Updated
The serval is a slim, long-legged wild cat with very large ears and a spotted golden coat. It hunts in tall grass and marshy ground, listening for rodents and pouncing on them in a high, arching leap. Servals have one of the highest hunting success rates of any cat. In Uganda they live in Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, and are seen mostly early in the morning, late in the afternoon or on night drives.
How servals hunt
A serval stands still in tall grass, turning its large ears to pinpoint the sound of a rodent, then springs up and lands on it with its front paws. It can also leap straight up to knock birds out of the air and reach into burrows with its long legs. Rodents make up most of its diet, along with birds, frogs, reptiles and insects.
Habits
Servals are solitary and hold territories marked with scent and urine. Females raise two or three kittens in dense cover. They are not rare across Africa, but they are shy and well camouflaged, so sightings are a matter of luck. Wetland drainage reduces their habitat.
Where to see it
Look in tall, damp grassland on early drives in Kidepo, Murchison and Queen Elizabeth. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Kidepo game drives, Murchison Falls animals, Queen Elizabeth and night game drives.
Frequently asked questions
In grasslands in Kidepo, Murchison, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo.
Mostly rodents, plus birds, frogs, reptiles and insects.
To hear rodents moving in tall grass.
No, but it is shy and hard to spot.
