Natural Selection is an ongoing series on Saigoneer of articles that explores Vietnam’s native flora and fauna. From overlooked plants to iconic critters, Natural Selection aims to highlight the country’s wild and wondrous nature.

Thạch Sùng: A Muse in Every Home
Cây Đa: A Tree That Contains Multitudes
Kiến Ba Khoang: A Harbinger of Dread and Divine Punishment
The Ugly Truth of the Life and Impending Demise of the Hoàn Kiếm Turtle
Cá Chuồn: The Fish That Dreams Beyond Its Realm
Cò: The Symbolic Soul of Vietnam’s Countryside
The Prehistoric Permanence of Cá Sấu, Vietnam’s Farmed Predator
Sao La: The Real-Life Unicorn of Vietnam
Voi: From Hai Bà Trưng’s Fearsome Companions to Tourism Servants
Mèo: A Complicated Love Affair
Cầy Mực: A Critter With Popcorn Pee