Serval Information

The serval is one of seven species of small to medium-sized African cats. It has a slender build with long legs.  Its back legs are longer than its front legs.  It has a small head, large erect rounded ears and a long neck.

Its coat is yellowish tan with black spots, bands and stripes. The tails has black rings and its underside is white or light tan.  The pattern of every serval's coat is different.

A serval weighs between  29 and 41 pounds (13.5 - 19kg).  It's body length is 27 -39 inches (70 - 100cm) with an added tail length of about 13 - 17 inches (35 - 40 cm). The height at the shoulder is about 23 inches (60cm). Males are slightly larger than females. Servals are known as good climbers. Except for the shortness of the tail, there is a physical resemblance to the cheetah.

Servals are found in many parts of Africa, but not in the equatorial jungles or the Sahara. It is most commonly found in East African savannas, usually near water. They prefer areas of scrub bush, tall grass and dry reed beds that are near streams. They will not be found hunting in an open dry savanna where there is inadequate cover. They have also adapted to higher altitudes in Kenya. Black servals can be found in Kenya's high country provided there is a source of water near by.