Quick answer
Key facts about serval — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.
Vertical pounce hunting
Servals locate prey by sound in tall grass, then leap straight up and strike down with forepaws — catching more than 50% of targets in some studies. This spectacular hunting style is unique among cats and inspired the domestic savannah cat breed.
Acute hearing
Enormous ears with sharp localisation help servals detect rodents rustling underground or birds moving in grass. Large ear bones and tight skull attachment maximise sensitivity — servals often hunt with eyes closed, relying entirely on sound.
Territory and water
Servals need grassland near water and cover for denning. Territories overlap minimally between same-sex adults. They are mainly crepuscular and solitary, though pairs may associate briefly during breeding.
Conservation and hybridisation
Least Concern across much of Africa, servals face wetland drainage and bushmeat snares locally. Hybridisation with domestic cats occurs in captivity for the pet trade — controversial and illegal in many countries because wild servals do not make suitable pets.