Serval information on the SCCGB and Savannah Cats


Information about African Servals

The African Serval - What does it look like?

My first live glimpse of an African Serval was like looking at a yellow spotted miniature pony with a smaller head. Looking at another African Serval it looked like a Cheetah with large ears!

I later learned that there is national distinction in their colours. African Servals that dwell in damp areas have finer markings. Those that live in warmer surroundings have a coat with large, bold spots.

The African Serval (scientific name is Laptailurus serval) is a medium built exotic wild cat with:-

A small head, long neck, large tall ears set close together on top of their heads white spots on the back of each ear that draws your immediate attention to the Serval's ears!

Long slim body with a length that can range from 24 to 50 inches and that does not include its tail

Average shoulder height approximates 20 to 24 inches depending on the sex of the Serval.

Long pliable back legs with slightly shorter front legs which enables them to jump high in the air for their prey

A short thick ringed tail of around 12 to 18 inches.

Rich black spots on a bright golden sandy background

Do bear in mind that the African Serval have a wide range of sizes.

The most common African Serval's coat has a bright yellowish brown/golden background, contrasted with large black spots on its body and legs. It also has black stripes running from its head, down the neck breaking up into spots as it reaches the Serval's body.

There are also white and all black Servals that are not seen very often.

Their weight can range from approximately 20-44 lbs.

What does the African Serval eat?

In a Serval's natural habitat, the food they eat depends on their surroundings and what is available to them in that environment. The Serval's food can range from squirrels, rodents, insects, fish, frogs, chicks, hares and surprisingly fruit and vegetables and plenty of water.

A Serval's long neck, large ears and long legs comes in handy when hunting for their food. Their long legs enables them to see over tall grasses and leap into the air at great distances to catch birds for a meal. A Serval's ears will distinguish prey that burrows underground. Servals are very intelligent and can cunningly get the better of their prey. After catching their prey, they will usually play with it for some time before devouring it.

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