Species MammalsServal

Serval

Leptailurus serval

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Serval (Leptailurus serval)

The Serval is a medium-sized cat with long legs, large ears, and a spotted coat, making it an adept hunter in tall grass. They are known for their remarkable ability to leap high into the air to catch birds.

Habitat
Savannas and wetlands.
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily hunting rodents and birds.
How common
Uncommon

Not certain it is a Serval? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Serval sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Serval? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Serval is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love mammals? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More mammals

Shaw's Mastiff Bat
Shaw's Mastiff Bat
Eumops auripendulus
Shiras Moose
Shiras Moose
Alces alces shirasi
Short-beaked Common Dolphin
Short-beaked Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Globicephala macrorhynchus
Siamang
Siamang
Symphalangus syndactylus
Sika Deer
Sika Deer
Cervus nippon
Silky Anteater
Silky Anteater
Cyclopes didactylus
Silky Pocket Mouse
Silky Pocket Mouse
Perognathus flavus