Evidence of predation on aquatic vertebrates by serval in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Abstract

The serval (Leptailurus serval, Schreber 1776) occurs widely in sub‐Saharan Africa, though is absent from Congo Basin equatorial forest and from highly arid regions of North and South West of the continent. Preferred habitats include grassland and savannah woodland mosaics, frequently associated with rivers, wetlands and flood‐plains. The serval is a specialist rodentivore with rodents, particularly Murids, usually making up between 80% and 90% of their diet across much the species range. They also feed on shrews (Crocidura and Myosorex spp), small birds, amphibians, insects and small reptiles. There are occasional records of servals hunting young of small antelope, ground (Xerus spp) and tree squirrels (Paraxerus spp), larger ground and wading birds (e.g. flamingo, Phoeniconaias spp), hares (Lepus spp), springhares (Pedetes capensis), cane rats (Thryonomys spp), aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates and small carnivores. Grass culms, leaves and fruit are sometimes consumed. Here we present evidence of predation on larger aquatic vertebrates by serval in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.