SAVING SAOLA FROM THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) was discovered by scientists in 1992 in Vietnam, and is considered among the most important large mammal discoveries of the twentieth century. However, it is also the least known large mammal due to its small population, narrowly distributed in the Northern and Central Annamite of Vietnam and Southern Laos. In addition, hunting, trapping and loss of forests are the most important causes of this ungulates’ severe population decline. Therefore, since 1995, studies and surveys have been made across all their ranges but few were found. In addition, conservation plans for saola have been envisioned, but the highest priority remains to accurately assess the current saola population and its primary distribution, thereby devising the most impactful and effective conservation plans.

To perform intensive studies and develop drastic conservation measures for this exceptionally rare animal, “Saving saola from the brink of extinction” project funded by European Union (EU) is implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam) in the 2022 – 2024. Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is one of the partners participating in the project, focusing on saola surveys in the field.

During the 8-month period of 2023 – 2024, CCD’s team has carried out 3 saola investigations in 3 priority areas in the Northern Annamite region with a total of 1,700 hours of surveys and more than 691,200 hours of camera trap investigations. The team also collected various eDNA and other samples for analysis to assist in determining the existence of saola in the study areas.

With its vision, CCD implements long-term conservation programs for threatened species and habitats throughout the country as well as in Indochina. To effectively carry on the effort, CCD will expand cooperation with organizations and localities to conserve and effectively restore nature and wildlife.