Serval – Leptailurus serval – A striking wild cat native to Africa, the Serval is found primarily in sub-Saharan regions, particularly favoring savannahs and wetlands. These slender cats are instantly recognizable by their long legs, large ears, and distinctive golden-yellow coat adorned with black spots and stripes, making them well-adapted for life in tall grasses where they stalk their prey.

Despite their small size compared to other big cats, Servals are exceptional hunters, boasting a success rate of nearly 50%. They rely on their extraordinary hearing, using their oversized ears to detect the slightest rustle of rodents, birds, or insects. Unlike the Caracal, the Serval is not only a proficient leaper but also excels at pouncing, capable of leaping more than 2 meters (around 6.5 feet) into the air to catch birds or pounce on prey hiding in dense vegetation.

Afrikaans speakers refer to the Serval as "Tierboskat" (Tiger Bush Cat), which highlights their untamed beauty. These cats are often misunderstood and hunted for their pelts or because they are viewed as threats to livestock. However, like the Caracal, Servals play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, which benefits farming communities.

One fascinating fact about Servals is their ability to rotate their ears independently, allowing them to zero in on prey with remarkable precision. This, combined with their incredible speed and agility, makes them one of the most effective hunters among wild cats, capturing everything from small birds to larger prey like hares and even small antelope.