Serval
Leptailurus serval
Least Concern
IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2023
About the Serval
The serval is a slender wild cat with the longest legs and largest ears relative to body size of any cat. Highly skilled hunters, they rely on hearing to locate prey. Wetland drainage and illegal pet trade threaten their populations.
Region
East Africa
Population
Unknown
Trend
Data Year
2023
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
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Long-Leg Ally
$12/month
Support serval wetland habitats
- ✓ Digital certificate
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Wetland Warden
$28/month
Wetland protection program
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- ✓ Habitat report
- ✓ Photo print
Quick Stats