While on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, we were treated to a rare sight: a serval cat slinking through the tall grass
The serval (Leptailurus serval) is a long, lanky feline native to sub-Saharan Africa. At a glance, it might look like a large house cat, but its oddly small head and exceptionally long legs—the longest of any cat relative to its body size—set it apart as a specialized hunter.
The "Delicate Cat" by Name and Nature
"Serval" comes from the Portuguese lobo-cerval, meaning "lynx" or literally "wolf-deer" in reference to its deer-like frame.
A Tense Encounter on the Crater Floor
Spotted on the floor of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this particular serval was a master of camouflage. We were able to observe its movements for a short while, but the peace didn't last long. A group of lions approached. The serval beat a hasty exit.
