Serval

Leptailurus serval

The serval is a tall, slender wild cat from Africa. It has long legs and big ears, perfect for hearing its prey in the grass.

Habitat: Grasslands and savannas

Appearance

The Serval is a slender, medium-sized cat with incredibly long legs and a short tail. It has a distinctive coat of large black spots and stripes on a golden-yellow to tawny background. Its most striking feature is its very large, oval ears.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyFelidaeGenusLeptailurus

Serval

Interesting facts

Each serval's spotted coat pattern is unique, just like a human fingerprint!

Servals have the longest legs of any cat relative to their body size!

Some servals have a completely black coat, known as melanism or melanistic!

These amazing cats are surprisingly good swimmers and can even catch fish!

Special abilities

Serval can pinpoint tiny sounds of prey in tall grass or underground because of its massive, independently swiveling ears.

Serval can jump over 9 feet high because of its powerful leg muscles, helping it snatch birds mid-flight.

Serval has incredibly long legs that help them see over tall savanna grasses while hunting for small animals.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-100 cm
Weight: 7-18 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Top Speed: 80 km/h
Litter Size: 1-5
Gestation: 66-77 days

Diet & Feeding

Servals mostly eat small rodents, birds, and insects, making them skilled savanna hunters!

Primary Foods

rodents
birds
frogs
insects
reptiles
fish

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Multimammate mouse

Mastomys natalensis

Primary small mammal prey.

hunts

Kori Bustard

Ardeotis kori

May prey on large ground birds.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Young servals may be hunted.

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Apex predator that can kill servals.

eaten by

Humans

Homo sapiens

Hunted for fur or bushmeat.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Striped

Look for animals and plants with cool lines and bands, creating eye-catching patterns!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Ambush Predator

Meet masters of surprise! These clever hunters hide quietly and wait patiently for their prey to come close before pouncing with a quick move.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.