Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Saola
(Also: Vu Quang ox)

Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is found in few mountainous areas of Vietnam and Laos PDR (People's Democratic Republic), near the Lao PDR and Vietnam border. Saola have one of the smallest ranges of mammals in the world, and are found in only 6 provinces in Vietnam and 3 provinces in Laos PDR. ()

Saola prefer broadleaf evergreen forests that are in the wet lowland Annamite Mountains of Laos PDR and Vietnam, including marshes and swamps. They are found at elevations between 400 and 750 m. The habitat has long rainy seasons with high average annual rainfall ()

Saloa are large animals, measuring around 150 cm and weighing in between 80 and 100 kg. Although not reported for soala, sexual dimorphism is common in bovids, and may occur in this species.

Both males and female saola have horns that are probably used for protection against predators. The common name, saola, means "spinning wheel posts" in the local language. This name was probably given to the species because of the way the horns resemble tapered posts of a spinning wheel.

These animals have brown noses. The pelage consists of different shades of brown. Some have white patches on the side of neck. A black stripe extends from the shoulders to the lower back. The underside of is a lighter shade of brown than the upper body. The tail is striped, with brown, black, and cream colors. The rump is marked by a cream colored band which extends horizontally from the top of one hind leg to the other. White bands encircle the lower leg, just above the hooves. The face has white patches that conceal small dermal nodules that may be scent glands. Saola have possibly the largest maxillary glands of any living mammal. ()

Little is known about the life span in the wild, but in captivity, saola generally do not survive greater than 5 months. This is probably due to stress and lack of proper nutrition. Other members of the subfamiliy Bovinae can live 15 to20 years in the wild, and it is likely that this species is similar. ()

Although there are currently no studies on saola behavior in the wild, observations have been made on captive saola. These animals seem to be active both at night and during the day, although some familiar with saola report that wild iondividuals are mostly active in the morning and late afternoon. Soala appear to be solitary animals. They also seem to engage in territorial marking by snapping small saplings with their horns. Since their horns have many scratches, it is suggested that they rub vegetation and soil as a part of social or sexual activity. The putative scent glands on the face of saloa may indicate some scent marking of territories. ()

Home Range

Saola tend to stay close to the Vietnam-Lao PD border, in the wet evergreen areas on the Annamite Mountains. Their geographic range is small (4000 sq km) and their home range is undetermined. ()

Saola in captivity have been observed bleating for unknown reasons. Some researchers suggest that twig breaking with horns may be a form of social and/or sexual communication. They also possess scent glands under the white markings on their faces, indicating the importance of chemical communication in this species. Although not specifically reported, we can infer that tactile communication is important during mating and rearing of young. Because these animals might have some activity during daylight hours, there may also be visual communication between individuals based on body postures and other visual signals. ()

Saola are herbivores, primarily eating ferns and flowering plants (angiosperms). ()

Natural predators of saola are tigers, leopards, and dholes although humans are the major predator of saola and threaten their existence. When threatened, saola use their sharp-tipped horns for protection from predators by lowering their heads to strike the predator. Although they don't appear to be frightened by humans, saola are terrified of dogs. While running from predators, their glands swell and they snort. ()

Not much is known about the role saola play in the ecosystem. Since there are few saola, they probably do not greatly impact the surrounding vegetation. Although they provide potential prey to carnivorous mammals, because they are so rare it is unlikely that saola are important in local food webs.

There is no known adverse affects of saola on humans.

Saola are one of the many animals that are hunted in Vietnam and Lao PDR for meat and hide. ()

Saola are listed as endangered. The primary threat to these animals is hunting and loss of their forest habitat due to agriculture and logging. Locals place a high value on saola because of their scarcity. Many hunters also try to capture live saola because of their importance to the scientific community. Saola don't do well in captivity, and die soon after capture. Intense conservation efforts were started in 1997 to ensure the survival of these creatures. ()

Pseudoryx nghetinhensis was the first new large mammal to be discovered in over 50 years. This is probably because its habitat is difficult to access, the elusive behavior of saola, and political reasons. Through further study of this species we can hopefully come to understand saola better and help these rare animals to survive and thrive in Asia. Other species recently discovered in Vietnam and Laos PDR are Megamuntiacus vuquangensis (muntjak deer) and Lophura hatinhensis (pheasant).

Saola are large mammals that resemble antelope, (family Bovidae and subfamily Antilopinae). Although they were first thought to be more closely related to members of the subfamily Caprinae (which includes chamois, goats, sheep, and others), DNA evidence has recently placed them in the subfamily Bovinae ( which includes bison, buffalo, and cattle). ()