is already on the edge of extinction. Its loss could have detrimental consequences for the local ecosystem. As a large species, the saola plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. However, due to the lack of information, conservationists still need to determine the exact impact of its disappearance.

To ensure its survival, the Asian unicorn must become the highest priority in conservation programs. Without significant efforts, the last saola could face extinction within the next couple of years, according to the Saola Working Group.

Photo Credit: © 1999 William Robichaud, Ban Vangban village, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); provided by the Saola Foundation for Annamite Mountains Conservation.