Mysterious mammal

THE JUNGLES of Vietnam hide a hitherto undescribed mammal. Basing their claim on remains such as skins, skulls and teeth recovered from local hunters, zoologists reckon an adult specimen of the mysterious mammal -- named Pseudoryx nghetnhensis -- weighs about 100 kg, is 80-90 cm high at the shoulder and has a short tail. The mammal is said to possess long and graceful horns like those of the Arabian antelope, oryx (Nature Vol 363, No 6428).

Experts say only a few hundred animals may exist in the wild and so, the mammals would have to be bred in captivity to save the species from extinction.