


| camera | NIKON D40X |
| exposure mode | full manual |
| shutterspeed | 1/320s |
| aperture | f/5.6 |
| sensitivity | ISO800 |
| focal length | 200.0mm |
| resolution | 3454x2175 pixels |
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Felis (Leptailurus) serval|
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Felis (Leptailurus) serval
Widely distributed, they are reasonably common over all of Africa south of the Sahara except for rainforest and semi-deserts or desert areas. These felines are incredible hunters. Sharing similar proportions to cheetahs they are built for speed and agility and have been seen to leap ten feet in the air to catch a bird. Surfing the internet for links for information, it became apparent that they are becoming increasingly popular as exotic pets, and I saw several advertisements for litters - America seems to be the biggest market. I found this very depressing. Keeping exotics as pets is something I feel very strongly about, but I shall refrain from launching a diatribe on the subject. However, I am adding a link to someone who has hand reared a rejected serval kitten, and if you look at the photographs, you will get some idea of the size of these cats compared to domestic cats. The domestic cats in the photographs are Bengals......which are themselves, large for domestic cats. http://www.gayzette-bengals.co.uk/html/macchuie_gallery.html#february23 Also adding a link to a good information site on them. Although they are not on the `endangered` list, their habitats are being lost. Also they have beautiful spotted coats, are easy to trap, and are increasingly becoming victims of the fur trade. I think you can probably guess where I stand on that subject. As is says at the bottom of the link below: Thirteen adult servals are killed to make one fur coat.
comments (22)
Looks friendlier than a cheetah, but that is probably very deceptive
Rosalyn Sears: I know what you mean - looks more domestic than the bigger cats. (:o)
Beautiful picture of a gorgeous cat, Roz.
I didn't know about this species.
Rosalyn Sears: Glad you like it, Ray. It was nice to get a natural background on this - difficult to find in zoo situations. (:o)
They are beautiful cats but I cannot understand why idiots need to prove that they are the masters of nature by having pets like that. It is obscene.
ps. That is a wonderful shot.
Rosalyn Sears: Glad you like the photograph, Michael. I totally agree with your comment. (:o)
They are beautiful, like all cats, and I'm glad to get this nice view and the links. Thanks.
Rosalyn Sears: My pleasure, Mary. It is fun to share this day out with you. (:o)
I have the same thought as Martin, just look don't touch or you will miss some fingers....great capture.
Rosalyn Sears: Must admit, Astrid, I would not like to put it to the test. (:o)
Now we know where our domesticated cats come from, Roz...I think?! This one almost looks like a "mistake." Very educational!
Rosalyn Sears: I love his big ears......perfect for pinpointing prey. (:o)
Wonderful capture Roz. I like the pose!
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Richard. A fortunate pose, I think. (:o)
Roz - as a cat lover please look at my posting of 20 March and take note of the information there.
http://ronshavreen.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Just_Here%A3!;question%A3!;_/ I think these are the cats that led to the expression "Put the cat amongst the pigeons". They are beauties aren't they and this shot has caught it perfectly.
Rosalyn Sears: Hi Ron. Thanks for the information on lillies and cats. I long since stopped having flowers or plants in any of the rooms accessible to my moggies. All my flowers etc are displayed in the kitchen. My cats have a habit of just grabbing a bite of anything green, when they decided they need to `throw up`! Cats are such fun to have around, lol! Take a peep at the link below, and you will see that the list of `nasties` is interminable. (:o)
http://www.moggies.co.uk/plants.html
Great capture
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, vintage. (:o)
What beautiful markings Roz, you have captured this feline very well
Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Tracy. I have no idea why I think this, but I am sure this is a female. (:o)
This one seems a fatty.
Great composition and detail of this Felis. I told Liam the other day that I have never seen one in the wild yet. They are normally nocturnal but are sometimes spotted in daytime.
Rosalyn Sears: I expect it is not having to work hard enough for its food. (:o) Lovely cats, though. (:o)
There are plenty of domestic cats needing a home without having "wild" ones as pets. As for fur coats I think the saying goes something like it takes 13 dumb animals to make a fur coat but only one to wear it!
Lovely picture by the way
Rosalyn Sears: I agree wholeheartedly, Bill. Glad you like the picture. (:o)
Thank you for the info Roz ! As with almost all wildlife these days its very sad to see this happening...
Rosalyn Sears: I am completely fascinated with cats, especially the beautiful `wild` ones. It hurts my heart to think that they can be killed for fashion items.
What a lovely animal Rosalyn and I like the natural environment feel about this one.
Rosalyn Sears: Hi brian! I was lucky that the background worked out on this one. It is so difficult in a zoo situation to get a `natural` look. (:o)
"Here, puss puss!". Hmm.. I think not! Beautiful colours to this and lovely detail as always. The coat suits the cat far better than it does some vain women! (No offence, ladies, but stick to man made fabrics, please!)
Rosalyn Sears: Totally agree, Alan. (:o)
A beautiful creature, and it takes a hard nosed inhuman excuse for a human being to buy a coat that has been made after the killing of these or any other animals. A lovely photo which should be posterised and glued on windows of shops which sell these coats. Congrats
Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, ric. I am deeply saddened by the fur trade. I am equally saddened by the fact that there are people living in such poverty that they are forced into the trade in order to make a meagre amount of money to feed they families.
Double take for a moment. What a beautiful creature.
Thanks for the info too.
Absolutely lovely
Roz, this is soo sexy!
I cannot for the life of me understand why people want to keep these as pets. It's a status thing I guess. I bet they all end up in rescue centres when they tear apart the furniture and spray all over the place. Great shot.
I agree, exotic pets (aside from snakes or reptiles perhaps) is simply a fashion statemtn, as opposed to a common domestic cat or dog, which are companions. Gorgeous shot and excellent treatment of the pallette.
Nicely done and the border is great too ! Thumbs up !!
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