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The real Egyptian cat Goddess
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Radu Xplorator (Xplorator)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 657 W: 57 N: 1500]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (7671) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2005-12 |
| Categories: Mammals |
| Camera: Nikon CP 8800 |
| Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop |
| Date Submitted: 2006-03-26 4:36 |
| Viewed: 3127 |
| Points: 12 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Serval (Leptailurus serval, sometimes Felis serval) is a medium-sized African wild cat: length 85 cm, plus 40 cm tail. 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, Servals are boldly spotted black on tawny. The "Servaline" form has much smaller, freckled spots. In addition melanistic servals are known to exist (see black panther). White servals are white with silvery grey spots and have only occurred in captivity.
This cat is quite common in Africa. Its main habitat is the savanna, although melanistic individuals are more usually found in mountainous areas. Servals need watercourses within their territory, so they do not live in semi-deserts or dry steppes. They are able to climb and swim, but they seldom do so.
The serval preys on rodents, hares, hyraxes, small antelopes and birds.
The litter consists of two or three young (called cubs or kittens), sometimes as few as one or as many as five. They are raised in sheltered locations like abandoned aardvark burrows. If such an ideal location is not available, a place behind a shrub may be sufficient.
Servals are sometimes preyed upon by leopards. More dangerous for this cat are humans. Servals were extensively hunted for their fur. They are still common in West and East Africa, but they are extinct in the South African Cape Province and very rare north of the Sahara.
Though they are not domesticated animals, servals are sometimes kept as pets (particularly in the United States). Some say that wild animals such as servals are not suited as pets and should only be owned by an experienced person. In many countries, a special wild animal licence is required in order to keep servals. Those with experience of pet servals report them to form a strong bond with humans and to be non-aggressive towards their owners and more intelligent and active than domestic cats. Male servals have been bred to domestic cats to produce hybrids. This cross is the basis of the Savannah cat breed. Servals have also been hybridised with caracals (their closest relatives) to produce servicals and caravals.
Additionally, the Serengeti Cat is a breed being developed with the aim of producing a wild-looking domestic cat, similar in appearance to a serval in many respects, but utilizing only domestic breeds and Leopard Cats and not actually incorporating any genetic contribution from the Serval.
Extracted from WIKIPEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
Direct link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serval |
Athila, thistle has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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Hi Radu,
wow, she's phantastic, I love cats very much.
This one is so elegant, wonderful colours, light and sharpness, thanks
Sabine - wishnugaruda
Serval are very beautiful felines, I think their elongated legs are their most distinguising feature. Nice exposure on this one Radu. :)
- Athila
(1564)
- [2006-03-26 21:54]
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Nice sharp and well exposed. Green foliage makes a good BG. But best of all is the pose of the cat, it really seems to have dignity as the Egyptian Paharon.
Good work and TFS.
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- manyee
(21076)
- [2006-03-27 2:30]
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That is a superb shot of this serval, Radu.
I am glad Sabine got rid of the leash. : )
Focus and exposure are perfect, and the pose of the cat is fantastic. Good catch. TFS. : )
Hello Radu,
Goddess on the leash... A little confusing view.
I wish you had ocassion to capture it without the leash. The picture has great POV and lovely colours.
VERY WELL DONE!
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- Adam73
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 209 W: 5 N: 522]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(2251) - [2006-06-23 11:40]
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Wow very beautiful. Colors are great. Nice POV and exposure.
- falko (19)
- [2009-07-02 7:15]
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Yes its a great animal, but I don't want to be hypercritical but the picture is very posed. I can't flaw your technique, but for me the best part of nature photography is the actually seeing of the animals in nature. I've never had the chance to photograph a serval, but I have seen them in the wild (although they are quite reclusive) and for me that is a much better experience than having a beautiful portrait.
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 952 W: 6 N: 26]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-s.gif)
(66)