The saola, a rare mammal often called the Asian unicorn, has remained elusive to scientists for decades. Now, researchers have sequenced its genome for the first time, offering new hope for understanding and potentially saving this enigmatic species.
Discovered only in 1993, the saola inhabits the dense forests of the Annamite Mountains on the border between Vietnam and Laos. Despite its nickname, it has never been observed in the wild by scientists, and the last confirmed sighting dates back to 2013. The animal’s extreme rarity and unique evolutionary lineage make it a significant subject for conservation biology.
A Genetic Breakthrough for One of Earth’s Rarest Mammals
According to a study published in the journal Cell, an international team of scientists successfully mapped the genomes of 26 individual saolas, reports ZME Science. This achievement relied mostly on biological remains such as bones and tissue fragments collected from hunters’ households, providing unprecedented insight into the species’ genetic heritage. Nguyen Quoc Dung, a Vietnamese forest researcher involved in the project, noted that the saola’s continued existence remains uncertain but that there are still signs offering hope.
This genomic data firmly establishes the saola as a sister lineage to cattle and buffalo, sharing a common ancestor around 14 million years ago. The animal’s unique evolutionary history places it among the most distinct large mammals alive today, highlighting its biological importance.
Two Distinct Populations Reveal New Conservation Possibilities
The research team discovered that saolas exist in two genetically distinct populations, which diverged between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. According to lead author Genís Garcia Erill, these populations have lost different parts of their genetic variation, effectively complementing one another. This finding suggests that mixing individuals from both populations in captive breeding programs could help restore genetic diversity and improve survival chances. Such a genetic bottleneck usually threatens endangered species with extinction due to limited diversity. The complementary nature of the saola populations may provide a valuable resource for conservationists aiming to preserve or revive the species.
Genomic Tools Could Aid in Rediscovery and Future Protection
Since no live saola has been seen in over a decade, locating individuals remains a major challenge. Efforts have relied on indirect detection methods like environmental DNA and blood traces from leeches. According to Minh Duc Le of Vietnam National University, having a complete reference genome enhances the ability to identify these traces with greater precision.
Moreover, Rasmus Heller, a geneticist at the University of Copenhagen, mentioned that if saolas are still alive, they may have a reasonable chance of long-term survival if conservation actions are taken. The newly sequenced genome might also serve as a foundation for controversial de-extinction projects, similar to efforts targeting the woolly mammoth, although this remains speculative.
