The Red-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus), depicted in the stunning painting above by the talented artist Dao Van Hoang, is Critically Endangered, like the Saola. We are delighted to feature this painting in our holiday season newsletter, as it symbolizes our broader mission to prevent the extinction of other Threatened species in the Annamite Mountains beyond the Saola. You can learn about Dao Van Hoang and see more of his works here.
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your dedication to our conservation efforts means the world to us, and we are so thankful for the role you play in our mission.
This year has been a thrilling journey for us, and it ends on a high. Whilst we can’t yet give you the news that the Saola has been found, we do have plenty other good news to share!
In 2024 we concentrated heavily on training our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team, preparing them to hit the ground running in 2025. A highlight of the past year for our apprentice animal trackers was a transformative study tour to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where they honed their skills with support from their incredible mentors from CyberTracker International. This workshop not only enhanced the tracking abilities of the apprentices, but it also provided their first experience in a well-managed protected area, igniting a newfound pride and passion for their conservation roles.
Another highlight in 2024 was a workshop on Global Information Systems (GIS) and data management which equipped our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation team with essential skills to process and analyze the unprecedented levels of biodiversity data that they gather while searching for the Saola.
Looking ahead to the New Year, stay tuned for a formal announcement of our newly formed partnership with the Government of Lao PDR as we jointly commit to saving the Saola and preserving Annamite Mountains biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of our Strategic Plan, which outlines our exciting vision and the steps we will take to contribute to Annamite Mountains biodiversity conservation in the coming years. Finally, get ready for the revelation of yet another new species in the Annamite Mountains – see below!
Saola Foundation’s Winter Seminar Series – A Teaser
In our upcoming Winter Seminar Series, we will explore the breadth and scope of the work of the Saola Foundation through four exclusive seminars (further details and dates to be announced in the New Year):
• The Mystery Monkey: What it Takes to Reveal Yet Another New Species in the Annamite Mountains
Learn about the Saola Foundation’s groundbreaking discovery of a new species of leaf monkey in the Annamite Mountains, and the surveys conducted to get photographic evidence to confirm its existence.
• Innovation in Research on the Road to Success for the Large-antlered Muntjac
Learn about world-leading innovative field research and its application in saving the Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac.
Credit: Minh Nguyen’s CLP team/SWG/Asian Arks/Khammouane PAFO and DAFO
• Bald Bulbuls, Stripy Rabbits and More: Three Decades of Discoveries
Hear tales of discovery from one of Southeast Asia’s most prolific wildlife researchers, Rob Timmins, our Technical Director, and how his extensive expertise is helping to shape our strategy.
• The Indigenous Roots of the Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team
Discover the incredible cultural diversity of the Saola Foundation’s Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team, and what the Annamites represent for them.
Once again, we would like to say that we are deeply grateful for your support, as together we can achieve so much for the Saola and other biodiversity in the Annamites!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
The Saola Foundation Team
