The surprising truth about the rarest and most mysterious divine beast in Vietnam

First discovered in 1992 in the Truong Son mountain range, the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) – also known as the "Asian unicorn" – is one of the rarest and most mysterious animals in the world.

1. Saola were only discovered thanks to skulls hanging on walls. The saola species was first known in 1992 not because it was encountered in the wild, but because scientists discovered skulls with special horns hanging in people's homes in Laos and Vietnam. Photo: Pinterest.

2. This is one of the rare large mammals discovered in the 20th century. The discovery of a completely new large mammal species in the 20th century is extremely rare. The appearance of the saola has surprised the international conservation community and called it one of the greatest biological discoveries of the century. Photo: Pinterest.

3. The scientific name is associated with the place name Nghe Tinh. The scientific name Pseudoryx nghetinhensis is named after the first discovered area - the mountainous border region of Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces (collectively called Nghe Tinh). This is a way to remember the special origin of this species. Photo: Pinterest.

4. Saola are extremely shy and difficult to observe. Despite being discovered more than 30 years ago, seeing Saola in the wild is extremely rare. Most evidence comes from camera traps or indirect tracks, making them one of the most mysterious animals on the planet. Photo: Pinterest.

5. Saola's horns are a prominent identifying feature. Both males and females possess long, straight, almost parallel horns - different from many other ungulates. This is the sign that made scientists pay attention to them from the skulls. Photo: Pinterest.

6. This species is extremely endangered. Saola is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Deforestation, illegal hunting and climate change are causing their numbers to decline dramatically. Photo: Pinterest.

7. Saola is known as the "unicorn of Asia". Because of its rare appearance and amazing ability to hide, Saola is nicknamed "Asian unicorn" by the media, symbolizing the mystery of Southeast Asian nature. Photo: Pinterest.

8. Saola conservation programs are being stepped up. Many international and Vietnamese organizations are working together to conserve Saola, from monitoring habitats to building breeding centers. Saving this legendary animal is becoming a global priority. Photo: Pinterest.

Dear readers, please watch the video: Discovering many extremely rare species that still exist thanks to camera traps. Video produced by Knowledge & Life Newspaper.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/su-that-ngo-ngang-ve-than-thu-quy-hiem-bi-an-nhat-viet-nam-post269030.html