Saola
Facts
Often called the Asian unicorn, little is known about the enigmatic saola in the two decades since its discovery. 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.
-
CR
Status
Critically Endangered
-
Population
Unknown
-
Scientific Name
Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
-
Height
Average 33 inches at the shoulder
-
Weight
176-220 lbs
-
Habitats
Evergreen forests with little or no dry season
Map data provided by IUCN.
The saola was discovered in May 1992 during a joint survey carried out by the Ministry of Forestry of Vietnam and WWF in north-central Vietnam. The team found a skull with unusual long, straight horns in a hunter's home and knew it was something extraordinary. The find proved to be the first large mammal new to science in more than 50 years and one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century.
Saola (pronounced: sow-la) are recognized by two parallel horns with sharp ends, which can reach 20 inches in length and are found on both males and females. Meaning “spindle horns” in Vietnamese, they are a cousin of cattle but resemble an antelope. Saola have striking white markings on the face and large maxillary glands on the muzzle, which could be used to mark territory or attract mates. They are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos.
- Places
- Habitats
Living among the trees: Five animals that depend on forests
Forests are very important to us, and to many different species. WWF is working to address the threats to forests, and protect the species that call them home. Check out some of the animals who hang out in forests.

Why They Matter
Threats
- Population Unknown
-
Extinction Risk Critically Endangered
-
EX
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
-
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
-
CR
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
EN
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
VU
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
-
LC
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened
-
EX
With its unusually long horns and white markings on the face, the saola is a strong symbol for biodiversity in Lao and Vietnam.
Hunting
Saola are often caught in snares set in the forest for wild boar, sambar or muntjac deer. Local villagers set some snares for subsistence use and crop protection. Recent increases in lowland people hunting to supply the illegal trade in wildlife has led to a massive increase in hunting, driven by traditional medicine demand in China and restaurant and food markets in Vietnam and Laos.
Habitat Loss
As forests disappear under the chainsaw to make way for agriculture, plantations and infrastructure, saola are being squeezed into smaller spaces. The added pressure from rapid and large-scale infrastructure in the region is also fragmenting saola habitat. Conservationists are concerned that this is allowing hunters easy access to the once untouched forest of the saola and may reduce genetic diversity in the future.
“Only recently discovered, saola are already extremely threatened. At a time when species extinction on the planet has accelerated, we can work together to snatch this one back from the edge of extinction.”
Dr. Barney Long, WWF Asian species expert
What WWF Is Doing

WWF has been involved with the protection of the saola since its discovery. WWF's work to support the saola focuses on strengthening and establishing protected areas. We also work on research, community based forest management, capacity building and strengthening law enforcement.
WWF has been involved in creating a plan for the management of protected areas and continues to work on projects in the region. We helped improve the management of Vu Quang Nature Reserve where the saola was discovered. In the last four years we have helped establish two new adjacent saola reserves in the Thua-Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces. We lead saola surveys, do research and play a very active role in an international working group established to save the saola.
Related Species
-
Irrawaddy Dolphin
-
Asian Elephant
-
Chimpanzee
-
Giant Panda
-
Macaw
-
Jaguar
-
Poison Dart Frog
-
Orangutan
-
African Wild Dog
-
Cross River Gorilla
-
Mountain Gorilla
-
Monarch Butterfly
-
Red Panda
-
Amur Leopard
-
African Elephant
-
Sunda Tiger
-
Sumatran Rhino
-
Brown Bear
-
Tiger
-
Forest Elephant
-
Western Lowland Gorilla
-
Gorilla
-
Eastern Lowland Gorilla
-
Bonobo
-
Bornean Orangutan
-
Black Spider Monkey
-
Tree Kangaroo
-
Javan Rhino
-
Greater One-Horned Rhino
-
Bornean Elephant
-
Sri Lankan Elephant
-
Sumatran Elephant
-
Sloth
-
Continental Tiger