Black Serval

All photos taken in Amboseli National Park

The "black" Serval is not a species. It is a serval with melanism (read text below photos for more informations). For the "normal" Serval gallery click here

Melanism, a development of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin or its appendages, has been described in many species globally. In cats (Felidae) it is well-documented in leopards (Panthera pardus), and to a lesser degree Jaguars, Ocelots and other smaller cats. The reasons for the prominence of melanism in cats are not well understood. However, several theories posit that melanism is particularly relevant in high-altitude areas and forests, where cats are likely to be less exposed to open sunlight.

Source : https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/