The serval (Leptailurus serval) is a slender, medium-sized wild cat that is native to sub-Saharan Africa, except for rainforest regions. This solitary hunter stands 54-65 cm (21-26 in) at the shoulder and weighs 9-20 kg (20-45 lb). Distinguished by its small head, large ears, golden-yellow to buff coat with black spots and stripes, and short black-tipped tail, the serval has the longest legs relative to body size of any cat species. All-black sevals are found in some populations, especially those from the high country of Kenya. As the sole member of the Leptailurus genus, the serval has three recognized subspecies across its range. It occurs in protected areas and is protected by law, with hunting either prohibited or regulated, in the countries where it is found.

With a kill rate of 50% this cat is one of the best hunters on the entire continent. The serval, a solitary carnivore, hunts both day and night for rodents, birds, frogs, insects, and reptiles, using its keen sense of hearing to locate prey. With a powerful leap, it can pounce up to 8 feet in the air to catch its prey in its forepaws before delivering the killing bite to the neck or head. Males and females establish highly overlapping home ranges of 4 to 12 square miles, marking the territory with feces and saliva. Breeding occurs one or two times per year, varying by location. After a two to three month gestation, a litter of one to four kittens is born. The kittens are weaned at one month old and begin hunting at six months. They leave their mother around twelve months of age.

The serval gets its name from the Portuguese word “lobo-cerval”, meaning lynx, which was used by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in 1765 to describe a spotted cat kept in the Royal Menagerie in Versailles. The Portuguese term “lobo-cerval” itself originates from the Latin words “lupus” (wolf) and “cervarius” (of or pertaining to deer).

Hunting

Serval hunting in Africa presents a unique challenge as it requires careful planning to obtain the necessary permits in various African countries. This cunning feline can display aggression when protecting itself from predators or safeguarding its prey, making it a superb trophy that symbolizes the essence of African wild cats. Moreover, the chance to engage in nocturnal serval hunting during a safari offers hunters an unforgettable experience, potentially introducing them to the thrill of nighttime hunting in Africa and serving as a remarkable reward for their game hunting endeavors.

The spotted cat often prowls through open fields, searching for prey like mice. The cleared terrain makes them more visible and easier to target thus making still hunting a common method to hunt. In South Africa, hunting expeditions also offer the opportunity to use a spotlight for night hunting, as long as the hunter possesses the necessary permit. Night hunting for serval can be extremely thrilling and rewarding. The dark adds excitement and challenge to the hunt, bringing a great sense of accomplishment. Hounds can be used for serval hunting in South Africa, but not in Namibia or Tanzania. Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia all allow serval hunting, but a permit must be obtained beforehand.

Serval populations are stable and the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, the cat faces some threats across its range. Habitat loss from wetland and grassland degradation poses a risk to the serval’s survival. Illegal trade of serval skins persists in Benin and Senegal, though it is declining. Servals are also killed in retaliation by local famers protecting livestock. They are also illegally killed by local poachers for use in traditional medicine across Africa.

Rowland Ward Ltd, reports that the most stout serval taken had a skull measuring 10 4/16 inches or 26cm.

Check out what hunts are available below in our hunting directory