Serval

The Serval - Spots in the Grass

Although the Serval is considerably smaller in size than the Cheetah, it has similar proportions to the Cheetah and is easily mistaken for its larger relative when seen briefly or from a distance. The coat is tawny in colour with black stripes, spots and blotches, with a shortish tail banded with black (a rare melanistic form - completely black - exists in mountainous parts of central Africa). Like the Cheetah, the Serval has long limbs but these are not used for speed - they allow the cat to leap nimbly and provide a vantage point to see above the vegetation.

From rodents to fish

The Serval favours areas of tall grass, often close to water, in savannah and montane grasslands. It is most often encountered on the fringes of wetlands and riverine forest where food and cover is plentiful. Rodents - such as Mice, Voles and Cane Rats - make up the bulk of the Serval's diet, but small and medium-sized birds are regularly preyed upon. The cat's huge disc-like ears are used to detect the sound of movement, including that of rodents burrowing beneath the soil. Prey is typically stalked and then pounced upon in a leap, but birds are frequently plucked out of the air when taking off. Unlike many other cats, Serval are not shy to enter water, and readily pursue Ducks, Crakes and other waterfowl. Frogs, reptiles and even fish are captured and eaten whenever the opportunity arises.

Overlapping territories

The Serval is a solitary animal, with pairs only coming together for the purpose of mating. When the female is on heat, the couple typically consort for several days, and even hunt together. Adult males and females occupy distinct territories which they patrol and scent-mark. Territories are frequently utilised - at least in part - by other individuals, and range in size from two to seven square kilometres, depending upon habitat and prey availability. There is no evidence to suggest that males occupy larger territories than females, as is the case with bigger cats such as Leopards and Lions.

Kittens are well-hidden

Females have a gestation period of between 65 and 75 days, and usually give birth to two or three young (litters may number up to five). In their first weeks of life, the kittens are kept hidden in reeds, sedges or other dense vegetation and are frequently moved to avoid detection. The mother Serval must provision her family with a regular supply of meals, sometimes travelling considerable distances during both day and night, in search of prey. As the kittens develop, they become ever more inquisitive and it becomes difficult for the female to keep them hidden while she is out on the prowl.

The hunter is hunted

In addition to hunting its own prey, the Serval has constantly to be alert to danger in the form of carnivores bigger than itself. Spotted Hyenas are a major threat, and Leopards have been recorded to catch and feed on Serval in various parts of the continent. Nile Crocodile and African Rock Python pose a further threat to adults, while the young are most at risk to Martial Eagle and other large birds of prey.

Where to see Serval at CC Africa properties

For unknown reasons, Serval appear to be somewhat less nocturnal in East Africa than they are south of the Zambezi. Particularly good viewing opportunities exist in Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. CC Africa guests at Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp and Ngorongoro Crater Lodge have an above average chance of seeing these beautiful but elusive cats during daylight hours, while night drives at most other CC Africa properties provide the possibility a chance encounter.

Posted: Mammals by CC Africa, Date: 21 November 2006