Serval

Leptailurus serval

The serval is a solitary African cat of savanna. Crepuscular and long-legged, it hunts small prey hidden in grass.

Key facts

Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Felidae.
Primary habitats are savanna, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is crepuscular, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The serval is a solitary African cat of savanna.
It uses savannas and moist grasslands, especially areas with tall grass near water.
Typical lifespan: 10-20 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses savannas and moist grasslands, especially areas with tall grass near water. Prey-rich grassland suits it better than very open dry ground.

Body length is about 67-100 cm and weight about 7-18 kg. Very long legs, large ears, and a spotted yellow coat are distinctive.

It moves alone around dawn and dusk. Large ears locate prey in grass, and high leaps help pin animals with the forefeet.

It is carnivorous, eating rodents, birds, frogs, insects, and other small prey. It often takes many small animals rather than a few large ones.

Kittens are raised in concealed cover such as dense grass or old burrows. The mother moves and protects them until they can hunt.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Loss of wet grassland and conflict with people can matter locally.