Servals

Our population of servals is currently classified as stable in South Africa even though the opinion of many experts are that populations have dropped and should be seen as and fundable species. This elusive tall cat has often been compared and confused with another African cat called the Caracal. Caracals are widely found in south African and are despised by most livestock farmers as they have been know to catch both small lambs as well as large adult seep and goats.
With more thorough research it was proven that servals rarely hunt domestic livestock as they are to large and a Serval’s jaws are not strong enough. They prefer hunting insects, birds, rodents and even venomous snakes. This very agile cat with its tall legs have become masters at hunting snakes by delivering quick and multiple blows to the snakes body. Injuring and disorientating its pray.
Tall legs also come in handy when catching birds, Serval can from standing jump between 2 and 3 meters straight up into the air to catch birds out of flight. They also hunt strategically by sitting in shallow water and waiting for water birds to some down and land, then from the shallow waters 3 meters up into the air and they can catch their prey.
Serval are amazing rodent control as 1 serval in a years’ time will catch an average of 1,000 rodents.
They are the cat with the largest ears in comparison to its body and is the tallest cat (in the world) should you compare the length of the leg to the size of the cat. Unfortunately, these cats are often confused with caracals and shot by farmers trying to protect their livestock. However, Servals do not hunt large species of Lamb, and buck as their jaws are not strong enough.
Servals prefer to hunt smaller pray such as mice, birds, rabbits and snakes. They can jump from a standing position of 2-3 metres high which gives them an advantage of catching birds!
Diesel the Serval

The gorgeous young male Serval is called Diesel. He was born on March 11th, 2012 at the Daniell Cheetah Project. He is also the son of Gypsy and Walker.
During the day he is one of the most friendly servals we have at this facility, however, one could say that he is slightly overprotective over his food!
The Serval population is currently classified as least concern and therefore stable. Nevertheless we will dedicate ourselves to Serval conservation, in addition to Cheetah, Caracal, Hyena and Lions.
Petrol the Serval

Petrol arrived at DCP at only 2 weeks old. He was born in another awareness project but unfortunately rejected by mom. He now is a very handsome adult male serval at 5 years old.
He has lots of character and makes his opinion known. All men should steer clear of Petrol as he will mark all of his territory and should the men be standing to close they might also get scent marked.
Ubunto and Upendo the Servals

Sisters Ubuntu & Upendo were born on the 17th of December 2012 at the DCP from mom Gypsy and dad Walker.
The girls will stay in the project but go into an alliance between DCP and Symba Wildlife Conservation.
The girls are the first ambassadors to the SCEAP. They will be given over 850m² to themselves, without having to share with a “boyfriend” because that is NOT how it is done in nature. They will have a designated mate who will live next door and be admitted access ONLY when our girls are ready and willing. Their mate will be sponsored by the Daniell Cheetah Project. These two females will be part of SWC’s small cat breeding program which will lead to a trading program and potentially a reintroduction program for this amazing species.
Juliet the Serval

Alpha the Serval

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