The saola, one of the most critically endangered species in the world and on the IUCN red list, is a very rare and distinct species that was discovered only around a couple of decades before in May 1992, often called the “Asian Unicorn.” We will look into the details of how the saola was discovered,.
Why is the saola endangered?
Multiple issues have converged to make the Saola one of the world’s most endangered mammals, but all are solvable. Saola is threatened primarily by hunting, rather than habitat loss. The main hunting threat comes from commercial poaching, not subsistence hunting by local people.
Your research on Saola is very detailed. There are many critically endangered species and if we don’t act now, they may vanish from earth. Thanks for this activism. Rose-the planner from Toronto, Ontario-Canada on June 20, 2013: Wow .this is fascinating! What a shame that such a recently discovered, beautiful species like the saola is endangered.
In Southeast Asia, most endangered species of wildlife are threatened by targeted offtake for the wildlife trade, either for bushmeat or traditional Asian medicine. Paradoxically, Saola is one of few large animals in the region without a significant price on its head.
How are saola caught in the wild?
Local villagers report that saola are often caught accidentally in snares set in the forest for wild boar, sambar, or muntjac deer—the snares are set for subsistence use and crop protection.
How many Saola are there in captivity?
None exist in captivity and this rarely-seen mammal is already critically endangered. Scientists have categorically documented saola in the wild on only four occasions to date. Map data provided by IUCN.
What happened to the saola that was captured?
A saola that was captured by the villagers in Laos in August 2010, died even before the conservationists could release it safely into the wild. Studies were conducted on its carcass to learn more about the animal. “ Saola ” means “ Spindle horned ” in the Tai ( Language in Vietnam) and Lao language. WWF – W orld W ildlife F und.
You should be thinking “What is the main threat to the saola?”
One source claimed the main threats to the saola are hunting and fragmentation of its range through habitat loss. Local villagers report that saola are often caught accidentally in snares set in the forest for wild boar, sambar, or muntjac deer—the snares are set for subsistence use and crop protection.
Why is the saola population decreasing?
29) According to the Saola Working Group, the #1 cause of their decreasing population is hunting. Saola are often caught in snares meant for boar, sambar, or muntjac deer. Local villagers use traps to capture food and protect their crops, and this unfortunately means the occasional Saola gets snagged.