Saola, Asian 'Unicorn,' Nature Reserve Created In Vietnam HANOI,
Vietnam -- A nature reserve has been set aside in central
Vietnam for the critically endangered saola, raising hope for
the antelope-like species' survival, a wildlife official said
Monday. The saola looks like a small deer or antelope with two
horns, but is locally known as an Asian "unicorn." They are
thought to number from a few dozen to a few hundred, and are
threatened by poachers wanting its horns. The conservation group
WWF says none has survived in captivity. The land set aside last
week in the central province of Quang Nam is rich in bio-
diversity and home to an estimated 50 to 60 saolas, said Pham
Thanh Lam, director of the Forest Bureau in the province. "For
ethnic minority people, hunting is a way of earning their
living," Lam said. "They would not spare the saola, so it's
necessary to create conditions for them to earn their living to
minimize hunting for wild animals including saola." Saola,
described as a primitive member of the b