6o 



ANIMAL LIFE IN AFRICA 



The serval preferably frequents the vicinity of ravines, 

 dongas and vleis, covered with bush of not too dense a 

 character, long grass, or reeds. 



It is an expert climber, and when pursued by dogs 



F. IV. Bond, Photo. 



usually takes refuge in a tree. It is essentially nocturnal 

 in habit, and by day often lies concealed under bushes, 

 or amidst long grass and reeds, at no great distance from 

 water. 



Its food consists of rodents from the size of large rats 

 downwards, guinea-fowls, francolins, and other smaller 

 birds, and occasionally the young of lesser antelopes 



