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Serval


Serval
Photo Information
Copyright: Tom Conzemius (pirate) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 799 W: 152 N: 1186] (7474)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-09-13
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon 40 D, Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L USM
Exposure: f/4, 1/3000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Loot's Favourites 1, CeltickRanger's favorite African animal photos 3 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-10-24 12:25
Viewed: 5274
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Serval
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Serval (Leptailurus serval) is a medium-sized African wild cat. It is closely related to the African Golden Cat and the Caracal. The length is 85 cm (34 in), plus 40 cm (16 in) of tail, and the shoulder height is about 53 cm (21 in). Weight can range from 9 to 20 kg (20-44 lbs). Life expectancy is about 12-20 years. It is a slender animal, with long legs and a fairly short tail. The tall, oval ears are set close together. The pattern of the fur is variable. Usually, the Serval is boldly spotted black on tawny. The "servaline" form has much smaller, freckled spots. In addition, melanism is known to exist in this species, giving a similar appearance to the black panther. White servals are white with silvery grey spots and have only occurred in captivity.
Its main habitat is the savanna, although melanistic individuals are more usually found in mountainous areas. The Serval needs watercourses within its territory, so it does not live in semi-deserts or dry steppes. It is able to climb and swim, but seldom does so. It has now dwindled in numbers due to human population taking over its habitat and also hunting its pelt. It is protected in most countries. The Serval is listed in CITES Appendix 2, indicating that it is "not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled."
Evelynn, loot, rousettus, CeltickRanger has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Well, well...a serval.
You seldom spot them. I thought it had a mountainous habitat.
I like the texture in the fur and the moment...
Well done
TFS
Annick

Lovely spot-on focus of this unusual cat. Its proportions are so interesting. It's a nice capture. Thanks for sharing it.

Evelynn : )

Hello Tom

A lovely capture of this beautiful big cat.
The details are excellent,you have managed to get it in a lovely natural environment.
Very good DOF and sharp focus.
Well done.
TFS

Wolf

A truly beautiful shot of this gorgeous Serval. This really deserves more points because it's not only difficult to see a Serval in the wild, but to photograph one like this is truly remarkable. Very nicely done!

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5524 W: 722 N: 4163] (11276)
  • [2008-10-28 7:24]

Hi Tom

This is one of Africa's cats which I have not been able to catch in front of my lens yet.
Simply because they are such shy animals and because of their nocturnal habits.
You were very fortunate to capture this one in the Massai Mara, especially during the day time.
You obviously made full use of this rare opportunity and got an excellent shot as a reward.
I love the natural environment shown and the stalking action of the Serval.
The fast shutter speed ensured amazingly sharp details and the colours are very natural.

Very well done and TFS.
Regards
Loot

anaother great cat species capture from Africa. I think that I have not seen it on TN. great focus and composition. POV and timing great as like lighting. Thanks for sharing, well done, Tom.
Ahmet

Hello Tom

Excellent close-up photo of the Serval,
great focus of this big wild cat showing
its beautiful fur with great details, TFS

Asbed

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