Serval Leptailurus serval (Caracal serval)

The Serval is native to grasslands in much of Africa, mainly sub-Sahara. It is a medium-sized, spotted cat with stripes on the nape, especially long legs for its size, disproportionately large ears and a shorter than usual tail for a cat.

The back of the ears has a white "eye" bordered in black. The pattern of nape stripes and body spots varies with individuals. Rarely some have freckled spots or can be melanistic (all black).

The Serval is solitary (except for mating and raising young) and mainly nocturnal.