 The Serval's appearance sets it apart from other cats. It is considered to be a small cat and usually weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. Their body length is usually 2 to 3 feet and they typically measure about 20 inches high at the shoulders. They range in color from sandy to golden to reddish brown. The Serval Cat's markings are very unusual - they have both stripes and spots! Their faces have spots. The back of their neck and upper back have long black stripes and their tail which turn into black spots on their mid and hind section. Their legs have stripes and their tail usually has several black rings that merge to a black tip on the end. The back of the Serval's ears have black and white stripes which are used for communication. A cat can tell other cats apart by their unique markings and a mother cat can herd the father away from her babies and still be able to keep watch from above ( Tigers have a white dot on the back of each ear for communication, as well ). The features that really set the Serval apart from other cats are their extraordinarily long legs, sleek elongated necks, and extra large ears.
- Range: Most parts of Africa, especially the dry open grasslands, the wooded savannahs, and the equatorial rainforest.
- Status: Threatened
- Diet: Small prey - birds, rodents, insects, and sometimes hares. In wetter areas frogs make up a large portion of its diet.
Legs
 Khura Neck and Ears
The neck of the Serval Cat is elongated, which gives them a giraffe look, while the small, long face resembles a fox at times. The large oval ears topping this cats face are as amazing as their legs and are very different from the ears of other cats. Their ears are like tiny radio receivers that are able to pick up the ultrasonic high frequencies of their prey. This is due to an enlarged Bellah and Pennal. They can hear insects under the ground and are known to dig down into tunnels for food. These incredible ears are able to swivel backward and forward independently which enables them to listen from two directions at the same time.
I think you will all agree that the Serval Cat from Africa is a truly incredible, awe inspiring, and beautiful creature. Welcome from all of us in "The Jungle" to Khura, our newest arrival. Please check back often for updates on Khura's progress and information about our other beloved family members.
Khura, an African Serval Cat who came to us on Friday, January 25, 2004, was confiscated from a private owner by the Florida Fresh Water Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 Essay and Photos by Penny Iles |
