About the Author

Kirst Joscelyne

Ranger

At less than a year old, Kirst went to her family’s hut in the Greater Kruger National Park, and has been fortunate enough to continue to go there ever since. Sharing a passion for the bush with her family, led to countless trips ...

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31 Comments

on What Lay Beyond the Chameleon…

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Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

What a fantastic sighting Kirst! I can imagine how excited everyone was to see this small, skitterish serval SS they are almost impossible to find- certainly more so than leopards. I’ve seen one once in Botswana, late afternoon for perhaps 20 seconds, not long enough to get a photo of it in the tall grass. They are so sleek and possess such beautiful head markings. I agree with you about the blurred photo- it shows excitement! I’m not sure what happened with your video clip, it wasn’t in your blog. Oops! Studio production error…..

They really are quite illusive, definitely excitement and a bit of motion too… All updated thank you, Denise!

William Paynter
Master Tracker

Great sighting, very rare. Thanks Kirst.

Ian Hall
Master Tracker

Wot, no caracal? I am waiting , and one day …

My guess is that’s where you will find one , away from the big cats

Hi Ian, hopefully, we can see a caracal one day too! Exactly, away from the bigger cats is the most likely place to find them… The long grass unfortunately doesn’t help with trying to find them.

Linda Bangs
Digital Ranger

Wow! You have had your share of exciting sightings of late….scaled mammals and Serval! Hang on to Lucky as he is your charm! Cheers, Linda

Indeed Linda! We have been so fortunate it is incredible!

Cally Staniland
Master Tracker

Kirst, yet another bucket list ticked..you certainly spotted a winner that time. How thrilling for both you, Lucky (very apt name! And your guests. 🙏👌❤️. I have never seen one so was thrilled to enjoy this thanks.

Hi Cally, luck was certainly on our side!

Irene Henkes
Digital Tracker

Lovely sighting! And indeed, no video there…….

Sean Zeederberg
Blog Editor

Thank you for letting us know. We have sorted that out.

Francesca Doria
Master Tracker

Hi Kirst! Small cats are the best view to me! I understand your excitement, it is so hard to spot a European wildcat where I live, much harder than larger predators. Do you have any more clue, is it a male or a female? I’m so glad you posted it! Thank you!

Hi Francesca, I have no idea if it is male or female I was so caught up in the excitement of seeing a serval!

The difference between a male and female is quite minor with males being about 2kg heavier than a female. They are solitary and only associate for mating purposes. If I am fortunate enough to see another serval I will try and have a closer look.

Mary Beth Wheeler
Guest contributor

What a thrilling sighting, in part because it was so unexpected! I’ve seen a serval twice, both times in Tanzania, and each time wished she’d stayed around longer for me to admire – just like this one! Lucky you!

Thank Mary Beth, it was amazing indeed! Hopefully the next one you see will stick around a little bit longer!

Marcia Parker
Digital Tracker

Wonderful post, and beautifully written! Thanks.
Loved Pete’s photos, and the sunset silhouettes. Whenever I read a post like this it makes me head over to my ID Photo collections on zooiverse to remind myself of some of the amazing camera captures I have saved (24 servals). I can only imagine the excitement to see one live!
Still no video in the post, but I will check back…

That is amazing Marcia! I hope one day to get a steady capture! Hope you managed to see the video.

Marcia Parker
Digital Tracker

I did 💗, so nice!

Lisa Antell
Master Tracker

Servals are beautiful elusive clever cats of the bush!

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

Great that you were so lucky as to discover a serval. It’s so rare that one can see such an animal.

Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

What a stunning sighting of the Serval. Very long legs to pound on the rodents and prey. Very exciting and I’m sure your guests enjoyed the sighting of the serval as well. Something totally different, well done Kirst and Lucky.

Thank you Valmai

Bob and Lucie Fjeldstad
Guest contributor

Kitst, lucky you, a serval is a great find! Lightroom can probably really fix that last photo. There is much more information in those dark pixels than you realize!!!

Hi Bob and Lucie, thank you so much! Thankfully dark than overexposed!

Leonie De Young
Master Tracker

Nice blog Kirst and the sighting of the serval was just the icing on the cake for you all. Thanks for sharing with us.

Thank you Leonie!

Carly M
Digital Tracker

What a fantastic site to see! Servals are so beautiful! What a wonderful evening that would’ve been, the chameleon and then the serval!

Was a very unexpected sighting which made it wonderful indeed!

Victoria Auchincloss
Master Tracker

I don’t think I have ever seen one in all our times at Londolozi! Thank you Vi toria

Hopefully someday Victoria!

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