Serval (Leptailurous serval)
Picture from the Cathouse (FCC)
Length: 2 to 3 feet
Weight: 20 to 40 pounds
Life Span: 19 years
Gestation: 63 days
Litter Size: 2 to 3
Shoulder Height: 20 inches
Physical Characteristics
Out of all the big cats, the serval has the longest legs; they are up to three feet long, and
allow the serval to look over tall grass and pounce directly on its quarry. The serval also
has large, oval ears which enhances its hearing to help track its prey. The coloration of its
fur is sandy-brown to a cherry-brown with black spots. There are melanistic forms of the
serval in darkened undergrowth.
Habitat and Daily Life
The serval is found in the savanna, woodlands, lowland mountains, scrubby grasslands, and
some damp elevated environments in Africa south of the Sahara desert. They prefer areas
where there is a good water source and tall grass.
Hunting and Feeding
A crespecular hunter, the serval
uses its advanced hearing to locate its prey then directly
pounce on it. Being quick and agile, they may hunt reptiles, fish, guinea fowl, but are
specialized in hunting rodents. The serval can also jump up to ten feet to catch birds.
Reproduction
Breeding takes place in late winter to early spring. After a
gestation period of about 63
days, two to three cubs are born blind and helpless in a shelter. The mother will care for
them until they about ten months when they will make territories of their own. This is
quite young among most felids, 1 1/2 - 2 years is an average age to leave their mother to
set off on their own.
Status
Hunted of its attractive coat, the serval is listed under CITES Appendix 2 as threatened.
The serval is also used as a source of meat in some areas of Africa.
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