Leptailurus

Leptailurus is a genus of small carnivorous mammals belonging to the family Felidae, the cat family. This genus contains only one living species, Leptailurus serval, commonly known as the serval. Servals are medium-sized wild cats native to Africa. They are characterized by their long legs, large ears, and relatively short tails. These adaptations are crucial for their hunting strategy, which involves detecting prey with their keen hearing and then pouncing with remarkable agility.

The serval's habitat is primarily savannas, grasslands, and wetlands, where they prey on rodents, birds, insects, and small reptiles. They are solitary and primarily nocturnal hunters. The serval's distinctive coat is covered in black spots and stripes, providing excellent camouflage in their environment. While historically classified in its own genus, genetic studies have placed Leptailurus serval within the Felinae subfamily, which includes smaller cats.

The genus name Leptailurus derives from Greek words meaning "slender" and "tail," referring to the serval's relatively slender body and tail. The serval is not considered endangered, but its populations can be affected by habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. In some regions, servals are also subject to illegal pet trade, though they are difficult to domesticate.