Leptailurus serval

Leptailurus serval (Serval)

The serval is one of the animals of the zoo that is usually hidden behind the bushes, but once it decides to show itself, it will pose for hours like a true model.

Photo by Mary Kantarelou
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Nikkor NiKkor 50mm F/1.8D AF Lens
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/250 sec, f/13 Aperture priority
Flash: none
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS4, sharpening added and resized.

Serval II

The Serval is a medium-sized African wild cat. It is closely related to the African Golden Cat and the Caracal. The length is 85 cm (34 in), plus 40 cm (16 in) of tail, and the shoulder height is about 53 cm (21 in). Weight ranges from 9 to 18 kg (20-40 lbs) in females, and from 12 to 25 kg (25-55 lbs) in males. Life expectancy is about 12-20 years. It is a slender animal, with long legs and a fairly short tail. The head is small in relation to the body, and the tall, oval ears are set close together. The pattern of the fur is variable. Usually, the Serval is boldly spotted black on tawny. The "servaline" form has much smaller, freckled spots. In addition, melanism is known to exist in this species, giving a similar appearance to the black panther. White servals are white with silvery grey spots and have only occurred in captivity.

Its main habitat is the savanna, although melanistic individuals are more usually found in mountainous areas. The Serval needs watercourses within its territory, so it does not live in semi-deserts or dry steppes. It is able to climb and swim, but seldom does so. It has now dwindled in numbers due to human population taking over its habitat and also hunting its pelt. It is protected in most countries. The Serval is listed in CITES Appendix 2, indicating that it is "not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled." (1)

These animals enjoy hiding and ambushing. We have tried to take photos of them on a number of occasions however they were not co-operative at all. They hid amongst the vegetation and watched us. Eventually we got lucky: their attention got attracted by something else so we managed to get some decent shots of them.

Photos by Marina Parha and George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

1. Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/125 sec, f/5.6, Auto
Flash: SB600
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS4, USM added and resized.

2. Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 300 f/2.8D IF-ED
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/500 sec, f/5 Shutter priority
Flash: none
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted sharpening added and resized.

(1) Wikipedia