About the Serval
The serval is a slender, medium-sized wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by its golden-yellow coat, black spots, and the longest legs and ears relative to its body size of any feline. These unique proportions help them see and hunt efficiently over tall savanna grasses.
Servals are celebrated as some of the most successful predators in the animal kingdom. They rely primarily on their exceptional hearing rather than speed to locate prey. Their large, satellite-like ears can detect the faint rustling of rodents hidden beneath thick vegetation or even underground. Once prey is pinpointed, a serval performs a high, vertical pounce, landing on its target with precise force. They are so agile that they can leap over 9 feet into the air to snatch birds in mid-flight.
Unlike many other wild cats, servals have a strong affinity for water and are excellent swimmers. They are frequently found near wetlands, marshes, and river fringes, which provide abundant cover and a steady supply of amphibians, fish, and insects. Because they play a crucial role in regulating rodent populations, they act as valuable protectors of local agricultural ecosystems in Africa.
Description of the Serval
- Proportions: Often called the “giraffe cat,” the serval has an unusually long neck and legs, which help it see over tall savanna grasses. Its hind legs are slightly longer than its front legs, enabling immense leaping capabilities.
- Head and Ears: It has a small, sleek head with massive, rounded, oval-shaped ears. The back of the ears are solid black with a prominent white “eye spot” or bar.
- Coat and Pattern: Its coat ranges from pale yellow to golden-tawny, overlaid with distinct black spots and stripes. The spots often merge into lines running from the head down the neck and back. The underbelly is a soft, unmarked off-white.
- Tail: The tail is short (typically around 7 inches) and thick. It is marked with black rings and ends in a solid black tip.
- Melanism: While rare, completely black (melanistic) servals exist, primarily in the mountainous regions of Kenya and Ethiopia.
Suitable Weapons
The ideal caliber to hunt a caracal is a small-to-medium centerfire rifle, such as the .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, or .243 Winchester.
A 12 gauge shotgun is a good option when shooting a serval that is treed when hunting with hounds.
Hunting Area
Servals are hunted in South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Special permits with limited availability are usually required to hunt these cats.