Animal
A new research has found that Saolas, known as “Asian unicorns”, have two distinct genetic groups, which can be useful in conservation efforts of this threatened species.
More than a decade after the last confirmed sighting, scientists took a significant step to save one of the rarest mammals in the world – Saola, also known as “Asian unicorn”.
Native to the remote forests of Vietname and Laos, this dodge species (Pseudorryx nghetinhensis) is not observed since a photographic trap captured an image in 2013. However, researchers remain with hope.
A new one published in Cell describes the Successful mapping of the genome of saola For the first time, a great advance given the absence of living specimens in captivity or reliable sightings in nature. Using remains obtained from hunter homes, researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 26 Saos, discovering valuable information about the animal’s history and genetic structure, reveals the.
The main author, Genís Garcia Erill, previously from the University of Copenhagen, revealed that the data indicated a amazing division In the population of the species: two genetically distinct groups that diverged between 5000 and 20,000 years ago. “This was completely unknown,” said Erill. “It is a fundamental discovery because it affects the way the limited genetic variation of the species is distributed.”
The results confirm that the Sãolas always had small populations -It is estimated that they have never exceeded 5000 individuals in the last 10,000 years. This low long -term population contributed to a reduction in genetic diversity. However, unique genetic variations retained in the two distinct groups represent a rare opportunity for conservation: If individuals in both populations can be located and gathered, their genetic diversity may be potentially restored.
Rasmus Heller, the main author and associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, stressed the urgency of establishing a captive breeding program. “If we can gather at least a dozen saolas – Ideally a mixture of both populations – our models show that the species would have a good hypothesis of long -term survival, ”he said.” But it depends on the effective location of some individuals. “
The efforts to locate are in nature remain very difficult because your habitat is very remote. Still, conservationists point to the successful rediscovery of other “lost species” as a reason for optimism.
