In News:

An international team of scientists has successfully mapped the genome of the saola (Pseudoryxnghetinhensis), the world’s rarest large land mammal, providing critical insights for conservation through genetic rescue and captive breeding.

About Saola

• Common Name: Asian Unicorn
• Scientific Name: Pseudoryxnghetinhensis
• First Described: 1993 (based on a skull found in Vietnam in 1992)
• Classification: Bovine species, closely related to cattle but resembling an antelope
• Habitat: Endemic to the Annamite Mountains along the Laos–Vietnam border; prefers humid evergreen forests
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
• Estimated Population (2015): 50–300 individuals
• Physical Traits:
  • Height: ~33 inches at shoulder
  • Both sexes possess straight, parallel horns (~20 inches)
  • Distinct white facial markings and muzzle scent glands

Major Threats

• Habitat loss, primarily due to agricultural expansion and forest degradation
• Poaching and indiscriminate snaring, including by-catch in traps set for other animals
• Lack of successful captive care: Over 20 captured saolas died in the 1990s due to inadequate professional care

Genome Mapping and Key Findings

• Sample Base: Genomes of 26 individuals sequenced using remains sourced from hunter households
• Population Divergence: Two genetically distinct populations emerged 5,000–20,000 years ago, likely due to:
  • Forest fragmentation during/after the Last Glacial Maximum
  • Expansion of human activities such as agriculture, burning, and hunting around 4,000 years ago
• Genetic Complementarity: Each population retains different genetic variants, offering potential for enhanced genetic diversity if combined
• Scientific Importance:
  • Confirms historical population isolation and genetic loss
  • Provides a genetic foundation for targeted conservation efforts

Conservation Implications

• Captive Breeding Program: Plans underway in Vietnam to establish a well-equipped breeding center
• Goal: Capture at least a dozen individuals from both genetic lineages to create a genetically resilient population
• Long-term Vision: Reintroduction into protected forest areas with strict anti-poaching measures