Saola

 Leighanna Weems                                                                                                                         Weems 1

Professor Foster 

ENG 111 2WF 

8 April 2023  

Saola 

           The conservation world was rocked in 1992 when scientists discovered a new species in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam. While conducting interviews with locals, scientists noticed an unfamiliar animal skull mounted in a hunter's home. This would soon be discovered as a Saola, an elusive species that closely resembles an antelope except with unique white face markings. Even after the discovery, the Saola is rarely seen and none are currently housed in captivity. Despite the little knowledge we have of them, the Saola is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss. 

            The Saola has only been spotted in the Annamite Mountains in between Vietnam and Laos, which is suffering from deforestation. With an already limited habitat space, deforestation is further driving the Saola species closer to extinction. The best way we can help save this species is by supporting research organizations interested in the Saolas and petitioning for more protected wildlife areas. Without the Saola species, wildlife diversity will suffer. 

A rare photo of a Saola 

Weems 2 

Work Cited 

(Image) 

“Saola.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/saola.