What is Serval?
{{Taxobox | name = Serval <ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Wozencraft | pages = 540}}</ref> | status = LC | trend = down | status_system = iucn3.1 | status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Breitenmoser C. Henschel P. & Sogbohossou E.|year=2008|id=11638|title=Leptailurus serval|downloaded=22 March 2009}} Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern</ref> | image = Leptailurus serval -Serengeti National Park, Tanzania-8.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption= In the [[Serengeti National Park]], [[Tanzania]] |regnum = [[Animal]]ia |phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] |classis = [[Mammal]]ia |ordo = [[Carnivora]] |familia = [[Felidae]] |genus = '''''Leptailurus''''' |species = '''''Leptailurus serval'''''}} The '''serval''' (''Leptailurus serval'') is a medium-sized wild cat which lives in [[sub-Saharan Africa]]. It is the only [[species]] in its [[genus]]. == Description == The serval has the longest legs of all cats, relative to its size.<ref>[http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/serval African Wildlife Foundation]</ref> Not only can it run fast, but it is an amazing jumper: two to three metres from a standing start. Its length as an adult is about 32 inches (body) and 16 inches (tail). It weighs about fourty pounds.<ref name=Sayer>Sayer, Angela & Findlay, Michael 1979. ''The encyclopedia of the cat''. London: Chancellor, p30/31. {{ISBN|1-85152-923-3}}</ref> There are a number of subspecies, and its geographical range is from the Cape of [[South Africa]] to [[Algeria]], wherever the circumstances are right for it. It is lightly built, with very large ears and long legs. The back of the ears is black with a big white spot, and the tip of the tail is black. These signs serve as signals to other servals, including kittens.<ref name=Sayer/> === Habitat === The serval needs access to water, and dense [[grassland]]. [[Reed (plant)|Reed]] beds, scrub or high grass are typical habitats. It is territorial.<ref name=Sayer/> == Hunting and diet == [[File:serval portrait.j