Join us in saving species imminently facing global extinction within the Annamite Mountains
Image Credit: Souksamlan Laladeth
About The Saola Foundation
The Saola Foundation, founded in 2020, is dedicated to conservation of species imminently facing global extinction within the Annamite Mountains. As the only organisation in the world specifically focused on this unique bioregion, we aim to address the urgent need for increased conservation efforts in this globally significant area.
The Saola Foundation aims to maximize long-term (25+ years) biodiversity conservation gains in the Annamite mountains by preventing the extinction of species, such as: Saola, Large-antlered Muntjac, and the unidentified leaf monkey, while restoring and maintaining ecosystem functionality to prevent extinction of these and other highly Threatened cryptic species at strategically identified sites as measured against one or more counterfactual scenarios.
The Annamite Mountains region is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, housing the highest concentration of continental-based endemic species globally.
This region, however, faces significant challenges such as commercial poaching and insufficient conservation investment compared to other priority bioregions.
Our foundation is committed to addressing these challenges through innovative approaches and strategic partnerships.
Our Team & Current Focus
Programs
Click on the species to find out more
Saola
Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Critically Endangered
Large-antlered Muntjac
Muntiacus vuquangensis
Critically Endangered
New Species of Leaf Monkey
A member of the Francoisi Leaf Monkey (Tracypithecus francoisi) group of limestone karst associated monkeys
Critically Endangered
Our Impact
Our Efforts to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Gender Equality
Our commitment is to empower women through leadership, business operations, conservation investment, partnerships, and research associations. Supporting women in our organisation strengthens the community and creates opportunities for them to contribute to conservation efforts and play a prominent role in conservation programs.
Recent Work and Economic Growth
Conserving species in a biodiversity hotspot fosters various national economic opportunities. It promotes biodiversity conscious tourism, scientific research, and other sustainable biodiversity uses, driving sustainable economic growth and job creation. This benefits local communities and indigenous populations residing in the region of conservation areas.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
We leverage the natural infrastructure of the Annamite Mountains region, through research and conservation, to strengthen the national biodiversity conservation, scientific and education work sectors, through all levels of national civil society and government. Our effort will not only enhance Annamite conservation but can be a nucleus for regional and even global innovation through our mission to strategically fill gaps and maximise long-term biodiversity conservation gains, by objectively measurable goals and equitable allocation of resources across all Threatened biodiversity.
Life on Land
Life on land is intricately interconnected, serving as the bedrock for a thriving, species rich terrestrial ecosystem that is vital for human wellbeing in ways we are only starting to fully understand. Our primary objective is to save the Saola and other species imminently facing extinction, along with their ‘home’, the species rich forests of the Annamite Mountain region. This endeavour will aid stabilisation and restoration of robust and resilient natural ecosystems in the Annamites region, paving the way toward future where both human communities and a species rich natural world can prosper harmoniously.
Partnerships for The Goals
The Saola Foundation unites businesses, NGOs, and governments to advance collaboration, forge global partnerships, and enhance capabilities in science, technology, and innovation. Together, we aim to drive nature positive change and ensure sustainable progress by integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Our efforts encompass crafting nature-aligned investments for the collective benefit of all people.
Donate – Every Little Helps
Support the team on the ground today for as little as $30/month (suggested amount).
Your contribution supports the incredible Lao team dedicated to Saola conservation, contributing to conservation efforts in the Annamite Mountains
Sponsor a full day of Saola search for US$1,000. Experience the thrill of supporting elite scent detection dogs and wildlife trackers as they brave the Annamite Mountains in search of the elusive and critically endangered Saola.
Gold Partners contribute at least US$50,000 within an annual period.
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a partner.
You can target your contributions to support critical field equipment, such as resupplies of DNA testing equipment that allows us to test dung samples for Saola DNA, or camera traps to help with our monitoring efforts. If you are interested in making a contribution in this way, please reach out at info@saolafoundation.org
Latest Articles
The Search to Find, and Save, the Last Saola
Bill Robichaud, Co-Founder, Director, Saola Foundation 17th April 2023
Today, April 17, marks the 50th anniversary of an event of considerable historical significance,yet little noted: the last US bombing mission over Laos. This largely brought to an end the so – called “Secret War”, a nine-year conflict hidden for most of that time from the US Congress, the …
Treasure Hunt Campaign
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Scent Detectives: Extraordinary Partners in the Quest to Find Saola in the Wild of Laos
Meet Aimee Hurt and Paul Bunker, two dedicated individuals who work with dogs to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation. In this article, we delve into an engaging conversation with Paul and Aimee, learning more about them, scent detection dogs and exploring their experiences during an expedition in Lao in late 2022 alongside the […]