# Saola (*Pseudoryx nghetinhensis*)

The Saola is a rare and elusive mammal found in the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam. It is known for its long, straight horns and shy nature.

- **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal)
- **Rarity:** Epic
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Mountain regions
- **Also known as:** Asian Unicorn

![Saola](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426669/objects/6382.jpg)

## Appearance

The Saola is a striking bovine with a sleek dark brown coat and distinctive white markings on its face, including bold stripes above its eyes and cheeks. It has long, slender, parallel horns that can grow up to 50 cm, giving it a unique and elegant silhouette.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Artiodactyla
- **Family:** Bovidae
- **Genus:** Pseudoryx

## Interesting facts

- Its extreme rarity and elusive nature earned it the nickname 'Asian Unicorn'!
- Saola horns are perfectly straight and can grow up to a whopping 50 centimeters long!
- Scientists first identified Saola from unique horns found in a hunter's home in 1992!
- They have special glands on their face that help them mark territory!

## Special abilities

- **Stealth Master:** Saola has an incredibly shy nature that helps them avoid humans, making them nearly impossible to spot.
- **Forest Navigator:** Saola can move silently through dense forest undergrowth because of their slender build and cautious movements.
- **Scent Decoder:** Saola can identify other Saola because of unique scent glands located near their snout.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 150-200 cm
- **Weight:** 80-100 kg
- **Lifespan:** 8-11 years
- **Litter Size:** 1
- **Gestation:** 250-280 days

## Diet & Feeding

Saola are plant-eaters, munching on leaves, twigs, and juicy fruits found in their forest home.

- **Primary Foods:** leaves, twigs, shrubs, ferns, fruits, vines
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Tiger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tiger) (*Panthera tigris*) — Tigers are natural predators of Saola, especially young ones.
- **Eaten by:** [Dhole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dhole) (*Cuon alpinus*) — Packs of Dholes may prey on Saola in their shared habitat.
- **Depends on:** Cluster Fig (*Ficus racemosa*) — Saola browse on leaves and shoots of various fig trees.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

## Collections

- [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Saolas are very rare and should not be approached if seen in the wild. It's important to protect their habitat to ensure their survival.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Saola?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Saola?

150-200 cm

### How much does Saola weigh?

80-100 kg

### How long does Saola live?

8-11 years

### What does Saola eat?

Saola are plant-eaters, munching on leaves, twigs, and juicy fruits found in their forest home.

### Where is Saola usually found?

Mountain regions

### How does Saola hunt?

Foraging

### How many babies does Saola usually have?

1

## More Mammals

- [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*)
- [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*)
- [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*)
- [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*)

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Source: [Saola: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/saola)