On most African safaris, it’s often the larger and better-known cats that draw one’s attention. Occasionally though, a relatively scarce and seldom-seen feline steals the show.
Just after first light one morning on the misty Ngorongoro Crater floor, we noticed a serval walking along the track towards us. Generally, they prefer areas with longer grass, which is one reason why they’re so tricky to see. This one carried on straight towards us and paused just a few metres from our vehicle, before moving into the long grass. Suddenly, it launched into an arching pounce, right on top of an unsuspecting mouse.
Rodents and birds make up most of a serval’s diet, and it’s clear to see why these cats have such long legs. Their athleticism gives them the ability to make incredible leaps, either to land on top of their prey or pluck it out of the air in mid-flight. Oversized ears give them acute hearing, and they’re able to pinpoint the location of a rodent several metres away in the long grass, using sound alone.
We followed this serval for a while as it hunted, totally unconcerned by our presence, giving us some superb photographic opportunities and the sheer pleasure of simply watching.