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Meet the
serval.
Servals remain widespread in sub-Saharan Africa where suitable wet grassland persists. Wetland degradation and persecution affect some populations.
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Appearance
A slender cat with exceptionally long legs, a small head, very large ears and a yellow-gold coat covered in black spots and stripes.
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Behaviour
Usually solitary. It listens for hidden prey, then makes a high, precise pounce into vegetation.
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Diet
Primarily takes rodents and other small vertebrates, plus insects and occasional larger prey.
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Habitat
Moist grassland, reed beds, savanna and wetland edges, usually near water.
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Distribution
Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller and more isolated northern populations.
