Serval kittens, born in litters of two to four, are difficult to observe as the mother hides them well and frequently changes the hiding place. Because the female raises the litter alone, she has to hunt frequently to feed them. When the young are large enough to hunt, the mother drives the males out. Young females remain there somewhat longer, but when they become sexually mature they too leave to establish their own territories. Predators Servals are prey of hyenas, hunting dogs and leopards.
Servals have a variety of vocalizations, including a high-pitched cry used to call other servals.
When angry they snarl, growl and spit. When content they purr. Servals are found in most parts of Africa, with the exception of central equatorial Africa, the very southern part of the continent and the Sahara region. Order your copy of Wild Lives Guidebook . Back to Wildlives main page .