Sao La

Sao La, also Vu Quang ox, a species of bovid, discovered in 1993 in the Phu Quan nature reserve in Vietnam. The range of the sao la extends over about 4000 sq km (about 1500 sq mi), constituting the only extensive pristine forest in northern Vietnam. The species is characterized by long, slender, nearly straight horns; elongated premolars; large facial glands in front of the eyes, similar to those of duikers; and distinctive coloration. The sao la stands about 80 to 90 cm (about 30 to 35 in) high at the shoulder and has small hooves with short, blunt toes. The animal's general color varies from dark brown to rich reddish-brown, and there is a narrow, blackish-brown stripe running down the middle of the back onto the short tail.

The total sao la population is currently estimated at 200 individuals. After the discovery of the species, the Vietnamese government increased the size of the Phu Quan nature reserve from 16,000 to 60,000 hectares (from 40,000 to 150,000 acres) and made plans for two more reserves. The sao la is classified as an endangered species.

Scientific classification: The sao la belongs to the family Bovidae. It is classified as Pseudoryx nghetinhensis.