Saola Tracks, June 2, 2026: Annual Report and a Glimpse in the Annamite Mountains

The climate in the stunning Annamite Mountains is now transitioning from the cooler, drier season into the hotter and wetter months. Deep within these remarkable forests, our dedicated Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team continues its work on our flagship programme: the Search for Saola.

We are delighted to share our 2025 Annual Report with you which is filled with updates, achievements, and insights into the impact your support has made possible over the past year. Now in the second full year of the Saola Search, the team, led by our Field Team Leader, Phonesouk (“Hamnoy”) Chanthalavong, alongside our scent detection dogs, Bertie and Norman, continues to make extraordinary progress under incredibly challenging conditions. To date, hundreds of samples have been analyzed for Saola DNA. While we have not yet confirmed a positive result, the evidence gathered by the field team strongly suggests that a small number of Saola may still survive in these forests. Along the way, the team has also recorded many other rare and remarkable species, reinforcing the global importance of the Annamite Mountains Bioregion and giving us continued hope for the future.

Fieldwork in the Annamites remains one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time. In an “ever wet” tropical climate, with temperatures averaging 93°F (34°C), our Lao conservation scientists travel long distances each day across steep mountains, dense vegetation, and fast-flowing rivers while carrying essential equipment and supplies. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are truly inspiring. Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic. Every expedition expands our understanding of this extraordinary landscape and strengthens our belief that the Saola can still be found.

Together with our partners and supporters around the world, we are continuing this vital work while helping to build a stronger future for the forests and wildlife of the Annamite Mountains Bioregion. If you would like to support the program this year, your contribution will directly help sustain our Lao field teams and their critical conservation work. Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey with us. ຂອບໃຈ

Warm regards,

The Saola Foundation Team

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