Serval

The serval inhabits various types of environments, mainly those with tall grasses such as savannas, marshes, forests, and wet meadows. However, it is absent from tropical forests and desert environments. Its populations extend across almost all of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia in the west and down to South Africa in the south. Furthermore, a small population persists on the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. It can be found at altitudes of over 3,000 meters.

This feline is strictly carnivorous and feeds on small mammals as well as hares, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. Depending on availability, rodents account for 80 to 90% of its diet. Its physical characteristics make it an excellent hunter with a success rate of nearly 48%. This rate is exceptionally high compared to that of most other felines, which is about 10%.

As soon as the prey is within range, it stands up on its hind legs to pounce and delivers a powerful blow with its paw to stun the prey. To capture high-up prey such as a bird, it can also jump vertically to catch it midair. Its jumps can reach up to 4 m long and 3 m high. In fact, it is the second fastest feline after the cheetah, as it can run at nearly 80 km/h.

If the prey is underground, it may dig to unearth it.

The serval may occasionally be preyed upon by hyenas, lions, or leopards.

It is a solitary and territorial animal; males and females come together only for reproduction. Both of them mark the territory with different markers: olfactory (with urine and excrement), visual (with scratch marks), and chemical (by rubbing the glands on their cheeks on various objects). Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, it is nevertheless capable of adapting to seasonal and environmental changes and can also hunt during the day.

Servals are polygynous, with one male mating with several females, while females mate with only one male. A male’s territory overlaps with as many females’ territories as possible to increase his chances of breeding. After mating, the females care for their young alone, with litters ranging from 2 to 4 kittens. Births usually occur during the rainy season. The young are weaned at around 3 – 4 months and are almost independent by 6 to 8 months. In some cases, if tolerated by the mother, young servals continue to frequent the maternal territory until the end of their first year of life.

The serval is not currently considered a threatened species on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature); its populations are still abundant and widespread. Thanks to its ability to adapt to many habitats, it seems to tolerate certain variations in its environment related to human activity. Nevertheless, this is only possible if there are enough prey, vegetation cover, and available water. Capable of hunting up to nearly 4,000 rodents per year, its presence is sometimes seen as beneficial in agricultural areas. However, this feline is still impacted by the gradual destruction of its habitat for agriculture and livestock farming, which is causing more and more wetlands to disappear. It is also hunted for its skin and captured to supply the exotic pet market.