Serval
Leptailurus serval

CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Felidae

SIZE:
Body 32 inches, tail 16 inches; 21 inches at shoulder

RANGE:
Africa south of the Sahara

HABITAT:
Open forests to savannas

DIET:
Wild - Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects
Zoo - Feline diet

DESCRIPTION:
Slender, long-legged cat with a short tail. Yellowish or reddish with black spots that may blend into stripes along the neck and black. Large oval ears with a distinct white spot on back. Swift, graceful runners and good climbers.

FACTS:

• Longest legs of all the cats relative to its size, letting them see over tall grass.
• Solitary.
• Can purr.
• Servals are hunted for their skins and to be sold as pets.

YOUNG:
2-4 young

STATUS:
Not threatened; CITES App. II; declining due to hunting pressure (as a pest and for fur).

REFERENCES:
Grzimek's Animal Encyclopedia, Vol. 13 Mammals IV
The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals, Jonathan Kingdon