Feature

Details

Scientific Name

Pseudoryx nghetinhensis

First Discovery

1992, by Vietnamese Ministry of Forestry and WWF

Physical Features

Long straight parallel horns (both sexes), white facial markings

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)

Estimated Population

50 to 300 individuals (as of 2015)

Threat

Impact

Snaring and Illegal Hunting

Primary cause of mortality; traps intended for other species also kill saolas.

Habitat Loss

Forest clearing for agriculture and infrastructure development.

Habitat Fragmentation

Isolates populations, making breeding and genetic exchange difficult.

Low Reproductive Rate

Compounds the risk of extinction when combined with external threats.

Genetic Insight

Details

Population Divergence

Two genetically distinct groups diverged 5,000–20,000 years ago

Reason for Split

Likely due to forest habitat changes after the Last Glacial Maximum

Impact of Agriculture (~4,000 years ago)

Led to increased human interference, hunting, and genetic isolation

Complementary Gene Pools

Each group lost different genetic traits; combining them may restore diversity

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Recently, scientists mapped the genome of the Saola an endangered mammal. Consider the following statements:

1. Saola is found in the grasslands of Central Asia.
2. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
3. Genome mapping has revealed that its populations split due to climatic changes after the Last Glacial Maximum.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the Saola is found in the Annamite Mountains of Southeast Asia not in Central Asia. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.