* Threatened or Endangered
Serval *
: Leptailurus serval
: Mammal
: African savannas
: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and frogs
: Weight 20 to 44 lbs
: Protected and rare in most countries where it is found, primarily due to human encroachment and uncontrolled hunting
This African cat has the longest legs of all cats and very large ears, both features which make it an excellent hunter. The long legs help it to see over tall grasses when hunting. The large ears allow them to hear the ultrasonic high frequencies emitted by rodents. Their hearing is so acute that they can actually hear underground rodents digging in their burrows. These agile cats have the ability to leap over 9 feet straight up when hunting birds.