Serval

 =**The African Serval** =

The serval is an African cat that has both stripes and spots. The large external ears have 30 muscles that allow them to turn in many directions. They have exceptional hearing and can detect prey such as moles underground. They also have the ability to leap approximately 7 ft straight up to take down prey, such as flying birds. Servals usually inhabit grasslands, brush and forest areas where there is a water source and unlike some cats they will readily take to water in pursuit of prey. Like most cats servals are solitary and come together only to breed. They have between one and four kittens, usually two. In the wild servals can live up to 10 years but have lived to 20 years in captivity. 
 * References:** www.honoluluzoo.org/**serval**.htm