Scientists save the mysterious “Asian unicorn” before disappearing forever

Deep in the foggy forest between Vietnam and Laos is such a rare and elusive creature that scientists nicknamed it as “Asian unicorn.” Its official name is Saola (pronounced “Sow-la”), and although it was discovered only in 1992, it may have become extinct. Now groundbreaking genetic research offers great hope for saving this mysterious animal if it still survives in the wild.

Saola has become a symbol of discovery and loss in wildlife conservation. No scientists are alive in the wild, and the last confirmed sighting comes from a 2013 camera trap. But researchers have not given up yet, and new genetic discoveries may help guide last efforts to save them.

What makes Asian unicorns so special?

“We were surprised to find that Saola was divided into two populations with a large genetic difference. The division occurred between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. This was completely unknown, and we wouldn’t know without genetic data,” Genís Garcia Erill is the author of mineral research in the journal Science published in the Journal of Science.

For the first time, scientists have mapped the complete genetic code of Saola by analyzing remaining DNA fragments collected from hunters’ families. This reveals fascinating insights into this endangered animal:

• Saola sits on a branch of a 14 million historical evolution tree without close relatives
• There are actually two genetically different populations that have been separated for thousands of years
• The two populations have been slowly declining since the last Ice Age
• The total population of Saola may never have exceeded 5,000 people in the past 10,000 years

Can we really save Asian unicorns?

Is it too late? No one is sure if any Saolas still exist. But the research team’s computer model shows that if conservationists can only find a dozen living Saolas from two populations, there is a real opportunity to preserve the species.

“If we were able to put together at least twelve ethnic groups – ideally a combination of two populations to form the basis of future populations, our model suggests that the species will have a great long-term survival chance. However, it depends on actually finding some people and starting a breeding program,” explains Rasmus Heller, senior author at Copenhagen University.

Genetic research reveals something very important: Over time, the two Saola populations have lost different parts of their genetic diversity. By combining animals from two populations in a breeding program, they may enhance the species’ chances of survival.

Why is it difficult to find?

Saola lives only in the dense, remote forests on the border between Vietnam and Laos, and the area is known as the Annamite Mountains. These steep jungle-covered mountains are hard to navigate. Apart from this, the natural secret nature of Saola, you can also provide the perfect recipe for animals that can be hidden even if it is close to extinction.

Despite extensive camera trap networks and environmental DNA testing (looking for traces of Saola DNA in streams and even in water ches that may have been fed), the researchers have not received confirmed sightings since 2013.

“Scientists have been looking for Saolas since the 1990s, and since then it’s only going to be harder because there’s more to it back then. I’m not overly optimistic, I have to admit – but I really hope Saola is still there,” Heller concluded.

The match against extinction

Conservation continues, with dedicated breeding centers built in Vietnam in case of any living Salas. New genetic research could help researchers find the last remaining Saolas by improving DNA detection technology.

Saola’s situation highlights a painful reality in wildlife conservation – sometimes when they are already on the verge of extinction, science discovers species. With deforestation and hunting of wildlife in their limited habitat, Saolas faces enormous pressure.

However, this genetic study provides a critical roadmap for conservation efforts. If any Saolas are still roaming the misty forests of the Annamite Mountains, scientists now have better tools to find them and have a clearer understanding of how to save them. The question remains: are we too late?

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