1/23 - Good Morning, answer the QoTD to get your brain going

Today is a twofer day.

Do you have a hobby that helps you calm down and slow your mind?

Bonus, do you know the animal in the image?

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I am digging these question of the days because it allows me a chance to reflect on things that I oftentimes don’t think about.

The outdoors is my hobby that slows down my brain and helps ground me. The fun part of the outdoors in Minnesota is that it is always changing. I find winter to be the most difficult season to get outdoors but I still try and do it as much as I can. Some of my outdoor hobbies include: foraging, fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, and camping.

As for this animal I am not sure because it looks like it falls into the Antelope family which I have never been good at identifying but it reminds me of an Impala, or Gazelle. I look forward to you telling us what it is.

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I’ll ID the animal at the end of the day

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I love thrifting- it brings me peace and joy. Were slowly making our house a home and finding little unique treasures to decorate is the best. I have no idea what that animal is lol I would assume like Luke its a part of the antelope family?

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And the answer is

The saola (pronounced sow-la), also called the Asian Unicorn, is a critically endangered species of bovid found only in the Annamite Mountains along the Laos-Vietnam border. It’s one of the rarest large mammals in the world, and it was only discovered by science in 1992, making it one of the most remarkable zoological discoveries of the 20th century.

Key Facts About the Saola:

  1. Appearance:
  • Saolas have a striking appearance with long, straight, and slightly curved horns that are present in both males and females. Their horns can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.
  • They have a dark brown coat, white markings on their face, and a white stripe that runs down their nose.
  1. Habitat:
  • They inhabit dense, evergreen forests with a constant water source, as they are dependent on fresh streams and rivers.
  • Their range is limited to the remote, rugged terrain of the Annamite Mountains.
  1. Behavior:
  • Very little is known about their behavior since they are so elusive. Most information comes from villagers’ accounts and a few camera trap images.
  • They are thought to be solitary or live in small groups and are shy, avoiding humans whenever possible.
  1. Diet:
  • Saolas are herbivorous and are believed to feed on a variety of plants, including leaves, grasses, and shrubs found in their forest habitat.
  1. Conservation Status:
  • Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with their population estimated to be fewer than 100 individuals, though exact numbers are unknown.
  • The main threats include habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, as well as poaching, often through snares set for other animals.
  1. Significance:
  • The saola is sometimes referred to as the “Asian Unicorn” because of its rarity and mysterious nature.
  • It has become a symbol for wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia, highlighting the need to protect lesser-known and vulnerable species.
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