What Is a Saola? Why This Rare Animal Desperately Needs Our Help

By Holly Shaftel, contributing writer

Did you know there’s a unicorn that lives deep in the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam?

Okay, it’s not really a unicorn, but it’s so rare and mysterious that people call it the “Asian unicorn.” This extremely rare animal is called the saola (pronounced “saw-la”), and scientists only discovered it in 1992! Since then, it’s been spotted only a few times, mostly by hidden wildlife cameras, from short-lived encounters, and from remains found in villages.

The saola is a cousin of wild cattle but resembles an antelope. Its name means “spindle horns” because of the two long, straight horns on its head. Sadly, by the early 2000s, it was declared critically endangered — which means it could disappear forever if we don’t help.

Why Is the Saola Important?

This cute, rare animal helps keep its local ecosystem in balance. As a plant-eater (herbivore), it helps keep plants from growing too wild. When it eats plants and poops them out, it also spreads seeds and helps the forest grow back. Pretty cool, right?

Even though there aren’t many saola left, having them around shows that the forest is healthy. Saving the saola can also help protect other plants and animals that live in the same area.

The saola is also a symbol of pride for people in Asia, and it reminds us how important it is to protect biodiversity — the variety of life on Earth.

What’s Putting the Saola in Danger?

The rare animal known as the saola is a one-of-a-kind creature. It’s the only species like it on Earth, and sadly, none have ever survived in captivity.

Experts think there are only 25 to 750 saolas left in the wild, but the most likely number is around 50 to 300. So what’s causing their numbers to drop so fast?

Traps from illegal hunting (poaching): Hunters don’t usually mean to catch saolas, but these animals get stuck in wire traps called snares, which are meant for other animals. Sometimes they’re also hurt or killed by hunting dogs. This is the #1 reason saolas are dying. In places like Laos and Vietnam, there might be 12 million snares in the forests at any time!
Deforestation: People are cutting down forests to make space for farming, roads, and buildings. This takes away the saola’s home and makes it easier for hunters to get into places where saolas live.
Very small population: There are so few saolas left that it’s hard for them to find each other and have babies. Since they’re the only species like them, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
Lack of attention: Many people — even scientists and governments — haven’t focused on saving the saola. That means there hasn’t been enough money or support to protect them properly.
Climate change: Although it’s not the biggest threat right now, climate change could still hurt the saola. As the world gets warmer and rain patterns change, it could become harder for the plants saolas eat to grow.

If we don’t act soon, the saola could go extinct — possibly within our lifetime. But with care, attention, and action, we still have time to save this amazing animal.

What’s Being Done to Help the Saola?

Wildlife specialists aren’t giving up hope for this rare animal and believe it’s still out there. Here’s their plan to save the saola:

Forest guards patrol the forests to find and remove dangerous snares and teach villagers why these traps are harmful.
Rangers and local groups are learning how to track these animals, such as by collecting animal dung and water samples.
Specially trained dogs are used to help sniff out saolas in the wild.
They’re talking to locals to see if anyone has seen a saola and are sharing information and tools so people can report future sightings.
Communities are planting the saola’s favorite food in hopes of attracting them and learning more about their behavior.
Experts are working on starting a safe breeding program, like ones that have helped other rare animals in Oman and Mongolia.

You can learn more here.

What Can You Do to Help This Rare Animal?

Even if you live far from the saola’s home, there are ways you can help save it — and protect other animals too!

Donate to groups actively working to protect the saola, such as the Saola Working Group, WWF, and IUCN.
Talk about the saola — many people have never heard of it. Just telling others can make a difference.
When you travel, choose eco-friendly tours that protect animals and support nature.
Don’t buy anything made from wild animals or products that come from illegal hunting or logging.
Support laws and policies that protect animals and their habitats. In some countries, this means voting or signing petitions.
Small changes — like using less plastic, eating less meat, and buying from eco-friendly companies — can help the planet and animals like the saola.
Learn about other critically endangered species and how to protect them here.

Conclusion

The saola is a rare and amazing animal that needs our help. Even though it’s hard to find, it still plays an important role in nature. By learning about the saola and sharing its story, we can all be part of the effort to protect it — and make a difference for wildlife and the planet. Every action counts!

Main image: Photo of the mysterious saola (pronounced “saw-la”)