Servals are slender built cats that are easily recognizable because of their very large ears and long legs.  Found in most parts of Africa except the very arid desert regions, servals prefer well-watered savannah environments with tall grass for concealment.  Servals are solitary animals that reach a body length of 27 to 39 inches and a weight of 20 to 40 pounds.

Hunting mainly at dusk and dawn, the serval preys on hare, rodents, birds, frogs, lizards and insects.  Servals have such sophisticated hearing that they can actually pick up the ultrasonic high frequencies emitted by rodents.  This enables them to pinpoint and pounce on their prey with deadly accuracy.  Servals have a wide range of vocalizations that include snarling, growling, spitting, purring and high-pitched calls.  Servals have a life span of up to 19 years.  Serval populations are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting for their beautiful coats.