• The saola genome has been successfully mapped, revealing two distinct populations that split between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago.
• Analysis suggests that mixing the two saola populations in a captive breeding program could compensate for the genetic diversity lost in each group, improving survival chances.
• The saola genome data will assist in locating the remaining individuals through improved environmental DNA analysis and could be used in de-extinction efforts.

An international team of scientists has achieved a significant breakthrough in saola conservation by successfully mapping its genome. The saola, also known as the Asian unicorn due to its extreme rarity and elusiveness, is a critically endangered mammal found in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. The genome mapping project has revealed crucial insights into the saola's population structure, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history. This new genetic data offers hope for improved conservation strategies, including captive breeding programs and advanced methods for locating the remaining individuals in the wild. The saola was first discovered in 1992, making it the most recently discovered large land mammal.

• What: Mapping of the saola genome reveals two genetically distinct populations that split between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. The genome data can improve conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and environmental DNA analysis.
• Who: International team of scientists led by Genís Garcia Erill and Rasmus Heller, with contributions from Nguyen Quoc Dung from the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute in Vietnam and Minh Duc Le from Vietnam National University.
• When: The saola was first discovered in 1992. The genetic split occurred between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. The genome mapping study was recently published in the journal Cell.
• Where: The saola inhabits the Annamite Mountains along the border between Vietnam and Laos.

The successful mapping of the saola genome represents a significant step forward in the conservation of this elusive and critically endangered species. The discovery of two genetically distinct populations provides valuable insights into the saola's evolutionary history and highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity for its long-term survival. The study suggests that a captive breeding program, involving individuals from both populations, offers the best chance of increasing genetic variation and resilience. Furthermore, the availability of the saola genome will enhance existing methods for locating the remaining individuals in the wild, such as environmental DNA analysis. While challenges remain in finding and capturing saolas for breeding, the new genetic data provides a crucial foundation for future conservation efforts.

"This means that the genetic variation lost in each population complements the other. So, if you mix them, they could compensate for what the other is missing."

"Right now, the existence of live saolas can neither be proven nor disproven. The last evidence we have was from 2013, when one was captured on a camera trap. But given the remoteness of its habitat, it is extremely difficult to say for sure whether there are still a few out there. There are some signs and indications that still give us hope."

"If we can bring together at least a dozen saolas – ideally a mix from both populations – to form the foundation of a future population, our models show the species would have a decent chance of long-term survival. But it hinges on actually locating some individuals and starting a breeding program."

The mapping of the saola genome offers renewed hope for the survival of this critically endangered species. The discovery of two genetically distinct populations and the potential for a captive breeding program to enhance genetic diversity provide a viable path forward. The new genetic data will also aid in locating the remaining saolas in the wild, enabling more effective conservation efforts. While challenges remain, the scientific community is committed to preserving this unique and elusive mammal for future generations.