Saola Foundation

Mobilization and training of the annamite mountains research and conservation team: a team of 25, including wildlife trackers, a scent detection dog unit, field technicians and logistics staff underwent training and field orientation.scent detection dog team and wildlife tracking team development: team leader, vatsana chanthavong, spent one month training in the usa with our partners with working dogs for conservation and chiron k9; arrival in lao pdr of bertie and norman, founding scent detection dogs; acclimatization of dogs and transition of care and training to lao members of the dog unit; two months field assessment and training with our team in the annamite by matt nelson, expert tracker from our partner cybertracker conservation. Soft launch of the Saola search: reconnaissance missions in combination with field training exercises in key areas for the Saola search; found approximately 2000 samples of wild ungulate dung (muntjac, serow, sambar, wild pig); texted approximately 150 samples tested for Saola dna (no positive hits...yet! ).organizational development: our leadership team underwent training in 'essentials in conservation management' (led by synchronicity earth and stone soup), building skills in governance, leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising.