ECONOMY-SCIENTIFIC-TECHNOLOGY
New refuge for Asian unicorn
20 July 2012 | 11:35:00 AM
The central province of Quang Nam has approved a proposal to invest nearly VND 50 billion (USD 2.396 million) to build a 15,800-hectare (39,000 acres) natural reserve for the saola, or 'Asian unicorn'.
The saola, one of the rarest mammals in the world, is to be protected in a natural park to be located in northwestern part the province, covering the forest land of Bhalee and Avuong communes in Tay Giang District, and Song Kon and Talu communes in Dong Giang District.
The Saola Nature Reserve will be divided into 22 sub-areas, including a 15,800-hectare area where the species is to be fully protected and a 20-hectare area for service and administrative activities.
According to the provincial People’s Committee, the capital for building the reserve will be mobilised through various means, including the State budget, forest development, environmental funds and foreign aid.
Quang Nam’s People Committee declared their plans for the reserve in April 2011.
Pham Thanh Lam, Director of the provincial Forest Bureau, was quoted by the Huffington Post as saying that the land to be set aside was rich in bio-diversity and home to an estimated 50 to 60 saolas.
“Hunting is a way to earn a living for ethnic minority people and they would not spare the life of a saola. This is the reason it is so necessary to create conditions for them in which they can earn a living without having to hunt wild animals. If adequate protection isn't provided immediately, there is a very real danger of extinction for the saola," he said.
The saola was discovered in the forests in central Vietnam in 1992. Their numbers have estimated to be anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred, but are under threat by poachers who value their horns. According to the WWF none have survived in captivity.
(Dtnews)
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