The Saola - An Asian Unicorn
By: Kaitlyn R
The Saola, also known as the asian unicorn, is the sixth most endangered animal. The Saola has two long horns at the top of their heads that can reach 50cm. They have slick brown fur with white spots on th face. The Saola use their maxillary glands to help attack mates and mark their territory. They live in tropical moist mountain areas. Their diet consisits of leafy plants, fig leaves, and stems.
There are only somewhere between 70-750 Saola's left in the world. These animals are listed on the critically endangered list because of hunting and habitat loss. Snares left in the forest by hunters to catch other wild animals like boars and barking dear also catch the Saola. Saola's are also hunted for their horns because they are used for prize trophies. Habitat loss has also effected the Saola because a lot of their habitat is being destroyed. Infrastructure development in the Annamites is also in process to help reduce poverty, but its destroying some of the Saola's habitat.
Foundations, projects, and other things are being done to help save the Saola. One in particular is WWF is helping set up community based forest management, research, and other projects within the region. Two of those projects are the "new reserves in Vietnam providing a lifeline for the Saola" and "MOSAIC on the ground project." Also people can donate money to contribute to saving the Saola. Lastly, forest guards are going to patrol the area 16 days each month to look for things that could be hazardous to the Saola.
Sources
http://endangeredspecies.about.com/od/endangeredspeciesprofiles/a/Saola-The-Endangered-Asian-Unicorn.htm
http://www.sospecies.org/sos_projects/mammals/saola/
http://www.sospecies.org/sos_projects/mammals/saola/