The Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a slender and striking medium-sized wild cat. Notably, it is best known for its long legs, large ears, and beautifully spotted coat.
In terms of size, adults stand about 54–62 cm at the shoulder. Furthermore, they measure 65–100 cm in body length, with the tail adding an additional 20–45 cm. Servals usually weigh between 9–18 kg, with males slightly larger than females. In addition, they are most commonly found in well-watered habitats. Specifically, these include grasslands, wetlands, and savannahs across sub-Saharan Africa.
As exceptional hunters, servals rely on their acute hearing to detect prey. Additionally, they can leap high into the air to catch rodents, birds, and reptiles. This makes them a prized sighting for wildlife photographers.
The gestation period of the Serval is approximately 66–77 days. After this period, one to four kittens are born. Birth usually occurs in dense vegetation or abandoned burrows. Kittens remain hidden for the first few weeks and are raised solely by the female. Furthermore, servals are solitary and largely nocturnal. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
Photo Tips:
Their secretive behavior, combined with their elegant movements and dramatic hunting style, makes each encounter on a photo safari memorable. Therefore, capturing a serval in action offers a rare glimpse into one of Africa’s most specialized and visually captivating feline predators.
