* Threatened or Endangered

Serval *

 : Leptailurus serval

 : Mammal

 : African savannas

 : Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and frogs

 : Weight 20 to 44 lbs

 : Least Concern

 

• Protected and rare in most countries where they are found, primarily due to human encroachment and uncontrolled hunting.

• This African cat has the longest legs of any cat and very large ears, both features which make it an excellent hunter.

     o The long legs help it to see over tall grass when hunting.

     o The large ears allow it to hear the ultrasonic, high frequencies emitted by rodents.

     o Their hearing is so acute that they can actually hear underground rodents digging in their burrows.

     o These agile cats can leap over 9 feet straight up when hunting birds.

 
 
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