Pu Mat National Park

Pu Mat covers over ninety thousand hectares along the Lao border in Nghe An and is the core of the western Nghe An biosphere reserve, which at over a million hectares is among the largest UNESCO has designated in the country. Its scientific significance is specific: in 1992 the saola, a bovid unknown to science, was described from remains found in Vu Quang next door and in this range - the first large mammal new to science in over fifty years. It has almost never been seen alive; camera traps have recorded it a handful of times and it may be functionally extinct. Snaring is the reason.

The landscape

• Ninety thousand hectares of forest - the core of a very large biosphere reserve.
• The saola's range - described new to science in 1992.
• Almost never seen alive - a handful of camera trap records.
• Snaring as the cause - the pressure on the whole forest.

When to go

October to April, the drier months. Two days.

Before you go

You will not see a saola and neither has almost anyone. Trails need guides arranged through the park. Leeches and heat are constant in the wet season. Facilities are basic. The border area has some restrictions.

Nearby

Vu Quang park is south along the border; Vinh is east on the coast.

Key facts