Species: serval

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The serval is a slender, medium-sized African wild feline with a relatively small tail. Its coat pattern and general build are similar to those of a cheetah, but it is much smaller.

It was first described by von Schreber in 1776. It is the sole member of the genus Leptailurus. It is rare in North Africa and the Sahel, but widespread in sub-Saharan countries except rainforest regions. On the IUCN Red List it is listed as Least Concern.

A breed of domestic cat, the savannah cat, is the result of a cat being crossed with a serval. The first savannah cat was born in April 1986.