Servals of Kafue
This study examines the population density of servals within Zambia’s Greater Kafue Ecosystem, addressing a significant research gap for this often-overlooked small cat. Researchers utilized camera trap surveys and advanced spatially explicit capture-recapture models to compare animal abundance in the strictly protected Kafue National Park against neighboring Game Management Areas. The findings indicate that while serval densities are marginally higher in the national park, the species remains relatively resilient across various management zones despite human-driven pressures like habitat loss. The data also demonstrates that monitoring efforts designed for large carnivores, such as lions and leopards, can successfully produce reliable ecological evidence for smaller feline species. Ultimately, the authors advocate for continued habitat preservation and anti-poaching measures to ensure the long-term survival of servals in the region.
Forgotten Felines
While large felines typically dominate conservation headlines, new research highlights a disturbing and overlooked spike in the illegal trafficking of small and medium-sized wildcats. In nations like Colombia, hundreds of species such as ocelots and margays are being removed from the wild to be sold as exotic pets or for their physical parts. This underground industry often operates through voluntary surrenders, a legal loophole that frequently masks the true magnitude of poaching activities. Experts warn that this crisis extends across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where smaller cats are increasingly vulnerable due to their proximity to human settlements. Because these animals receive less monitoring and protection than their larger relatives, many species face a silent decline toward extinction. Greater international scrutiny and better data collection are essential to uncovering and halting this widespread wildlife crime.
Serval Facts
2025 Annual Report
CANADA OPENS FIRST BIG CAT SANCTUARY AS ROADSIDE ZOOS FACE SCRUTINY
Muskoka facility becomes Canada's first big cat sanctuary as CTV investigation exposes roadside zoo abuses. New law ends private ownership of lions and tigers.
Cats We Left Behind
The Big Cat Public Safety Act became law in 2022 after decades of effort, but smaller wild cats like servals, bobcats, and lynx were left out. Here’s why—and why this victory still marks a turning point for all wild cats.
