This month marks the 20th anniversary of a spectacular day for
zoologists. Two decades ago, in May 1992, scientists announced
the discovery of a new species — the saola — living in the lush
mountain forests that straddle the Vietnam-Laos border. It was
the first large mammal discovered since the 1930s. Yet
celebrations are muted in light of the elusive species' plight;
the saola, also known as the "Asian unicorn," is likely fast
disappearing, conservationists warned in an announcement today,
and they say there could be only 200, or even as few as just
several dozen of the animals left on the planet. The saola is a
small, horned animal that resembles a strange antelope hybrid,
but is more closely related to a type of wild cow. Vietnamese
scientists first identified the new species only through the
bizarre, horned skulls that villagers living near the animal's
range had collected. Stark markings on the face, long, graceful
horns and a tufted tail lend to the animal's mystique. [See rare
photos of saola.] But ac