The saola is critically endangered. They are so rare that they are sometimes called the Asian unicorn. There are no saolas in captivity and they are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. They were only recently discovered in May 1992, but they still face a shrinking population. There are estimated to be less than 750 saolas left, but the population is likely much, much lower.
A saolas most notable feature is its long horns, which can grow up to 50cm and are found on both males and females. Saolas also have a thin coat, usually brown in color, and thick skin, which is thought to protect them from the long horns of other saola. Not much is known about saolas because they are so rare. They are usually solitary, but have been found in small groups. Saolas are herbivores, meaning that their diet is made up of only plants.
I chose the saola because I wanted to research an animal that no one has heard of. After some research, I found out just how rare these animals are. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching because of their distinctive horns. It is important to protect these amazing creatures before they go extinct.
A saolas most notable feature is its long horns, which can grow up to 50cm and are found on both males and females. Saolas also have a thin coat, usually brown in color, and thick skin, which is thought to protect them from the long horns of other saola. Not much is known about saolas because they are so rare. They are usually solitary, but have been found in small groups. Saolas are herbivores, meaning that their diet is made up of only plants.
I chose the saola because I wanted to research an animal that no one has heard of. After some research, I found out just how rare these animals are. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching because of their distinctive horns. It is important to protect these amazing creatures before they go extinct.