Serval Cat in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara has the sleek serval cat. One of the greatest novelties in wild animals that occur within its boundaries is also to be found at this national reserve in Kenya, for it shelters a unique serval.

What is a Serval Cat?

Serval cat is a medium-sized wild cats. Slim body, large ears and long legs. Medium Coat: This one features a medium length coat with spots and stripes that cover the serval’s body. The coat helps it hide in the grasslands, which makes for a strong predator. They typically weigh 20 to 40 pounds and stand a bit under two feet tall at the shoulder.

Habitat of the Serval

Serval cats inhabit the open grasslands near water sources in Masai Mara. They require tall grass to conceal and approach their prey. For the serval, this means an abundance of tall grasses and small game animals for them to hunt—making the Masai Mara ideal territory.

Hunting and Diet

This is because serval cats are very efficient hunters. Mainly rodents, birds and insects. They can pick up even the slightest movements of grass because their ears are very useful in that sense. When a serval locates its prey, it leaps six feet into the air to catch birds or to ambush other animals from above.

Social Behavior

Servals are solitary animals. They live solitarily as a rule or in pairs at most during breeding season. They care for their young themselves and show them how to hunt. Serval young stay with their mother for some 12 months before they strike out on their own.

Conclusion

The serval cat is an intriguing creature that plays a part in the circle of life within the Masai Mara. Its original characteristic and hunting skills made it a unique part of this gorgeous reserve. Visitors to the Masai Mara are spoilt for choice with regard in beholding these gentle giants in their natural environment.