The Saola or Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is a very interesting animal. The Saola is also known as the Asian Unicorn because of its two parallel pointed horns. Since its discovery in May 1992 there hasn’t been much new information about the Asian Unicorn. Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is the largest mammal discovered in the past 50 years! Because of the animals rarity and that there are no Saola in captivity it is very difficult for Zoologists to study these creatures. In fact the Saola is so rare that there have only been four encounters documented.
The Asian Unicorn was first discovered because of a strange skull found in a hunter’s home in Vietnam. The elongated skull sported two oddly long and straight, parallel horns. Further research lead to the discovery of one of the most interesting new mammals of recent years! Saola are recognizable by their twin 20 inch horns,which are found on both males and females. Despite their similarities to the antelope, the asian unicorn in related to cows. Pseudoryx nghetinhensis has are known for the white markings that decorate their face. As well as their large maxillary gland on their muzzle that helps them to attract mates or mark their territory. They are approximately 88.9 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and they weigh about 79.8322571-99.7903214 km (176-220 lb)
Located in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos, Saola prefer the edges of forests. The forests they inhabit tend to be described as evergreen and deciduous woodlands. During the wet season the Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is thought to stay in the mountainous regions. Although, during the winter the Saola moves down to the lowlands. This interesting animal feeds on a simple herbivorous diet of fig leaves, leafy plants, and stems along rivers. Although Saola are normally solitary, they may sometimes travel in pairs.
The Saola give birth during April-June. These creatures is estimated to have an eight month gestation period. Saola lifespan is unknown, all attempted captivity has lead to the animal’s quick death.
Their population is not known or documented but many zoologists believe that their numbers could range from approximately a few hundred to a few dozen, specifically 70 to 750. The forests Soala inhabit get increasing smaller each day as people make room for plantations, agriculture and infrastructure. This pushes all of the Saola into small areas and depletes their food supply. Pseudoryx nghetinhensis also get caught in snares meant for wild boar and other animals. Their small population has led conservationists to worry about genetic diversity in the Asian Unicorns in the future. Experts believe this species has a chance if we act fast to save it. It would be terrible to lose not only a interesting new discovery but also such a cute creature.
Sources:
Bove, Jennifer. "This Endangered 'Asian Unicorn' Has Rarely Been Seen in the Wild." ThoughtCo. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017
"Saola – Pseudoryx Nghetinhensis - Critically Endangered Species." It's Nature - News, Videos & Pictures From the Natural World. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.
"Saola." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.
The Asian Unicorn was first discovered because of a strange skull found in a hunter’s home in Vietnam. The elongated skull sported two oddly long and straight, parallel horns. Further research lead to the discovery of one of the most interesting new mammals of recent years! Saola are recognizable by their twin 20 inch horns,which are found on both males and females. Despite their similarities to the antelope, the asian unicorn in related to cows. Pseudoryx nghetinhensis has are known for the white markings that decorate their face. As well as their large maxillary gland on their muzzle that helps them to attract mates or mark their territory. They are approximately 88.9 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and they weigh about 79.8322571-99.7903214 km (176-220 lb)
Located in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos, Saola prefer the edges of forests. The forests they inhabit tend to be described as evergreen and deciduous woodlands. During the wet season the Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is thought to stay in the mountainous regions. Although, during the winter the Saola moves down to the lowlands. This interesting animal feeds on a simple herbivorous diet of fig leaves, leafy plants, and stems along rivers. Although Saola are normally solitary, they may sometimes travel in pairs.
The Saola give birth during April-June. These creatures is estimated to have an eight month gestation period. Saola lifespan is unknown, all attempted captivity has lead to the animal’s quick death.
Their population is not known or documented but many zoologists believe that their numbers could range from approximately a few hundred to a few dozen, specifically 70 to 750. The forests Soala inhabit get increasing smaller each day as people make room for plantations, agriculture and infrastructure. This pushes all of the Saola into small areas and depletes their food supply. Pseudoryx nghetinhensis also get caught in snares meant for wild boar and other animals. Their small population has led conservationists to worry about genetic diversity in the Asian Unicorns in the future. Experts believe this species has a chance if we act fast to save it. It would be terrible to lose not only a interesting new discovery but also such a cute creature.
Sources:
Bove, Jennifer. "This Endangered 'Asian Unicorn' Has Rarely Been Seen in the Wild." ThoughtCo. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017
"Saola – Pseudoryx Nghetinhensis - Critically Endangered Species." It's Nature - News, Videos & Pictures From the Natural World. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.
"Saola." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.