Credits: WWF
One of the impacts of the diminishing population of the Saola is the fact that the world may never get to see this mammal ever. Even in the Annamites region, people who lived there have rarely seen the Saola before, therefore it is assumed that the rest of the world have never heard of this animal. As of now, efforts have been put in to try and locate this animal in order to find out more about them. It is important that we understand if not, at least be aware of the Saola’s behaviour in order to be able to come up with strategies to prevent further population decline. As a result of this, people do not value this animal and therefore little consideration is given when hunters kill these animals or when residents in the Annamite regions destroy the natural habitat for space and agriculture.
Undeniably, the extinction of any species may have devastating effects on the ecological food chain. Take for instance, a predator who feeds on the Saola. The rapid decline of the Saola’s population would mean lesser of such species for the predators, as a result, the predators would hunt for other animals, coupled with the fact that hunting and the destruction of habitats is prevalent in this regions, the population of other preys may be on the verge of a rapid decline as well. This is a vicious cycle that could render disastrous effects.